Peter Debnam MP
NSW Liberal Leader
NSW Liberal Leader and Shadow Treasurer Peter Debnam today urged Morris Iemma to adopt the Liberal/Nationals housing industry and homebuyer rescue package, as well as our other initiatives to make NSW competitive again.
"The rental market is the tightest it has been in decades because investors are looking interstate," Mr Debnam said.
"A 30-year low in housing approvals and commencements is pushing up rents and hitting struggling families the most," he said.
"House prices are falling because of the lack of investment and investor confidence is at rock bottom due to the uncompetitive tax and land release policies of the Iemma Labor Government.
"I again urge Morris Iemma and Michael Costa to adopt my housing industry rescue package.
"The policy will help first-time homebuyers enter the market, encourage greater availability of new low-cost rental properties and support the next generation of skilled workers for NSW," Mr Debnam said.
ReplyDeleteThe package contains three major initiatives:
• Topping up the First Home Owners Grant from the current $7,000 to $10,000 on the purchase of new homes up to $500,000;
• Establishing a stamp duty concession of $4,000 to investors buying new homes where the purpose of the property is to provide lower cost rental accommodation; and
• Exempt employers from paying the cost of WorkCover premiums for apprentices over a four year period.
"I will attract investment, jobs and growth back to NSW. For young families, it's important we make home ownership as affordable as possible and ensure there is enough low-cost rental accommodation," he said.
"This rescue package will encourage both," Mr Debnam said.