Page 2326 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 5 June 2013
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than inflate the cost of housing, negating the benefit of the grant to the recipients—not to mention the impact on those who do not get the benefit of the assistance, who to some extent have a double whammy.
This is an area where probably I have a different view from some members of the Assembly. Mr Coe, if I understood his comments correctly, has just spoken about his view that the first home owner grant should be available to all. I think there is a real debate to be had about the merits of that sort of policy in light of the studies from groups like the Productivity Commission and the OECD, and their comments on demand side assistance.
That principal concern noted, I will say that I do support the retargeting of the scheme and recognise that what is being proposed is better than what we have currently. I think that some questions can be asked about whether this particular subsidy to the construction industry delivers the best public return; nevertheless, I do believe it is an improvement on the current situation.
On that basis, I have indicated in discussion in cabinet and in my views to the Treasurer that I think this is an improvement and one that I can support in that regard. What this illustrates is that we need to be very carefully considering the impact of our policy decisions to ensure that we have the greatest impact in the provision of affordable housing for Canberrans who need assistance.
I would also make the observation that we will be debating legislative change to give effect to the new policy, and no doubt the matter will be considered in greater detail at that time.
Members will see that I have also circulated amendments. I seek leave to move my two amendments together.
Leave granted.
MR RATTENBURY: Thank you, members. I move:
(1) Omit paragraph (1)(b)(vi).
(2) Omit paragraph (2), substitute:
“(2) calls on all Members of the Assembly to thoroughly consider all Government initiatives to assist home ownership to ensure they meet their objectives in a sustainable and equitable way.”.
These amendments are very simple. Amendment No 1 is just a grammatical issue. The second amendment is similar to my amendment on the motion this morning about the status of the budget, calling on members to thoroughly consider all the issues surrounding these policy changes. As I said this morning, no doubt they will be the subject of consideration during the estimates process and further debate in the Assembly.
The amendment asks members to be aware of the various issues around the policy initiatives, and certainly some of the shortcomings that have been expressed
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