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Financial Assistance for Australians.. are you eligible?
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008 | Author:

Economic Security Strategy – Financial assistance for Australians

Are you eligible for a lump sum payment?

The Economic Security Strategy is offering immediate support for many Australians in response to the global financial crisis.

From 8 to 19 December 2008, pensioners, families, seniors, people with disability, carers and veterans will be provided with financial assistance through the lump sum Economic Security Strategy payment. This payment builds on existing support measures, recognising that many people require immediate assistance to help them meet their needs.

From 14 October 2008 until 30 June 2009, the First Home Owners Boost provides first home buyers with financial assistance as part of the Economic Security Strategy.

Payments for pensioners, seniors, people with disability, carers and veterans

If you received an eligible pension or allowance, or held an eligible concession card on 14 October 2008, you will receive a lump sum payment of:

  • $1,400 if you are single or
  • $1,050 for each eligible member of a couple.

If you were entitled to Carer Allowance on 14 October 2008, you will receive $1,000 for each eligible person in your care. If you are sharing care with another person the payment will be based on the percentage of care provided.

Payment to families

Families will be eligible for the lump sum payment if, on 14 October 2008, they:

  • were entitled to Family Tax Benefit Part A (FTB Part A)
    or
  • had a dependent child/children enabling them to receive:
    • Youth Allowance
    • ABSTUDY Living Allowance
      or
    • an education allowance under the Veterans’ Children Education Scheme or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme and who did not receive FTB Part A

Families will receive $1,000 for each eligible child in their care.

First Home Owners Boost

payment to first home buyers purchasing or constructing a new home

First home buyers who sign contracts to purchase or construct a new home between 14 October 2008 and 30 June 2009 (inclusive) will now be eligible for a lump sum payment of $21,000 (which includes the First Home Owners grant).

Payment to first home buyers purchasing an existing home

First home buyers who sign contracts to purchase an existing home between 14 October 2008 and 30 June 2009 (inclusive) will now be eligible for a lump sum payment of $14,000 (which includes the First Home Owners Scheme grant).

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Groceries at a cheaper price in australia
Monday, December 22nd, 2008 | Author:

Recently seen the news about a website which is an Australian government initiative that made me think and check it out because Its been a question of mine on which grocery market/supermarket giants is cheaper.. woolworths? coles? aldi and so forth… this site would be  a guide if you are curious about the price differences between them.. the website is grocerychoice.com.au  and choose click which town/suburbs you want to check.

Here is an example of a price comparison in inner melbourne central:

Inner Melbourne Central

Grocery Basket Prices
Dec 08 Release
These basket prices represent the average basket price for the region for each supermarket chain. The Total basket price reflects weekly grocery purchases by the average Australian household.

Independent testing of product quality has been done to allow ‘like-for-like’ comparisons between retailers. However, some differences in the quality of fresh meat, fruit and vegetables may still exist and consumers should consider this when making price comparisons.

Note 1: Basket prices for individual stores are not available.

Note 2: ‘Independents’ refers to supermarket retailers other than Woolworths/Safeway, Coles/BI-LO, Franklins, Supabarn and ALDI.

Note 3: ALDI supermarkets do not stock all of the 500 products included in the survey. A smaller number of staple products have been selected and are presented as the ‘Basic Staples’ basket. This is the only basket that lists an ALDI supermarkets price.
Basket Coles / BI-LO Woolworths / Safeway Independents ALDI
Meat & Seafood Basket $28.99 $27.09 $30.74 –
Fruit & Vegetable Basket $29.57 $27.74 $29.38 –
Dairy Basket $16.89 $16.53 $17.36 –
Bread & Cereals Basket $22.37 $21.85 $23.76 –
Drinks & Snacks Basket $21.20 $21.83 $23.19 –
General Groceries Basket $17.30 $18.61 $19.41 –
Household & Personal Care Basket $28.08 $27.38 $29.77 –
Total of above baskets $164.40 $161.03 $173.61 –
Basic Staples Basket $81.28 $82.75 $87.06 $60.05
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First Home Owner Boost Benefits Info
Saturday, December 13th, 2008 | Author:
Please read info below if you are interested to buy a house and want to claim the FHOG and other details then read on…

First Home Boost

The First Home Owner Boost Scheme (the Boost) is an Australian Government initiative to assist first home buyers purchase or build their first home. The scheme is administered by the Victorian Government (State Revenue Office) and is in addition to the $7,000 First Home Owner Grant. The Boost provides first home buyers with:

  • an extra $7,000 for buying an established home
  • an extra $14,000 for buying or building a new home

The Boost applies to contracts entered into between 14 October 2008 and 30 June 2009 (inclusive).

First Home Owner Boost benefits

Established homes

First home buyers purchasing an established home may be eligible for the $7,000 Boost in addition to the First Home Owner Grant ($7,000) and the First Home Bonus ($3,000*), bringing the total benefits to $17,000.

