HomeBuilder Program

The Hon. T.T. NGO (14:36): Supplementary question: could the Treasurer request the federal government to expand the list so that it also includes permanent residents being able to apply for the scheme?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:37): Excellent question from the honourable member. It is certainly a point of view that we have put. The first-home owner scheme in South Australia, the $15,000 grant scheme, is not just for Australian citizens but for permanent residents as well. The $25,000 grant scheme from the commonwealth is for Australian citizens only. We, through our officers, have put the point of view to the commonwealth, but at the present time the commonwealth government is not prepared to change its eligibility criterion. We will continue to push the particular position, but in the interests of getting the $25,000 grant scheme flowing I do not propose to hold up South Australia's signing of the agreement on the basis that the commonwealth is unprepared to move on that particular eligibility condition.