An LNP Budget Response
Securing Our Housing Foundations
As a young person striving to own my first home one day, I understand the challenges that many Queenslanders face in the housing market. The dream of home ownership can often feel out of reach due to the financial hurdle. It's hard enough trying to save for the deposit, let alone pay the stamp duty. This is why I am thrilled to share the LNP's policy on stamp duty for first home buyers buying a new home – we will abolish it! This marks a significant victory for Queenslanders. When was the last time you heard a potential government say they will remove a tax?
Our ‘Big Boost into Home Ownership’ initiative not only makes it easier for young Queenslanders to own their first home by abolishing stamp duty for all new homes for first-time buyers, but we will also raise the stamp duty concession threshold for existing homes.
And for those that need a little help getting into the housing market, for those that don’t have the ‘bank of mum and dad’, we will introduce a shared equity program to help bridge the deposit gap for buyers. An LNP government will partner with 1000 homebuyers to help them secure a loan.
Recognising the immediate needs of renters, the LNP's housing strategy also includes measures to increase rental supply. By lifting restrictions that prevent first home buyer grant recipients from renting out rooms, the plan aims to boost the availability of rental properties and ease the pressure on the rental market.
The LNP's housing policy doesn't stop there. We know these policies will create more demand. So, we also need to tackle supply to ensuring housing remains affordable. The LNP’s ‘Unlocking Homes for Queensland’s Future’ policy is a comprehensive plan to tackle it head-on. The goal is to deliver one million new homes by 2044, supported by a $2 billion infrastructure fund to expedite developments.
We will also update outdated regional plans to ensure sustainable development and fast-tracking housing approvals to meet the demands of our growing population.
And we know for some the aspiration of home ownership will always be just out of reach. To address social housing needs, the LNP’s ‘Homes with Purpose’ initiative aims to unlock charity and church-owned land for community housing. This policy promises to deliver up to 500 new social and community homes within the first two years, with a goal of expanding to 10,000 homes by 2044. Clear KPIs and transparent management of the $2 billion Housing Investment Fund will ensure these homes and more than 50,000 others (built by the government), are delivered on time and on budget.
This near decade old Labor government, seeking a fourth term, have created our housing crisis through their inaction. An LNP government, led by David Crisafulli, have the vision and plans to fix it – real, tangible improvements for Queensland.
Addressing Cost of Living
In a bold response to the recent Labor budget, the LNP has also laid out a dynamic plan to address some of Queensland’s most pressing cost of living challenges.
The LNP will scrap the Pioneer Burdekin Pumped-Hydro Project. It’s a ‘multi-billion-dollar fantasy’, already plagued with cost blowouts and feasibility issues and it lacks both community support and necessary approvals.
Instead, we will build smaller, more manageable projects that won't inflate energy costs for Queenslanders. This shift aims to deliver affordable, reliable and sustainable energy, ensuring that local families and businesses are not burdened by skyrocketing power bills.
As someone who has worked in small and family businesses, I know just how hard things can get sometimes. I watched my own mother be burdened by tax and red tape when she operated her newsagency in 2013. For Pumicestone, small and family businesses are the heart and soul of our electorate and the LNP’s plan is set to give them a significant boost.
The ‘Putting Queensland Small and Family Business First’ policy introduces faster payment terms for government contracts and simplifies the tendering process. These changes mean that local businesses will have a better shot at securing government work without getting bogged down by red tape.
By introducing an innovation pathway, the LNP is also encouraging creative solutions from our local entrepreneurs. This policy aims to make it easier for businesses to thrive, driving economic growth and job creation right here in our community.
By focusing on realistic, sustainable solutions, the LNP is putting Pumicestone at the heart of Queensland’s future growth and prosperity.
Whether it’s through making housing more accessible and affordable, stabilising energy costs or empowering our local businesses, the LNP’s vision is clear: a thriving, resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
As we look towards the October election, these plans offer hope and an exciting path forward for Queensland.
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