*Subject to certain requirements being met.

New homes

First home buyers building a new home or purchasing a newly constructed home may be eligible for the $14,000 Boost, in addition to the First Home Owner Grant ($7,000), the First Home Bonus ($5,000*) and the First Home Owner Regional Bonus ($3,000*), bringing the total benefits to $29,000.

Where a newly constructed home is being purchased, it must be the first sale of that home. The home must also have never been previously occupied as a place of residence, including occupation by the builder, a tenant or other occupant.

Substantially renovated homes may be considered as a new home. Where a substantially renovated home is being purchased, it must be the first sale of the home since it was substantially renovated. The home, since being substantially renovated, must also have never been previously occupied as a place of residence, including occupation by the builder, a tenant or other occupant.

Substantial renovations of a building are renovations where the entire building, or substantially all of the building, has been removed or replaced.

Note: Where the consideration is less than the total benefit available, the applicant will be entitled to an amount equal to the value of the consideration.

*Subject to certain requirements being met.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to receive the Boost, first home buyers must satisfy the requirements of the existing First Home Owner Grant and the additional Boost requirements.

Existing First Home Owner Grant eligibility criteria

  • Be a natural person (ie: not a company or trust), at least 18 years of age and whose interest in the property is not held subject to a trust
  • At least one applicant is an Australian citizen or a permanent resident
  • At least one applicant will reside in the home as their principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months commencing within 12 months of completion of the eligible transaction
  • Not have previously received a First Home Owner Grant in any State or Territory of Australia
  • Not have previously owned or held a relevant interest in a residential property anywhere in Australia prior to 1 July 2000
  • Not have occupied for a continuous period of at least 6 months, a residential property in which they acquired a relevant interest on or after 1 July 2000 anywhere in Australia.

Additional eligibility criteria for First Home Owner Boost

Established homes

To be eligible to receive the $7,000 Boost for the purchase of an established home, first home buyers must have entered into a contract to purchase an established home between 14 October 2008 and 30 June 2009 (inclusive).

New homes being purchased under a contract

To be eligible to receive the $14,000 Boost for the purchase of a newly constructed home, first home buyers must have entered into a contract to purchase a newly constructed home between 14 October 2008 and 30 June 2009 (inclusive).

New homes being built under a building contract

To be eligible to receive the $14,000 Boost for building a new home, first home buyers must have entered into a contract to build a home between 14 October 2008 and 30 June 2009 (inclusive).

In addition:

  • construction must commence within 26 weeks of the date of the contract
  • the contract must specify a completion date for building work within 18 months of the date of construction commencing or construction must be completed within 18 months of the construction commencing.

In limited circumstances the Commissioner may approve an extension to the commencement and completion date where the delay was outside the control of the parties and could not have been forseen at the time of entering into the contract.

New homes being purchased ‘off the plan’

To be eligible for the $14,000 Boost for purchasing a new home ’off the plan‘ the contract must be entered into between 14 October 2008 and 30 June 2009 (inclusive) and the contract must specify a completion date on or before 31 December 2010.

In limited circumstances the Commissioner may approve an extension to the completion date where the delay was outside the control of the parties and could not have been foreseen at the time of entering into the contract.

New homes being built by an owner builder

To be eligible for the $14,000 Boost for building a new home as an owner builder, construction (i.e. laying foundations) must commence between 14 October 2008 and 30 June 2009 (inclusive) and construction must be completed within 18 months of the date of construction commencing.

In limited circumstances the Commissioner may approve an extension to the completion date where the delay was outside the control of the applicant and could not have been foreseen at the time of commencement of construction.

Ineligible first homes

The First Home Owner Boost scheme will not apply when a:

  • Contract to purchase or build a home replaces an earlier contract made before 14 October 2008 to purchase the same home or to build the same, or a substantially similar, home.
  • Contract was entered into, or in the case of owner builders construction commenced before 14 October 2008.
  • Contract was entered into, or in the case of owner builders construction commenced on or after 1 July 2009.

Note: The existing First Home Owner Grant will continue to be available to first home owners after 30 June 2009.

How do I apply for the First Home Owner Boost?

False claims and penalties

There are substantial penalties for knowingly making false or misleading statements in connection with an application for the first home benefits. The SRO conducts investigations and compliance checks to ensure First Home Owner Grant and Boost benefits are only given to applicants entitled to receive them.
The SRO audits applications with current and historical data held by other State and Territory agencies and commercial organisations.

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Rudd’s Government 4.7 Nation Building Package
Friday, December 12th, 2008 | Author:

Rudd’s Government recently released the future plans for Australia which really sounds promising and let us hope for the best for our country’s better future.. for more details please read the media release on December 12, 2008 below…

Media Release

$4.7 Billion Nation Building Package

12 December 2008

The Rudd Government today announced a $4.7 billion nation building package to strengthen the Australian economy and create Australian jobs.

