❓ The Minister addresses concerns about the Home Buyers Assistance Fund, focusing on adjusting the threshold to maintain accessibility amidst rising housing prices, rather than providing additional incentives. She deflects the Treasurer's concerns by framing the changes as maintaining the status quo.
AnsweredQoN 657Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
HOME BUYERS ASSISTANCE FUND
Yesterday in this house, the minister foreshadowed changes to the home buyers assistance fund to help provide direct relief to Western Australian first home buyers. (1) In light of her comments, how does she respond to claims made by the Treasurer that providing any form of direct financial assistance to home buyers would reduce housing affordability by driving up prices? (2) Is the minister willing to challenge the Treasurer’s assertion and is she willing to stand up for Western Australian first home buyers by providing what limited relief she can within her portfolio? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS
Yesterday in this house, the minister foreshadowed changes to the home buyers assistance fund to help provide direct relief to Western Australian first home buyers. (1) In light of her comments, how does she respond to claims made by the Treasurer that providing any form of direct financial assistance to home buyers would reduce housing affordability by driving up prices? (2) Is the minister willing to challenge the Treasurer’s assertion and is she willing to stand up for Western Australian first home buyers by providing what limited relief she can within her portfolio? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS
AnswerView source ↗
I am pleased to receive the question from the Leader of the Opposition, because it is an important issue. (1)-(2) One of the issues with the first home buyers relief package offered through the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board is its availability to a certain section of first home buyers - people who buy homes under a certain price. What has occurred was highlighted yesterday. It was anticipated that when the previous Minister for Consumer Protection lifted the bar last December - Mr T. Buswell : September! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, last September to $250 000 - Mr T. Buswell : $200 000! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
(1) In light of her comments, how does she respond to claims made by the Treasurer that providing any form of direct financial assistance to home buyers would reduce housing affordability by driving up prices? (2) Is the minister willing to challenge the Treasurer’s assertion and is she willing to stand up for Western Australian first home buyers by providing what limited relief she can within her portfolio? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: I am pleased to receive the question from the Leader of the Opposition, because it is an important issue. (1)-(2) One of the issues with the first home buyers relief package offered through the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board is its availability to a certain section of first home buyers - people who buy homes under a certain price. What has occurred was highlighted yesterday. It was anticipated that when the previous Minister for Consumer Protection lifted the bar last December - Mr T. Buswell : September! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, last September to $250 000 - Mr T. Buswell : $200 000! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
(2) Is the minister willing to challenge the Treasurer’s assertion and is she willing to stand up for Western Australian first home buyers by providing what limited relief she can within her portfolio? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: I am pleased to receive the question from the Leader of the Opposition, because it is an important issue. (1)-(2) One of the issues with the first home buyers relief package offered through the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board is its availability to a certain section of first home buyers - people who buy homes under a certain price. What has occurred was highlighted yesterday. It was anticipated that when the previous Minister for Consumer Protection lifted the bar last December - Mr T. Buswell : September! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, last September to $250 000 - Mr T. Buswell : $200 000! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: I am pleased to receive the question from the Leader of the Opposition, because it is an important issue. (1)-(2) One of the issues with the first home buyers relief package offered through the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board is its availability to a certain section of first home buyers - people who buy homes under a certain price. What has occurred was highlighted yesterday. It was anticipated that when the previous Minister for Consumer Protection lifted the bar last December - Mr T. Buswell : September! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, last September to $250 000 - Mr T. Buswell : $200 000! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
I am pleased to receive the question from the Leader of the Opposition, because it is an important issue. (1)-(2) One of the issues with the first home buyers relief package offered through the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board is its availability to a certain section of first home buyers - people who buy homes under a certain price. What has occurred was highlighted yesterday. It was anticipated that when the previous Minister for Consumer Protection lifted the bar last December - Mr T. Buswell : September! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, last September to $250 000 - Mr T. Buswell : $200 000! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
(1)-(2) One of the issues with the first home buyers relief package offered through the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board is its availability to a certain section of first home buyers - people who buy homes under a certain price. What has occurred was highlighted yesterday. It was anticipated that when the previous Minister for Consumer Protection lifted the bar last December - Mr T. Buswell : September! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, last September to $250 000 - Mr T. Buswell : $200 000! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mr T. Buswell : September! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, last September to $250 000 - Mr T. Buswell : $200 000! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, last September to $250 000 - Mr T. Buswell : $200 000! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mr T. Buswell : $200 000! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
