Page 1420 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 26 September 1989
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Mr Speaker, there was particular concern within the community at the cessation of grants to the Galilee fostering service. The Government has decided to extend funding for the service until the end of March 1990, to allow an independent review of the service along with other fostering options. A decision on future funding will be made at that stage.
Concern was expressed in the budget consultative committee about the provision of secure care for psychiatrically ill offenders and remandees. The Government is examining the options available in this area and has set aside additional funding to allow an upgraded proposal to be implemented.
The Government's housing policy review has been examining the hardship being experienced by some first home buyers due to current high interest rates. The Government has decided to exempt first home buyers from stamp duty on dwellings valued up to $90,000, with the exemption being gradually withdrawn up to a limit of $109,000. The relief will be subject to a means test and will be introduced immediately.
The Government has also decided to establish an ACT rental bond trust and an agents fidelity guarantee fund. The Minister for Housing and Urban Services will be making a detailed statement on housing issues during this sitting week.
Representations were made to the budget consultative committee about special relief for commercial ratepayers experiencing substantial increases in land values and corresponding increases in land tax and rates. For 1989-90 the Government has decided that, in certain demonstrated cases of hardship, agreement may be entered into with the taxpayer to defer the payment of rates.
Mr Speaker, in the initial budget statement the Government announced an increase in the tobacco licence fee from 30 per cent to 35 per cent and that increased health promotion programs would be funded. The Government has decided to allocate $660,000 for this purpose in 1989-90 and $900,000 in a full year. This is equivalent to three percentage points of the tax, which is generally in line with the other States. The activities to be supported by these funds include health promotion activities and campaigns, particularly those targeted at tobacco use, and the replacement of tobacco sponsorship of ACT sporting, artistic and cultural activities.
The Government has decided to retain the community development fund but to improve procedures to allow longer-term funding agreements to be reached with those organisations that provide essential community services. This will give greater certainty to their planning and operations.
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