THE HON. ALAN GRIFFIN MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
21/2010
Defence HomeOwner Scheme closes to new applicants on 1 July 2010
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, Alan Griffin, has today
reminded reservists and former members of the Australian Defence Force that the Defence
HomeOwner Scheme will close to new applicants on 1 July 2010.
Mr Griffin said, “The Defence HomeOwner Scheme was replaced on 1 July 2008 by the
Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme, but has remained accessible to date to
enable personnel who separated from the Australian Defence Force prior to its replacement
to access benefits until 30 June 2010”.
“As the 1 July 2010 closure date nears, I want to remind Australian Defence Force reservists
and ex-service members to look into their entitlements under the Defence HomeOwner
Scheme.
“It is important to note that the closure of access to the Defence HomeOwner Scheme will not
impact on the ongoing payment of subsidies to existing recipients under the scheme.
“By the closing date of 1 July 2010, the eligibility of most members will have expired under the
rules of the scheme. Provision has also been made for the limited number of people who
have no time limit on their eligibility for the Defence HomeOwner Scheme, to access a similar
benefit under the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme from 1 July 2010,” Mr Griffin
said.
The Defence HomeOwner Scheme was introduced in 1990 to provide eligible Australian
Defence Force members with a subsidised loan of up to $80,000 to help them purchase a
home.
Mr Griffin said, “While the 1990 Defence HomeOwner Scheme was a good boost to members
wanting to purchase a home, the passage of time and increases in the Australian housing
market has seen the level of the subsidy become less effective”.
“The new Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme is available to all eligible Australian
Defence Force members who were serving on or after 1 July 2008 and provides a greater
benefit to members in line with the current housing market,” he said.
Further information, including eligibility requirements, is available from:
dhoas@dva.gov.au.
Media Note:
Assistance is sought from the media to spread this message to Reservists and former
members of the ADF.
Media contacts:
Sasha Nimmo (Alan Griffin):
0437 863 109
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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