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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 13 Hansard (27 November) . . Page.. 4934 ..


homeless youth. The St John's Building Fund has been advised that this submission will be considered as part of the 2004-2005 budget process.

(b) Alzheimers Association (ACT) Inc already receive ACT Government funding through the Home and Community Care Program managed in ACT Health. Alzheimers has a current contract for $65,282.

(2) Applications for growth funding for the HACC program were openly advertised in February 2003 and Alzheimers Association (ACT) Inc did not seek additional funding through this open tender process.

A further open tender process for provision of respite care services is expected early in 2004. Alzheimers Association (ACT) Inc would be eligible to apply for this funding and an application would be considered.

First home owner grants

(Question No 1062)

Mr Cornwell asked the Treasurer, upon notice:

In relation to the payment of $7 000 under the First Home Owner Grant Act 2000 to an ineligible juvenile:

(1) Will the Government seek restitution of the amount;

(2) If not, why not;

(3) If not, who will pay for the error.

Mr Quinlan

: The answer to the member's question is as follows:

(1) The Government will not be seeking repayment of the grant paid to the minor.

(2) The First Home Owner Scheme is administered under the First Home Owner Grants Act 2000. This Act was drafted in conformity with the principles set out under the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Reform of Commonwealth-State Relations and the "Proposed Arrangements"agreed to by the Commonwealth Treasury. Under the "Proposed Arrangements"it was agreed that there would not be an age limit for applicants. The grant to the minor was correctly paid according to the legislation in force at that time. This applicant satisfied all eligibility requirements, including the requirement to take up residence in the home.

(3) There was no error; however, recently the Treasurers of all States and Territories and the Commonwealth have indicated that they support an age restriction. As the Assembly is aware, I presented a Bill on Thursday, 27 November 2003, to amend the Act to require that applicants be at least 18 years of age.


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