This bill became law on Nov 29th, 2022.
Defence & foreign affairs
Defence Force members can get home loan subsidy support earlier, with permanent members qualifying after 2 years of service and reservists after 4 years.
A five-year post-service deadline, delayed access for serving members, accidental loan payoffs that could end subsidies, and a risk of unconstitutional unsupported payments exposed gaps in the scheme. The bill removes the deadline, lets members qualify earlier, protects subsidies after genuine mistakes, and creates a way to make and recover mistaken good-faith payments.
The Defence Home Ownership Assistance SchemeThe home loan subsidy program this bill changes, which helps eligible Defence members buy a home. had operated since 2008 as a retention benefit for ADFThe military force whose members can qualify for the housing subsidy in this scheme. members, but by 2022 the government said housing affordability pressures and practical gaps in the scheme were making it harder for serving members and veterans to get or keep support when they needed it. The bill responded by expanding earlier access, removing the five-year deadline for a final post-service subsidy certificateThe approval a member needs before the home loan subsidy can be paid., protecting subsidies after genuine mistakes and creating a lawful way to handle mistaken payments, before passing Parliament in November 2022.
The main criticism was not about helping defence members buy homes, but about whether the expansion was properly costed, adequately modelled and backed by enough staff to run it without creating new administrative problems. These concerns came mainly from Coalition speakers who still supported the bill, so the reservations were limited and conditional rather than outright opposition.
Matt Thistlethwaite MP introduced this bill. It passed on the voices.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 29 Nov 2022
Final passage
Passed without a counted vote
Members called out ‘aye’ or ‘no’ — no individual votes were recorded.
Passage speed
33 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
Defence Force members can get home loan subsidy support earlier, with permanent members qualifying after 2 years of service and reservists after 4 years.
People leaving the Defence Force can apply for their final home loan subsidy certificateThe approval a member needs before the home loan subsidy can be paid. at any time, instead of having to do it within 5 years.
A subsidy does not have to stop if a home loan was fully paid off because of a genuine error, mistake or accident.
The CommonwealthThe Australian Government, which pays the subsidy and can recover payments made by mistake. can make and recover mistaken subsidy payments made in good faith, and yearly public reports must disclose those payments.
Firstly, the bill expands access to the scheme by providing Defence members with access to the benefits earlier in their careers. This amendment reduces by half, the period of effective service that a Defence member must complete before they can access the scheme. The qualifying period will be reduced to two years for serving members and four years for reservists. So this means that a member of the permanent Defence Force will qualify in two years. For members of the reserves it's four years, and for a foreign service member it's two years.Second reading speech
Secondly, the bill allows veterans to apply for their final subsidy certificate at any time after they have separated from the Defence Force. Currently, veterans must apply to access the scheme within five years of separating from the Defence Force. Removing this limitation will ensure veterans can access the scheme at any time that suits them without feeling pressured to do so in that five-year period.Second reading speech
(2) The Secretary may, by writing, declare that an event mentioned in item 1 of the table in subsection (1) is taken not to have occurred in relation to a subsidised borrower if the Secretary is satisfied that all outstanding amounts due under the subsidised loan were paid as a result of a genuine error, mistake or accident.Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme Amendment Act 2022 final Act text
Finally, the bill provides a power to make and recover relevant payments, including overpayments, which may occur in the administration of the scheme. This technical amendment assists the scheme's administrators in efficiently processing subsidy payments. For transparency and good governance, the bill also requires the secretary to report any such payment every financial year.Second reading speech
Context
The Defence Home Ownership Assistance SchemeThe home loan subsidy program this bill changes, which helps eligible Defence members buy a home. had operated since 2008 as a retention benefit for ADFThe military force whose members can qualify for the housing subsidy in this scheme. members, but by 2022 the government said housing affordability pressures and practical gaps in the scheme were making it harder for serving members and veterans to get or keep support when they needed it. The bill responded by expanding earlier access, removing the five-year deadline for a final post-service subsidy certificateThe approval a member needs before the home loan subsidy can be paid., protecting subsidies after genuine mistakes and creating a lawful way to handle mistaken payments, before passing Parliament in November 2022.
