FIRST HOME AND HOUSING CONSTRUCTION GRANTS (BUDGET 2013) AMENDMENT BILL

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 4 July 2013.)

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (12:31): The Liberal Party, as outlined by the member for Davenport in another place, supports this legislation. It amends the First Home and Housing Construction Grants Act 2000. It extends the eligible transaction date for the $8,500 housing construction grant from 1 July 2013 to 1 January 2014 and extends the completion dates for new homes from 31 December 2014 to 30 June 2015. We support this particular measure.

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT (12:31): I would like to speak very briefly today to indicate my support for this bill. Given its request for continuance, the government obviously believes this measure is giving the housing construction sector a much-needed boost in what has been a difficult time for this industry and for this reason I support the bill. I would also like to put on the record that as a private citizen I am currently building an apartment in the Brompton redevelopment, and an accessible apartment at that, thankfully. This is due to be completed in October, hopefully, meaning that I am likely to be a beneficiary of this particular grant. So, I would like to put that on the record, in the interests of the openness and accountability for which Dignity for Disability stands, but I still intend to vote and support this bill as a member of parliament representing Dignity for Disability and we do support the intention and effect of this first home and housing construction grant.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (12:32): I do not believe there are any further second reading contributions. I would like to thank honourable members for their support for this bill. The bill introduces legislative amendments to extend the housing construction grant for a further six months, as announced in our 2013-14 budget. Grants of up to $8,500 have been available for homebuyers who have entered into a contract to buy or build an eligible new home from 15 October 2012. The HCG was due to end on 30 June. As a result of this budget measure the grant will now be available for contracts entered into on or before 31 December 2013. All other existing criteria for the HCG remain unchanged. Again, I thank honourable members for their support for this bill. I look forward to the committee stage.

Bill read a second time.

Committee Stage

Bill taken through committee without amendment.

Third Reading

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (12:36): I move:

That this bill be now read a third time.

Bill read a third time and passed.