First Home Owner Grant Act 2000 (TAS)

First Home Owner Grant Act 2000

An Act to encourage and assist home ownership, and to offset the effect of the GST on the acquisition of a first home, by establishing a scheme for the payment of grants to first home owners

[Royal Assent 16 June 2000]

Be it enacted by His Excellency the Governor of Tasmania, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council and House of Assembly, in Parliament assembled, as follows:

PART 1Preliminary1Short titleThis Act may be cited as the First Home Owner Grant Act 2000. 2CommencementThis Act commences on 1 July 2000. 3Interpretation (1)  In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears – Australian citizen means an Australian citizen as defined in the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 of the Commonwealth; authorised investigation has the meaning given by section 32; [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 46 of 2008, s. 21, Applied:18 Nov 2008] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 46 of 2008, s. 21, Applied:18 Nov 2008] authorised officer means a person appointed as an authorised officer under section 31A; building includes part of a building; commencement date, in relation to an eligible transaction, has the meaning given by section 13(4); Commissioner means the Commissioner of State Revenue; completed, in relation to an eligible transaction, has the meaning given by section 13(5); comprehensive home building contract means a contract under which a builder undertakes to build a home on land from the inception of the building work to the point where the home is ready for occupation and, if for any reason the work to be carried out under such a contract is not completed, includes any further contract under which the work is to be completed; consideration, in relation to an eligible transaction, has the meaning given by section 13(7); corresponding law means an Act of another State, or a Territory, corresponding to this Act; eligibility criteria means the criteria, set out in Division 2 of Part 2, for determining whether an applicant for a first home owner grant is eligible for the grant; eligible transaction has the meaning given by section 13(1); first home owner grant means a grant authorised under section 17; first home owner grant scheme means the scheme for payment of first home owner grants established under this Act; function includes a power; guardian, in relation to a person under a legal disability, includes a trustee who holds property on trust for the person under an instrument of trust or by order or direction of a court or tribunal; home has the meaning given by section 4; [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 22 of 2013, s. 6, Applied:01 Jul 2013] new home means – (a) a home that has not previously been occupied or sold as a place of residence; or (b) a home that – (i) under section 40-75(1)(b) of the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 of the Commonwealth, would be considered new residential premises due to substantial renovations; and (ii) has not been occupied or sold as a place of residence since those substantial renovations were completed; option to purchase includes a right of preemption or a right of first refusal; owner means – (a) in relation to land, a person who has a relevant interest in the land; and (b) in relation to a home, a person who has a relevant interest in the land on which the home is built; owner builder means an owner of land who builds a home, or has a home built, on the land without entering into a comprehensive home building contract; [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 94 of 2000, s. 4, Applied:01 Jul 2000] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 94 of 2000, s. 4, Applied:01 Jul 2000] permanent resident means – (a) the holder of a permanent visa within the meaning of section 30 of the Migration Act 1958 of the Commonwealth; or (b) a New Zealand citizen who holds a special category visa within the meaning of section 32 of the Migration Act 1958 of the Commonwealth; relevant interest has the meaning given by section 5(2), (3) and (4); [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 79 of 2003, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2004] residence requirement means the requirement that an applicant for a first home owner grant must occupy the home to which the application relates as the applicant’s principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months (or any lesser period approved by the Commissioner under section 12(1A) ) commencing within the 12-month period immediately after the completion of the eligible transaction or a longer period approved by the Commissioner; residential property has the meaning given by subsection (2); spouse has the meaning given by section 6; taxation law means a law for the assessment or imposition of a tax. (2)  [Section 3 Subsection (2) amended by No. 6 of 2010, s. 13, Applied:09 Jul 2010] For the purpose of this Act, land in Australia is residential property at a particular time if there is, at that time, a building on the land lawfully occupied as a place of residence and suitable for occupation as a place of residence. 4HomesA home is a building (affixed to land) that – (a) may lawfully be used as a place of residence; and (b) is, in the Commissioner’s opinion, a suitable building for use as a place of residence. 5Ownership of land and homes (1) A person is an owner of a home or a home owner if the person has a relevant interest in land on which a home is built. (2)  Each of the following is, subject to subsection (3), a relevant interest in land: (a) an estate in fee simple in the land; (b) a life estate in the land approved by the Commissioner; (c) a perpetual lease of the land granted by the Commonwealth or the State; (d) a leasehold interest in the land granted by the Commonwealth or the State that may be converted under the terms of the lease or by statute into an estate in fee simple; (e) an interest as purchaser under a contract for the purchase from the Commonwealth or the State of an estate in fee simple in the land by instalments; (f) a licence or right of occupancy granted by the Commonwealth or the State that gives, in the Commissioner’s opinion, the licensee or the holder of the right reasonable security of tenure; (g) an interest in a company’s shares if the Commissioner is satisfied that – (i) the interest entitles the holder of the interest to exclusive occupation of a specified home owned by the company; and (ii) the value of the shares is not less than the value of the company’s interest in the home. (3)  Subject to subsection (4)  – (a) an interest is not a relevant interest at a particular time unless the holder of the interest has, or will have within 12 months after that time (or a longer time allowed by the Commissioner), a right to immediate occupation of the land; and (b) an interest is not a relevant interest in the hands of a person who holds it subject to a trust; and (c) an equitable interest is not a relevant interest unless it is the interest of a person under a legal disability for whom a guardian holds the interest on trust. (4) The Commissioner may recognise an interest (a non-conforming interest) as a relevant interest in land even though the interest may not conform with subsections (2) and (3) (and even though the interest may not be recognised at law or in equity as an interest in land) if there is, in the Commissioner’s opinion, good reason to do so. (5) If the Commissioner recognises a non-conforming interest as a relevant interest in land and, in consequence, a first home owner grant is to be paid, the Commissioner may impose appropriate conditions on the payment of the grant to ensure its recovery if suppositions about future conduct or events made by the Commissioner in recognising the interest later prove to be incorrect. 