Will Rudd's rent scheme work? Will the states come on board? Is this just an election ploy? Is he just telling people what he thinks they want to hear? Will any such scheme eventually merely line the pockets of the wealthy and leave some Australians with even less chance to own their own homes?
Or, put more simply, do Australians need to rethink the idea of owning a single dwelling on a quarter acre block? Should we be thinking more in terms of alternative forms of housing - terrace housing, co-housing European style?
Can we go on expanding the suburbia of our capital cities? Are there less expensive more people friendly options?

No. Maybe. Yes, of course. Yes. Yes.Yes. Maybe. No. Possibly.

No it Wont . Its to support the developers and it is them who will get the subs not the public. Its an attempt to get small biz onside because we do NOT like being told who we can hire or fire.

Since WC were introduced thousands open thousands of small biz people have had the confidence to put on new staff.

The reason they have done that is because they do not fear union thugs walking in saying- No you cant sack that guy for stealing or lagging about smoking a joint.

You have to catch and warn him three times in writing.

The other thing is we DONT want the Government taking control of the private rentals in Austalia

And anyway its no where near enough which only shows yet again ALP still cant get their figures right.

All this from someone who does not like Howard.
The problem we have in Australiais there is no real opposition.
This is not the time to change Government and this isnt the plan to help familes renting. Its only to buy votes from builders and developers.
So the Answer is No. It wont work for familes but Yes it might work towards pulling a few private builders.

even if you knew the answers, ccat, there's nothing you can do about it. why not leave such questions to your betters? you know, the master class: politicians.

I think we must look at all options as far as helping the homeless people.

Why don't the Government look at topping up the rental for the Investors if we are supposed to help out. The Investor rents out property at a lower cost with the Goverment pays the difference.

Another way the Goverment can help people purchase more homes is by giving the home owner a Tax deduction on the interest payments made on their home. This way people can tustify purchasing a home that is theirs. Plus lowering the Stamp Duty on purchasing.

I have helped hundreds of clients get into Investment properties through www.npis.com.au, and I find it getting harder for many out there. By helping the people on claiming interest on their home will pur a whole new phase to owning a home.

Okay so far we've had one or two responses to the original question interspersed with people pushing barrows that have absolutely nothing to do with it.

PALE, this has nothing to do with Industrial Relations, DEMOS, this country is not going to move to the form of government your advocating, and for a nation of 20 million+ your form of government does not work.

As to the original question, I don't know. There is a good chance that the developers won't pass on the rebate to their renters. The problem with this whole area is that any money the government puts directly into the market is going to raise prices.