HomeStart Finance

1390 The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light) (24 September 2019). Public financial corporations such as HomeStart Finance will from 2019-20 be required to increase their dividend payout ratio to 100 per cent of profit after tax. Will this policy effect HomeStart Finance's ability to reinvest in its services, programs, internal systems and infrastructure?

The Hon. S.K. KNOLL (Schubert—Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government, Minister for Planning): I have been advised by HomeStart Finance:

In May 2019, HomeStart Finance provided advice as to the implications of increasing the dividend payout ratio from the current 60 per cent of after-tax earnings to 100 per cent, commencing with financial year 2020. The implications considered were financial viability, capital structure, financial targets and cash flow management as well as any other material issues.

HomeStart Finance did not identify any impact on its ability to reinvest in its services, programs, internal systems and infrastructure.