Statement on Regional Relocation Scheme
Back to NewsWhile the NSW Opposition will not oppose the Regional Relocation Bill, we do have some serious concerns about the Bill\'s ability to have any real effect on regional NSW.
The Regional Relocation Bill is a missed opportunity that has the potential to waste $280 million over the next four years – money that could be better spent addressing skill shortages in regional NSW.
A key failing is that the Bill is only offered to people who already own property, significantly reducing the number of people who can access the grant in the first place.
This means the Bill will favour tree changers and retirees – not the working families currently renting in Sydney and looking to get into the more affordable regional housing market.
It is difficult to see what real impacts this Bill will have without seeing what is in the regulations and how much the policy will actually cost to administrate.
To be a success, this Bill needs to be part of a broader scheme to deliver regional development and infrastructure – unfortunately it is not.