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Master Builders Victoria (MBV) has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that the qualifying period for the popular HomeBuilder Scheme will be extended from six months to 18 months.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Housing Minister Michael Sukkar announced today that the Government has extended the nominated start date for building work to commence after a HomeBuilder contract was signed to 18 months. This extension is a very important step as it will help ensure a pipeline of economic activity and mean that thousands of people can now be sure that they will receive HomeBuilder grants.
MBV CEO Rebecca Casson said the extension is very welcome by the building and construction industry which has been struggling to keep up with demand since the HomeBuilder Scheme was introduced in June 2020.
“It has been incredibly successful in generating work for our sector at a time when many builders were very fearful about the potential downturn because of the impacts of COVID-19,” she said.
“However, the flip side of that boom in very welcome work has been major increases in the demand for – and some challenges in sourcing - key materials and tradespeople.”
Ms Casson said the supply chain challenges had created understandable frustrations for both clients with their builders and builders with their suppliers.
She said the potential downside to the current delays was the inevitable increase in costs and the ensuing impact on housing affordability.
“We’ve been asking everyone to try and be patient, and on behalf of our members, we’ve also been working closely with all levels of Government and our industry partners on a potential solution.”
“We’re delighted that the Federal Government has listened to our industry and congratulate them on this decision,” she said.
ENDS:
AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW – MBV CEO Rebecca Casson
MEDIA CONTACT – Louise Willis 0466 777 059 [email protected]
