Labor offers $60,000 home building package

The Territory government has trumped the CLP’s house construction package. Take a look at what’s on offer.

The taxpayer funded pre-election bidding war has moved into overdrive, with the Territory government committing $22m to a new housing scheme to trump their CLP opponents.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler announced on Monday a re-elected Labor government would establish a $60,000 first home builder grant for Territory residents who sign on to build a first new home or to buy an apartment or townhouse.

Only available to Territorians, the government said the so-called Home Builder Boost would create “work opportunities” in the construction industry for blockies, sparkies, chippies, plumbers, concreters, carpenters, tilers and roofers.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“This is a common sense way to help Territorians who are working so hard to build their first home – and it will also deliver big benefits to so many Territory workers and businesses,” Ms Lawler said.

“Our $60,000 grant for first home builders to build a new home is the biggest anywhere in Australia and I’m proud to give hardworking Territorians a boost to get their first property.

“We will support Territorians to build their future in the Territory – that’s why we will deliver this nation-leading Home Builder Boost to Territorians who want to build their first home.

“Importantly, the Home Builder Boost is only available to Territorians. I’m not going to spend the money of Territory taxpayers to give a handout to interstate-based property investors in Sydney or Melbourne.”

The election promises are on top of the additional $2.2bn in spending promised by the Territory government in May’s big spending budget.

Last month, the CLP released details of a $50,000 home builder plan that was open to first homebuyers, $30,000 available to interstate first home buyers to build in the Territory and $10,000 for first home buyers of existing homes.

.