Today’s package is a timely investment in road, rail, and education infrastructure, as well as vital tax changes to help Australian businesses during a global recession.

These national infrastructure projects and the assistance to business will boost the level of GDP and help create up to 32,000 Australian jobs.

There are three key infrastructure elements in today’s package:

  • Inject $1.2 billion in new funds into the Australian Rail Track Corporation
  • Bring forward $711 million in road spending to this financial year and next and more than double funding for the Black Spots program
  • Invest $1.6 billion in critical university and TAFE infrastructure

Today’s package also includes two vital tax changes:

  • A 10 per cent temporary investment allowance to encourage capital investment by Australian businesses
  • A 20 per cent cut in the next quarterly pay-as-you-go (PAYG) tax instalment for 1.3 million small businesses

Today’s package builds on the Rudd Government’s $10.4 billion Economic Security Strategy, the $6.2 billion New Car Plan, the $300 million local infrastructure funding boost, and the $15.1 billion COAG package.

The Government will make further announcements about nation building projects, funded from the Building Australia Fund, and subject to the Infrastructure Australia priority list, early next year.

$1.2 Billion Investment in Rail Infrastructure

Over the next two years, the Rudd Government will inject $1.2 billion into the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) in 17 projects to improve the reliability and competitiveness of the nation’s rail freight network.

$580 million of today’s investment will be used to expand capacity along the rail corridors connecting Hunter Valley coal mines to the Port of Newcastle. This $1 billion project will more than double the amount of coal being transported to export markets from 97 to 200 million tonnes a year.

Other Rail projects funded today include:

• $55.8 million for Queensland border to Acacia Ridge track upgrade
• $45.1 million for Sydney to Brisbane line – new, extended and upgraded loops
• $29.7 million for Melbourne to Junee line – passing lanes
• $45 million for Seymour to Wodonga track upgrade
• $91.5 million for Cootamundra to Parkes track upgrade
• $105.7 million for Western Victoria track upgrade
• $50 million for Wodonga Bypass duplication
• $42 million for Cootamundra to Crystal Brook line – new and extended loops
• $76 million for Melbourne to Adelaide line – extended loops
• $23 million Adelaide to Kalgoorlie line – new and extended loops
• $45 million towards the $90 million Advanced Train Management System (ATMS) trial set to bring train management into the digital age

$711 Million Investment to Build Better Roads

The Rudd Government will bring forward $711 million in spending in this year financial year and next to accelerate the commencement of 14 road projects.

Today’s package will also more than double our investment this financial year in the highly successful Black Spots program from $50 million to $110 million.

Other road construction projects bought forward by this package include:

• The NSW Hume Highway – Woomargama Bypass
• The NSW Hume Highway – Tarcutta Bypass
• NSW Pacific Highway – Bulahdelah Bypass
• NSW Pacific Highway – Sexton’s Hill, Banora Point
• QLD Ipswich Motorway – Dinmore to Goodna
• QLD Pacific Motorway – Springwood South to Daisy Hill
• QLD Bruce Highway – Douglas Arterial
• VIC Western Ring Road Upgrade
• VIC Goulburn Valley Highway – Nagambie Bypass
• VIC Western Highway – Anthony’s Cutting
• VIC Princes Highway – Traralgon to Sale
• WA Mandurah Entrance Road
• SA Northern Expressway
• TAS Midland Highway – Brighton Bypass

On top of this road funding the Government will also set aside $195 million for investment in agricultural and social infrastructure to develop irrigated agricultural land around Kununurra following assessment of the projects by the State and Federal Government.

$1.6 Billion to Build Better Universites and TAFES

Today’s $1.6 billion investment in building better universities and TAFES will include fast tracking the spending of $580 million into 11 projects focussed on strengthening the research facilities at Australian universities, funded through the Education Investment Fund.

The Government will also fund a one-off $500 million investment to target capital expenditure towards the development of teaching and learning spaces in Australia’s universities. This funding will be delivered through the Teaching and Learning Capital Fund for Higher Education.

Today’s package also delivers a $500 million injection into public skills and training infrastructure through The Teaching and Learning Capital Fund for Vocational Education and Training.

Two Vital Tax Changes

The Government will invest $1.6 billion in a 10 per cent temporary investment allowance – provided as an additional tax deduction – which will encourage capital investment by Australian businesses. The allowance will be equal to 10 per cent of the cost of an eligible asset.

Today’s package will also help small business by cutting the next quarterly pay-as-you-go (PAYG) instalment for 1.3 million small businesses by 20 per cent. This reduction in the February instalment will provide immediate and much-needed cash flow relief to small businesses over the summer.

The Budget will remain in surplus once this and other packages announced this year are taken into account. This nation building package is another step in the Rudd Government’s long term nation building agenda.

The Government’s Nation Building – Rail, Road, Education & Research and Business document is also available.

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