Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last week I took on notice to obtain some further details in response to a question from Senator Coonan relating to the stimulus package. I have to read some of this data into the record as I do not have it in a form that would enable me to incorporate it. The Nation Building and Jobs Plan, commonly known as the NBJP, was announced on 3 February 2009. The package totalled some $42 billion. As of this morning, I can inform the Senate that of that some $20.5 billion has been distributed.

As for more detail, let me go to the tax bonus payments. As at 10 August 2009—these are the latest figures—there was some $7,364 million for the 2008-09 financial year. For 2009-10, as at the 10 August period, there was some $345 million in payments. There will be an additional 46,500 eligible tax returns with an expected cost of a further $41 million. This is expected from people affected by fire and flood natural disaster and they have been given a lodgement deferral. Consequently, it is estimated that there will be around $8,862 million in payments expected to be made once the deferred payments are made.

On the first home owner boost, which was part of the package, for 2008-09 this was estimated at $830.6 million. I do not have an updated figure as of this morning, but an updated figure will be provided as part of the final budget outcome process. However, I can inform the Senate that an estimated 137,000 households have taken up the first home owner boost. I can also inform the Senate that more than approximately $23 billion worth of shovel-ready infrastructure projects have already been approved, as distinct from moneys paid, and this represents some 35,000 projects.