The Baillieu Government has delivered a crushing blow to the dreams of young South West families hoping to one day own their own home.
Announced in today’s budget, the Baillieu Government has cut the First Home Buyers Bonus for families looking to purchase their first home.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said this decision by the Baillieu Government is a huge blow to young families.
“This funding cut will cause many South West families to reconsider buying or building a home, and for some it will simply mean it is beyond their reach.
“It is a dream for many Victorians to one day own their own home, and today the Baillieu Government has shattered that dream and destroyed potential construction jobs in the region.
“This decision is bad news for local builders and those who depend on the housing and construction market for their job.
“The bonus is essential to the growth many new developments around the Western Victoria region.
Victorians are looking to Ted Baillieu and his government to act on protecting their jobs and to stimulate the Victorian economy, Ms Tierney said.
“Mr Baillieu has failed this test of leadership and delivered a budget of excuses and no solutions.
“Investment in rural and regional Victoria is almost non-existant.
In a further blow to families, the School Start Bonus has been abolished hurting thousands of families whose children are starting prep or year seven, and the Education Maitenance Allowance has been slashed.
“This budget was a chance for Ted Baillieu to stem the flow of Victoria’s job losses and invest in infrastructure to stimulate our economy, and provide buffers for Victorian families.
“However Mr Baillieu has again showed that this government is asleep at the wheel while Victorians lose their jobs and lose hope for a better future,” Ms Tierney said.