The Nationals WA have unveiled a new plan to alleviate the pressures facing WA families and
builders caught in the housing and cost-of-living crisis.
The Nationals in Government will introduce a HomeBuild Relief Payment for West Australians
who are facing financial difficulty and whose homes have been under construction for more than
two years.
Kirrilee Warr candidate for Geraldton said The Nationals have been listening to the real concerns
of both families and builders.
“Right now, thousands of families across WA are shouldering the burden of costs on two houses
– paying their mortgages for a house that is incomplete, while also managing rent, rates and
other household bills,” Kirrilee said.
“Our HomeBuild Relief Payment will offer up to $10,000 in direct support to ease this strain, in
recognition of the ongoing financial stress many families have found themselves under due to
events outside of their control.”
The initiative, valued at $20 million, will assist up to 2,000 families with targeted cost-of-living
support.
The Nationals will also establish a Construction Recovery Loan Scheme to support small to
medium-sized building companies struggling with escalating costs.
“Our scheme will provide up to $3 million interest-free loans for two years, followed by low-interest repayments for up to ten years,” Kirrilee said.
“This will provide builders with more effective and accessible support and give them the breathing
room they need to finish homes and add much-needed housing supply to the WA market.
“Most builders want to do the right thing by their customers, but some have struggled due to
rising costs. We want to give WA builders the support they need to get on with the job they do
best – building high-quality homes for WA families.
“The housing crisis is one of the biggest challenges facing Western Australians today, and we are
listening and putting forward real solutions,” Kirrilee said.
Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love MLA said the State Government had a responsibility to
support homeowners and builders.
“It was the WA Labor Government who overheated the construction industry with their reckless
building bonus payments during the pandemic, something they have never attempted to rectify or
even acknowledge,” Mr Love said.
“Our measures will take the pressure off households doing it tough and support local builders to
complete unfinished homes, helping to alleviate the housing and rental crisis for thousands of WA
families.”
