CLP aims to keep tradies in a job with $20 million stimulus plan

THE Country Liberal Party has promised a $20 million NT stimulus package if it is elected in August, and wants the Labor Government to match it

The CLP says it will bring in a $20 million stimulus package if it wins office, pleasing tradie Tom Bank, pictured with Sam and Chris Sowry. Picture: Glenn Campbell

THE Country Liberal Party has promised a $20 million stimulus package if it is elected in August, and wants the Labor Government to match it.

Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro wants to see a $20 million scheme developed to allow people to complete small renovations or upgrade security or environmental features implemented.

The Greener Safer Homes stimulus package would grant thousands of Territory homeowners a dollar for dollar up to $2000 for general renovations and up to $4000 for works that specifically enhance the environmental, energy efficiency or security of a home.

“Greener Safer Homes is a stimulus package that will support upwards of 5000 homeowners to spend money on upgrades and get money flowing through our economy,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.

“We will introduce the scheme immediately if we win government. However, today we call on the Labor Government to introduce this stimulus package immediately to ward off some of the economic impacts of coronavirus.”

The Greener Safer Homes would be funded by reallocating money from the Local Jobs Fund.

The scheme would work similarly to the 2016 Home Improvement Scheme.

Homeowners, including owner occupiers and landlords, would only be able to access the scheme once, for one home and only access one tier of the scheme, and tradies would have to preregister with the Department of Trade, Business and Innovation.

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SEM Darwin electrician Tom Banks said any stimulus package would help keep him and his colleagues in work.

“I think this might be the incentive to give them the go ahead to get their work done,” he said.

The Gunner Government has previously stated they are overhauling the Budget in a bid to tackle the economic blow coronavirus is expected to make.