The Liberal Government has announced today it will extend the First Home Builder Boost to grow our building industry and create jobs.
Since the election of a majority Liberal Government in March, we have seen positive signs in the building sector, with the number of Tasmanian dwelling approvals in June 2014 up 37 cent on the same time a year earlier.
We want to continue this positive trend in the building sector, which is worth $2 billion a year and employs 17,500 Tasmanians.
Rather than ending the $30,000 First Home Builder Boost on December 31, 2014 as Labor would have done, the Liberal Government will extend the grant for six months at the rate of $20,000.
From July 1 2015, the First Home Builder Boost grant will then continue at $10,000.
By tapering the grant over time, we will continue to stimulate building activity and create jobs, while also retaining our skilled workforce.
The Liberal Government will move to amend the First Home Owner Grant Act 2000 as part of these changes.
This funding will be included in the upcoming budget which will deliver on our promises, begin fixing the budget mess and lay the foundations for the future.