(1) In light of her comments, how does she respond to claims made by the Treasurer that providing any form of direct financial assistance to home buyers would reduce housing affordability by driving up prices? (2) Is the minister willing to challenge the Treasurer’s assertion and is she willing to stand up for Western Australian first home buyers by providing what limited relief she can within her portfolio? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: I am pleased to receive the question from the Leader of the Opposition, because it is an important issue. (1)-(2) One of the issues with the first home buyers relief package offered through the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board is its availability to a certain section of first home buyers - people who buy homes under a certain price. What has occurred was highlighted yesterday. It was anticipated that when the previous Minister for Consumer Protection lifted the bar last December - Mr T. Buswell : September! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, last September to $250 000 - Mr T. Buswell : $200 000! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
(2) Is the minister willing to challenge the Treasurer’s assertion and is she willing to stand up for Western Australian first home buyers by providing what limited relief she can within her portfolio? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: I am pleased to receive the question from the Leader of the Opposition, because it is an important issue. (1)-(2) One of the issues with the first home buyers relief package offered through the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board is its availability to a certain section of first home buyers - people who buy homes under a certain price. What has occurred was highlighted yesterday. It was anticipated that when the previous Minister for Consumer Protection lifted the bar last December - Mr T. Buswell : September! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, last September to $250 000 - Mr T. Buswell : $200 000! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: I am pleased to receive the question from the Leader of the Opposition, because it is an important issue. (1)-(2) One of the issues with the first home buyers relief package offered through the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board is its availability to a certain section of first home buyers - people who buy homes under a certain price. What has occurred was highlighted yesterday. It was anticipated that when the previous Minister for Consumer Protection lifted the bar last December - Mr T. Buswell : September! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, last September to $250 000 - Mr T. Buswell : $200 000! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
I am pleased to receive the question from the Leader of the Opposition, because it is an important issue. (1)-(2) One of the issues with the first home buyers relief package offered through the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board is its availability to a certain section of first home buyers - people who buy homes under a certain price. What has occurred was highlighted yesterday. It was anticipated that when the previous Minister for Consumer Protection lifted the bar last December - Mr T. Buswell : September! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, last September to $250 000 - Mr T. Buswell : $200 000! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
(1)-(2) One of the issues with the first home buyers relief package offered through the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board is its availability to a certain section of first home buyers - people who buy homes under a certain price. What has occurred was highlighted yesterday. It was anticipated that when the previous Minister for Consumer Protection lifted the bar last December - Mr T. Buswell : September! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, last September to $250 000 - Mr T. Buswell : $200 000! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mr T. Buswell : September! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, last September to $250 000 - Mr T. Buswell : $200 000! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, last September to $250 000 - Mr T. Buswell : $200 000! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mr T. Buswell : $200 000! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Can I answer the question, please? Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : When the previous minister increased the amount for which people could qualify - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order! Clearly there is some sort of plan to interrupt the minister as often as possible. Please allow the minister to finish her answer. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : Yes, $200 000 is the correct figure. When the previous minister increased the figure to $200 000 last year, it was anticipated that over the course of the financial year around 2 500 people would receive that grant. As it has turned out, as the Leader of the Opposition said correctly yesterday, 902 or 904 people were able to access that grant. We anticipated that when we lifted the threshold, as recommended by the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board and on which I will be making an announcement shortly, we would maintain the status quo and that a reasonable number of people would be able to access the fund. This is not about providing an additional incentive; this is about coming up to the market. The Perth housing market has increased in value. The average median price of a house in Perth has increased astronomically in recent times and, because of that, fewer people have been able to qualify. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : With the support of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board, we are looking at increasing the threshold so that roughly the same number of people or a few more will be able to participate. This is not about suddenly making lots more money available to people who would not have qualified previously. A certain amount of money has been allocated to a certain number of people in each year since the fund was put in place, and we are now looking at pretty much maintaining that number. The current figure does not allow for the same number of people to access the grant each year. This is more about maintaining the status quo than providing changed circumstances. The assertions that underlie the Leader of the Opposition’s questions really do not come into play Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time.
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