Expansion in home ownership eligibility but barely an update on Barlow, as Ministers explain budget impact

Senator Nita Green hinted at an “exciting announcement” regarding Barlow Park, off the back of a $935m investment towards improving sporting venues across regional Queensland.

Senator Nita Green has hinted at an “exciting announcement” regarding Barlow Park off the back of a $935m investment towards improving sporting venues across regional Queensland.

Along with Minister for Finance and Minister for Women Katy Gallagher, Ms Green addressed the media in Cairns on Tuesday as part of a federal government blitz to spruik the 2023/24 budget.

When queried on any future upgrades to the much maligned Barlow Park, Senator Nita Green diverted the question to the Minister of Sport before offering some reassurance that there could be “exciting news announced soon.”

“I spoke to the Minister yesterday, they are still making sure that they are allocating that funding appropriately,” Ms Green said.

“But there is a huge investment in the budget.”

Ms Green said she would love to see a Matildas’ game at Barlow Park or, more realistically, the possibility of a PNG NRL team playing a game at the venue.

“We will have exciting things to announce real soon on Barlow Park,” she said.

“We want to see that as part of the Olympics development.”

Senator for Queensland Nita Green. Picture: Sandhya Ram

The $240m investment for HMAS Cairns, $30m towards the Cairns Marine Precinct and the new CQU campus to bring students back to the CBD topped the list of Labor’s initiatives for the region.

Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher highlighted the flow on effect of federal bulk billing reforms, which would impact Cairns and regional Australia as a whole.

“A new billing item for doctors who spend up to 60 minutes with a patient in recognition of the complexity of the case has been added,” she said.

“I think it shows general practice the respect they need to do their work.”

Ms Gallagher also accused the Greens of teaming up with the Liberals and stopping the flow of money into housing, while Labor’s Housing Australia Future Funds bill was stuck in the Senate.

“We have a housing fund that wants to disperse $500m every year towards social and affordable housing. It has never happened before.

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher in Cairns. Picture: Sandhya Ram

“It’s an ongoing funding stream and the Greens say no to it.”

Later on Tuesday, federal Housing Minister Julie Collins was also in Cairns to announce a significant expansion of criteria for the Home Guarantee Scheme, enabling more Aussies to become homeowners.

Eligibility criteria for all elements of the scheme, including the First Home Guarantee, the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee, and the Family Home Guarantee will be expanded.

Starting July 1, friends, siblings, and other family members can file joint applications under the First Home Guarantee and the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee.

“We know friends and family members are already teaming up to secure their own place to call home,” Ms Collins said.

Senator Nita Green and Federal Housing Minister Julie Collins inspect new houses for sale at Cherrybrook Estate in Bentley Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

“Our actions will allow them to access vital assistance, just as couples have been able to previously.”

Eligibility will also change for the Family Home Guarantee, expanding it from single natural or adoptive parents with dependants to eligible borrowers who are single legal guardians of children such as aunts, uncles and grandparents.

All three guarantees will also become available to eligible borrowers who are Australian permanent residents, in addition to citizens.

A total of 333 certificates across all three schemes were issued in Cairns during the 2022-2023 financial year.

 

Originally published as Expansion in home ownership eligibility but barely an update on Barlow, as Ministers explain budget impact