More than 100 Queenslanders were fined and forced to repay the First Home Owners Grant last financial year after being busted rorting the taxpayer-funded scheme. Treasurer Andrew Fraser yesterday revealed about $1 million was recovered during the 12 months, with penalties for rorters totalling $352,000. Figures released to The Sunday Mail show 126 applicants had to pay back the grant last financial year, and only one of those payments was voluntary. The most common method uncovered by the Office of State Revenue was people who did not live in their home for the required six continuous months of the first year of ownership. Other applicants had tried to pocket the grant for a second time, including cases when they were buying a new home with a partner. But Mr Fraser said the initiative was mostly a success that supported homebuyers doing the right thing. “The First Home Owners Grant has helped thousands of Queenslanders break into the property market and buy their first home.” he said. SOURCE: The Sunday Mail 25 July 2010.

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