21/11/01
The challenge for Government agencies to encourage professional people to move and stay in the regions has received a boost today with the announcement of the Home Ownership Subsidy Scheme for Government employees, Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens said.
The Home Ownership Subsidy Scheme, developed by the Department of Housing and Works, is an initiative of the Minister to address a shortage of suitable housing stock in some localities and the impact of high staff turnovers and transfers.
"The provision of adequate and suitable housing in regional areas of Western Australia has a fundamental impact on local economies," Mr Stephens said.
"The Government Employees' Home Ownership Subsidy Scheme will provide home loan subsidies in the State's regions, as an alternative to the Government Employees' Housing Authority (GEHA) rental subsidies."
The maximum term for the employee loan subsidy would be five years, with a ceiling of 75 per cent of the equivalent GEHA rental subsidy or $175 per week.
Mr Stephens said access would be at the discretion of departments and agencies, which could offer it as a recruitment, transfer or staff retention incentive.
Take-up of home ownership as an alternative to the rental option had the potential to create net savings for Government.
"Meanwhile, GEHA continues to play an important role in the Government strategy to bring crucial services to rural communities," the Minister said.
"GEHA provides quality rental accommodation for more than 4,000 Government employees in 260 towns throughout the State and is an essential element in attracting key people to rural communities.
"The encouragement of home ownership among Government employees in regional WA will be a further practical demonstration of the Government's commitment to stabilising staff movements in regional WA and creating confidence in local property markets."
Media contact: Julie Cole 9213 6500
