freediver
Gold Member
Online
www.ozpolitic.com
Posts: 47053
At my desk.
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This is definitely not as bad as the Liberal policy of more handouts, but is it a good idea?
http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/ALP-to-flag-scheme-for-firsthome-buyers/2007/07/02/1183228992689.html
Labor is considering introducing a superannuation-style scheme to help first-home buyers, Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd says.
The plan, which Mr Rudd will unveil on Monday, would allow young people and families to divert some of their pre-tax earnings into special accounts to save for a deposit for their first home.
It would be similar to top-up superannuation schemes, according to newspaper reports.
Labor is considering the plan to allow new home deposit savings vehicles, which would have higher potential returns than ordinary deposit accounts and a lower rate of tax on contributions to the fund.
Labor may cut red tape for home owners
http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Labor-may-cut-red-tape-for-home-owners/2007/07/10/1183833482414.html
The development application process for home builders and renovators would be able to be tracked online under a federal Labor proposal.
Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd said delays in the application process are adding up to 15 per cent to the cost of a house.
Doubling grant will 'raise house prices'
http://www.smh.com.au/news/breaking-news/doubling-grant-will-raise-house-prices/2007/08/04/1185648204310.html
Doubling the federal government's first home buyers grant will increase house prices unless the state governments release more land for housing, Finance Minister Nick Minchin says.
The Real Estate Institute of Australia wants the grant to be doubled to $14,000 to give first home buyers a better chance of entering the market.
First home owners grant to stay: Rudd
http://news.smh.com.au/first-home-owners-grant-to-stay-rudd/20080229-1vr3.html
The federal government will retain the $7,000 first home owners grant and will not be replaced by its savings account scheme for new home buyers, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says.
"I think for first home buyers those grants can help," Mr Rudd told journalists in Canberra.
"We said prior to the election we would retain that."
The government's first-time savings accounts, in addition to the grants, would encourage a savings culture among young people, he said.
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