Defence home ownership subsidy scheme begins
The scheme was established in 2008 and became a standing retention benefit for Defence Force members while also helping veterans and families into home ownership.
Hansard ↗Government moves to expand the scheme amid housing affordability pressure
When introducing the bill, the government said it was acting on an election commitment and that housing affordability had become one of the biggest issues facing Australians, including defence members and veterans.
Hansard ↗Bill targets gaps in access, deadlines and mistaken payments
The explanatory memorandumThe official document that explains what the bill does, why it was introduced, and how the changes are meant to work. said the amendments would let members qualify earlier, remove the five-year post-service application limit, protect subsidies after genuine mistakes and authorise recovery of mistaken good-faith payments.
Australian Parliament House ↗House passes the bill
The House completed its consideration of the bill, with speakers describing the changes as support for recruitment, retention and the transition from service to civilian life.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Parliament passes the bill
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, clearing the way for the expanded scheme rules to become law.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Royal AssentThe final step that turns the bill into an Act of Parliament. makes the changes law
Royal AssentThe final step that turns the bill into an Act of Parliament. turned the bill into an Act, finalising the legal basis for the broadened home loan subsidy arrangements.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Legislative route
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Referred to Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Reported from Federation Chamber
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Finally passed both Houses
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that turns the bill into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
The main criticism was not about helping defence members buy homes, but about whether the expansion was properly costed, adequately modelled and backed by enough staff to run it without creating new administrative problems. These concerns came mainly from Coalition speakers who still supported the bill, so the reservations were limited and conditional rather than outright opposition.
No party represented in the debate opposed the bill, but some speakers wanted closer review of costs and delivery.
Costing and administration doubts
Some opposition speakers argued the bill lowered eligibility thresholds without enough detail on the likely cost or whether Defence and Veterans' Affairs would get the extra staffing needed to administer the larger scheme properly.
Risk the changes may not work as intended
A smaller group warned the expanded scheme should be kept under review because easier eligibility alone might not deliver the intended recruitment and retention benefits, especially if lender access stayed narrow or housing conditions worsened as interest rates and inflation rose.
Further sources
Votes
The bill passed both chambers on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage.
House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Senate agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Thistlethwaite supports the bill and says Labor is expanding the Defence Home Ownership Assistance SchemeThe home loan subsidy program this bill changes, which helps eligible Defence members buy a home. to help more defence personnel and veterans buy homes sooner and with fewer barriers.
Read in Hansard ↗Phillip Thompson says the coalition will support the bill because it expands the Defence Home Ownership Assistance SchemeThe home loan subsidy program this bill changes, which helps eligible Defence members buy a home. and helps recruit, retain, and house ADFThe military force whose members can qualify for the housing subsidy in this scheme. members.
Read in Hansard ↗Neumann supports the bill and says it should pass because it expands and improves home ownership assistance for defence personnel and veterans, especially by lowering service thresholds and removing the post-separation time limit.
Read in Hansard ↗Rob Mitchell supports the bill and says it will help veterans and defence personnel by expanding access to the scheme, removing restrictive time limits, and fixing administrative problems that have left people without support.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
6 speakers · 7 contributions · 6 support
“These changes are due to commence on 1 January 2023, so I applaud the assistant minister for defence and veterans' affairs for bringing this bill forward to ensure that can happen. It's vital we pass this legislation before the end of the year. Doing so will allow ADF members and veterans to benefit from these generous arrangements from next year and will assist them and their families in working out what is going to happen with their housing arrangements in the next calendar year. I would expect these changes to boost homeownership amongst current and former defence personnel, which is a key plank of the Labor government's strategy going forward.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I proudly rise to support the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme Amendment Bill 2022, as it demonstrates that the Albanese government is showing up for those who are serving and those who have served our country. I reiterate the acknowledgement of service given by previous members speaking on this bill and add my voice to those remarks.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak in favour of the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme Amendment Bill 2022. On indulgence, I would like to acknowledge a couple of fellow vets in the chamber: the member for Menzies, who is my co-chair in the parliamentary friends of veterans group, and the former chair of the group, the member for Solomon, who are in the chamber with me whilst I give this speech.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Matt Thistlethwaite, including an amendment-moving contribution. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Moved amendment
Thistlethwaite supports the bill and says Labor is expanding the Defence Home Ownership Assistance SchemeThe home loan subsidy program this bill changes, which helps eligible Defence members buy a home. to help more defence personnel and veterans buy homes sooner and with fewer barriers. He presents it as a practical housing and retention measure and commends the bill.
