Scott Morrison’s press conference to announce his new HomeBuilder scheme this morning was interrupted by a furious home owner.
The Prime Minister was taking questions from journalists on live TV in Googong, New South Wales when a man came out of his home and chastised reporters who were standing on the edge of his garden.
‘Can everyone get off the grass please,’ yelled the man who was wearing a hoody and no shoes.
The homeowner (left) did not seem too impressed the Prime Minster (right) as they chatted afterwards
Mr Morrison asked reporters to move off the grass, saying: ‘Sure, let’s just move back from there, please, off the thing’.
‘Hey guys I’ve just re-seeded that,’ the man shouted again.
After the TV crews moved, Mr Morrison replied: ‘All good? That’s all good, thanks.’
The man gave a thumbs up and went back inside.
Mr Morrison was later pictured chatting to the home-owner, who lived right next to the construction site where the announcement was being made.
The HomeBuilder scheme is designed to rescue the country from its first recession in 29 years, caused by coronavirus lockdowns.
Grants of $25,000 are available for renovation works that cost between $150,000 and $750,000 and for new homes valued at less than $750,000.
Renovations must improve the ‘livibility’ of the home, meaning swimming pools, tennis courts, outdoor spas and saunas, and detached sheds or garages do not count (stock image)
There are a number of restrictions on where the $25,000 can be spent. Those looking to build a new tennis court will be left disappointed (stock)
Renovations must improve the ‘livibility’ of the home, meaning swimming pools, tennis courts, outdoor spas and saunas, and detached sheds or garages do not count.
The house being renovated must not be valued at more than $1.5million and must be the applicant’s primary residence, meaning investment properties do not qualify.
To get the cash, applicants must earn less than $125,000 or be in a couple earning less than $200,000.
The applicant must pay a licensed builder the first installment for starting work and then can apply to their state or territory revenue office for the $25,000.
After checking all the criteria is met, officials will transfer the cash directly into the applicant’s chosen bank account.
The grants are available for renovation works that cost between $150,000 and $750,000. Pictured: A house being built in Cobbitty in Sydney
In total, the policy is expected to cost $688million and provide work for 140,000 tradies and another 1million workers in the supply chain.
Announcing the policy today at a construction site in the federal seat of Eden-Monaro, which faces a by-election next month, the Prime Minister said: ‘Australia is in a battle for jobs, and our Government is in that battle for jobs.’
‘If you’ve been putting off that renovation or new build, the extra $25,000 we’re putting on the table along with record low interest rates means now’s the time to get started.’
By stimulating private investment, it will generate ten to 15 billion dollars of economic activity.
‘This investment isn’t just about helping Australians bring their dream home to life, it’s about creating jobs and helping support the more than one million workers in the sector including builders, painters, plumbers and electricians across the country,’ Mr Morrison said.
The scheme lasts from 4 June 2020 until 31 December 2020.