Housing Grants

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:00): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Treasurer, representing the Minister for Planning and Local Government, a question concerning matters associated with the HomeBuilder and First Home Owner grants.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: Under previous arrangements, a farmer could subdivide an allotment from their farm for a son or daughter. This arrangement no longer exists under our current planning and infrastructure act. Our current act prohibits the subdivision of land for residential purposes. There are also conditions as to how large an allotment must be to accommodate the building of a house.

Depending on the council area, allotment sizes can vary from 20 to 100 hectares. These restrictions prevent the sons and daughters of farmers in broadacre areas from applying for the First Home Owner and HomeBuilder grants. My question to the minister is: will the government take appropriate action to address this problem?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (15:01): I am happy to refer that question to my colleague and bring back a reply.