Home Improvement Scheme vouchers no longer first in, first served

THE ‘tradie scheme’ voucher system is no longer first in, first served, it has been revealed. Meanwhile, more than 6260 of the vouchers — equating to more than $50 million in approved work — have now hit the construction sector

More than 6260 ‘tradie scheme’ vouchers have now hit the construction sector

MORE than 6258 Home Improvement Scheme (HIS) — aka the “tradie scheme” — vouchers have now hit the construction sector.

The NT Government said this translated to more than $50 million in the value of approved works.

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It said a good spread of works, numerous trades, Territory jobs and local businesses were being supported through the scheme.

While it was originally reported the vouchers would be evaluated on a first-in, best-dressed basis it was confirmed yesterday that this was no longer happening.

Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler said the stimulus vouchers were now being reviewed to take into consideration work volumes going to registered businesses and jurisdictions. She said this was to make sure work was being spread throughout more businesses.

Ms Lawler said this also ensured local businesses right across the Territory were receiving a slice of the HIS works with vouchers having been issued in every Territory region.

“Many trades, from painting to electrical, are being supported through the Home Improvement Scheme,” she said.

The HIS had previously come under fire after tradies reported long delays in the approvals process.

Businesses complained that just 526 applications had been approved by early May, saying the delays were damaging their businesses and threatening their viability. But by the end of the month that figure had climbed to 2207.

The top three most popular improvements approved under HIS are:

Airconditioning upgrades;

Painting; and

Electrical upgrades.

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The HIS, which has proved to be one of the most popular schemes to date, provided homeowner and landlords with generous co-contribution grants to use in the upgrading of their residence.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said he was happy with the progress of the scheme. “Our tradies now have a massive pipeline of work. But we want that work to last, so the benefits for the rest of the economy can last as well,’ he said.