Michael Ferguson,Minister for Finance
Tasmania is the best place in the country to build a new home, with both the state and federal grants meaning Tasmanians can potentially access up to $45,000 for their new build.
The Australian Government set the high level criteria for the HomeBuilder Grant for all states. There is some variability in the definition of ‘commencement’ from state to state, with South Australia and Tasmania both requiring completion of the base level, footings or the concrete slab within three months of signing a building contract, which can be extended to six months with the Commissioner’s approval.
Tasmania’s definition aligns with the well-understood First Home Owner Grant definition, which the local building industry is used to working with. Our definition also aligns with the revised payment processes, which work better for the financial institutions and home builders.
Labor supported the Bill with this criteria set out in legislation and explained during the debate in Parliament – have they changed their minds? We know flip-flopping is their forte in 2020.
As we’ve made clear, we’ll work with the Commonwealth as part of the normal budget process on any extensions to the scheme, keeping in mind there is plenty of time for people to apply and commence construction of their homes.
Importantly, the Tasmanian Government has doubled the time applicants have to commence construction following approval of their application, provided they meet certain criteria, such as delays in gaining relevant approvals.
The industry had previously indicated there would have been a shortfall of 700 house constructions commenced in the next year without the HomeBuilder Grants and that the schemes are helping to sustain the industry and employment in the sector.
Liberal Governments at both the Federal and State levels have created this scheme to protect building industry jobs and assist families. In the absence of any economic policies, it would be good if Ms Butler would encourage people to consider the HomeBuilder scheme which Labor voted for.
