Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Treasurer, upon notice, on 21 September 2011:

With reference to the answers to question no BET 267 and BET 268 taken on notice during the 2011-12 Budget estimates hearings of the Economics Legislation Committee in June 2011:

(1) Has the department ever analysed the effect on house prices or the inflationary impact of the First Home Owner Scheme using informal modelling.

(2) Has the department ever provided any briefings, research or modelling on the effect of the First Home Owner Grant Scheme or the First Home Owners Boost Scheme.

(3) On what basis was the comment made that the first home owners grant 'had a small influence on house prices' in the Australian Financial Review article 'First home grant doubt' on 25 August 2011.

(4) How does the Treasurer define 'a small influence' and can he quantify that statement.

(5) To what extent has the 'small influence' neutralised the assistance the grant provides to home buyers, that is, has it translated to an increase in house prices similar to or greater than the grant itself.

(6) Has the department provided any advice to the Government about the impact of housing demand subsidies more generally.

(7) Can details be provided on whether a Council of Australian Governments agreement currently exists for states and territories to investigate the effectiveness of first home owner schemes; if so, when are these reports due and will this information be public.