Seniors Housing Grant

In reply to the Hon. J.A. DARLEY (24 September 2014). (First Session)

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers): The Treasurer has been advised:

1. RevenueSA advises that there was no specific advertising strategy in relation to the Seniors Housing Grant (SHG).

On 22 February 2014, the government announced that, if re-elected, it would introduce an $8,500 grant for all people over 60 years of age who want to right-size their principal place of residence and purchase a new, age-appropriate home to live in. The government honoured its election commitment by announcing the introduction of the SHG in the state budget handed down on 19 June 2014.

2. RevenueSA advises that, consistent with RevenueSA's standard communication strategy, once the introduction of the SHG was announced as part of the state budget, RevenueSA released a public Information Circular on 19 June 2014 to advise the general public and industry practitioners of the eligibility criteria for the SHG. Further information in relation to the SHG was also made available on the RevenueSA website.

I am further advised that RevenueSA provided information in relation to the introduction of the SHG to all users of its RevNet system, subscribers to its email subscription service and through Twitter. Financial Institutions, real estate agents, conveyancers and builders, together with their respective peak bodies, were made aware of the SHG as part of RevenueSA's communications, and should be advising people who may be eligible for the SHG when they are considering buying or building a new home.