HomeBuilder Program

Mr COWDREY (Colton) (14:38): My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer apologise to Alicia and, if not, why not? With your leave, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr COWDREY: HomeBuilder applicant, Alicia Roussianos wrote to the Treasurer in response to his comments in The Advertiser on 28 April, and I quote:

I do not appreciate the insincerity and false narrative that you have presented in relation to this outcome. I pleaded for assistance verbally and in writing several times and did not receive any kind of support, understanding or compassion. This impacted my mental health, daily functioning and my family considerably. This is also when I lost faith in our government.

Mr Whetstone: Pen to the wrong paper.

The SPEAKER: Order, member for Chaffey! Before I turn to the Treasurer, I observe that of course standing order 97 prevents questions that involve argument. On one view, the opening of the question might invite an argument. I am going to permit the question, but I draw the member's attention to the standing order.

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee—Treasurer) (14:39): I think all members should take extremely seriously the concerns that people raise with them about their mental health. It is imperative that all members respond to the concerns of people who have contacted them and raised mental health issues appropriately and seriously. I have written to, I think, the same Alicia, the same constituent the member for Colton refers to. I have written to her, and I have confirmed the latest advice from the commonwealth government about her eligibility for HomeBuilder. I hope that she views that change of position from the federal government as good news.