“In conclusion, Labor created the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme, and now the Albanese Labor government is expanding. I commend the bill.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Matt Thistlethwaite supports the bill, saying it will expand access to the Defence Home Ownership Assistance SchemeThe home loan subsidy program this bill changes, which helps eligible Defence members buy a home. and help defence members and veterans buy homes earlier and with less pressure after leaving service. He backs the changes as part of Labor's commitment to retention, veterans' wellbeing and easing housing cost pressures.
“This bill demonstrates the commitment the Albanese Labor government made to boosting homeownership for defence members and veterans and to assisting veterans transitioning from military life to civilian life. As part of the government's election commitments, the bill will amend the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme to expand access to the scheme by providing defence members with access to benefits earlier in their career.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“I believe this is a great Labor reform that has stood the test of time, and that's why our government committed at the May election to boost defence homeownership by amending the scheme from 1 January next year. That's exactly what this bill does. The bill recognises that housing affordability is one of the biggest issues facing Australia and it responds to the struggles experienced by veterans during their transition to civilian life that too often ends in homelessness. It helps to give those serving defence members and veterans who need it a hand up to buy their own home. The bill reinforces and furthers the Albanese Labor government's commitment to retention in the Australian Defence Force, as I've mentioned, and to home ownership for members and veterans, which can be so much more difficult due to the nature of the service and the frequent moves required to meet ADF and our nation's needs. Of course, we have talked about veteran wellbeing. This bill is part of a suite of measures to support veterans, their families and members of the Defence Force to get into homeownership. It's a good policy.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The bill will also help our Defence personnel and veterans with the cost-of-living pressures that all Australians are feeling with regard to housing, which are making it increasingly difficult to achieve the great Australian dream of homeownership. Labor created the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme, and now the Albanese Labor government is expanding it. I commend the bill to the Senate.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
6 speakers · 6 support
“In closing, the coalition supports these amendments. The coalition has raised questions today, and I've also raised this with the minister's office. I do think that working collaboratively together in a bipartisan way for veterans, Veterans' Affairs and Defence is the best way forward to support our brave men and women who support us.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We need to do what we can in legislation such as this and the Veterans Affairs Legislation Amendment (Budget Measures) Bill, which will follow this current motion. We need to do what we can to make sure we pass good legislation, and that is why the coalition is supporting this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I commend the government on the amendments. They have our support. We should keep an eye on it as inflation rises and interest rates rise. I repeat my plea that every mortgage provider in the nation gets on board, is there for veterans and uses this scheme. They will be great customers of yours. If you put them first, they will reward you. I commend the bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The coalition in opposition supports this bill, the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme Amendment Bill. It supports the bill because we want to provide and see a strong ADF. We want to see a strong ADF that retains its members.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“But, in broad terms, I think it's quite clear that this is a good piece of legislation. The coalition absolutely supports any measure that helps our Defence Force, its serving members past and present, to continue to make the contribution that they do with these added incentives and a degree of peace of mind around homeownership and the costs associated with it, particularly at a time when we are seeing mortgage interest rates increase to the extent they are. This will be welcome relief to current and past members of our ADF. On that basis, I've stated the coalition's position and I commend the bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This is a bill that I am quite confident all members of the House will be very comfortable supporting. It loosens the criteria that is in place to support veterans to buy a home. How could anyone oppose that? It is excellent that the scheme has been in place since, I believe, 1991, from memory. It has been reformed over the years, but this is an opportunity for us to improve and increase the support that is provided to veterans to buy a home.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Record
House · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
House · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Referred to Federation Chamber
Referred to Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
House · Reported from Federation Chamber
Reported from Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Senate · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Senate · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Senate · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Senate · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Senate · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Parliament · Finally passed both Houses
Passed both houses
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Assent · Assent
Assent
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that turns the bill into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.