6Spouses (1) A person is the spouse of another if – (a) they are legally married; or (b) [Section 6 Subsection (1) amended by No. 45 of 2003, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jan 2004] they are in a significant relationship, within the meaning of the Relationships Act 2003. (2) If the Commissioner is satisfied that, at the time of deciding an application for a first home owner grant, an applicant – (a) is legally married but not cohabiting with the person to whom the applicant is legally married; and (b) has no intention of resuming cohabitation – the person to whom the applicant is legally married is not to be regarded as the applicant’s spouse. PART 2First home owner grantDivision 1Entitlement to grant7Entitlement to grant (1) A first home owner grant is payable on an application under this Act if – (a) the applicant or, if there are 2 or more of them, each of the applicants complies with the eligibility criteria; and (b) the transaction for which the grant is sought – (i) is an eligible transaction; and (ii) has been completed. (2)  Despite subsection (1)(a), an applicant need not comply with the eligibility criteria to the extent the applicant is exempted from compliance by or under this Act. (3) Only one first home owner grant is payable for the same eligible transaction. (4)  [Section 7 Subsection (4) inserted by No. 15 of 2020, Sched. 1, Applied:04 Jun 2020] A first home owner grant is not payable in respect of a transaction if the Tasmanian HomeBuilder grant, within the meaning of the HomeBuilder Grants Act 2020, has been paid in respect of the transaction. Division 2Eligibility criteria (applicants)8Criterion 1 – Applicant to be a natural person and at least 18 years of age [Section 8 Substituted by No. 79 of 2003, s. 5, Applied:15 Oct 2003] (1) An applicant for a first home owner grant must be – (a) a natural person; and (b) at least 18 years of age. (2) The Commissioner may exempt an applicant from the requirement in subsection (1)(b) if the Commissioner is satisfied that – (a) the home to which the application relates will be occupied by the applicant as his or her principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months (or any lesser period approved by the Commissioner under section 12(1A) ) commencing within the 12-month period immediately after completion of the eligible transaction or within a longer period approved by the Commissioner; and (b) the application does not form part of a scheme to circumvent limitations on, or requirements affecting, eligibility for or entitlement to a first home owner grant. 9Criterion 2 – Applicant to be Australian citizen or permanent resident (1)  Subject to subsection (2), an applicant for a first home owner grant must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident. (2) If an application is made by joint applicants and one of the applicants is an Australian citizen or a permanent resident, it is not necessary for the other or others to be Australian citizens or permanent residents. 10Criterion 3 – Applicant (or applicant's spouse) must not have received an earlier grant (1)  Subject to subsection (2), an applicant is ineligible if – (a) the applicant or the applicant’s spouse has been a party to an earlier application under this Act or a corresponding law; and (b) a grant was paid on the application. (2)  [Section 10 Subsection (2) amended by No. 79 of 2003, s. 6, Applied:01 Jan 2004] An applicant is not ineligible if the grant was paid but later paid back. 11Criterion 4 – Applicant (or applicant's spouse) must not have had relevant interest in residential property (1) An applicant is ineligible if the applicant or the applicant’s spouse has, before 1 July 2000, held – (a) a relevant interest in residential property in Tasmania; or (b) an interest in residential property in another State or a Territory that is a relevant interest under the corresponding law of that State or Territory. (2)  In working out for the purposes of subsection (1) whether an applicant held a relevant interest (within the meaning of this Act or a corresponding law) in residential property at a particular time, any deferment of the applicant’s right of occupation (because the property was subject to a lease) is to be disregarded. (3)  [Section 11 Subsection (3) substituted by No. 6 of 2010, s. 14, Applied:09 Jul 2010] An applicant is also ineligible if the applicant or the applicant’s spouse has, at any time before the commencement date of the eligible transaction to which the application relates – (a) held a relevant interest in residential property in Tasmania or an interest in residential property in another State or a Territory that is a relevant interest under the corresponding law of that State or Territory; and (b) occupied the property as a place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months. 12Criterion 5 – Residence and ownership requirement (1)  [Section 12 Subsection (1) substituted by No. 79 of 2003, s. 7, Applied:01 Jan 2004] An applicant for a first home owner grant must occupy the home to which the application relates as the applicant’s principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months (or any lesser period approved by the Commissioner under subsection (1A) ) commencing within the 12-month period immediately after completion of the eligible transaction or within a longer period approved by the Commissioner. (1A)  [Section 12 Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 79 of 2003, s. 7, Applied:01 Jan 2004] The Commissioner may approve a lesser period of occupation under subsection (1) if the Commissioner is satisfied that there are good reasons why the applicant cannot comply with the requirement to occupy the home for 6 months. (1B)  [Section 12 Subsection (1B) inserted by No. 41 of 2013, s. 32, Applied:21 Oct 2013] A decision to approve a lesser period of occupation, or to approve a longer period before occupation is commenced, may be made at any time before a decision on the application has been reversed or varied under section 23. (2) The Commissioner may exempt an applicant (the "non-complying applicant") from the residence requirement if – (a) the applicant is one of 2 or more joint applicants for a first home owner grant; and (b) at least one of the applicants complies with the residence requirement; and (c) there are, in the Commissioner’s opinion, good reasons to exempt the non-complying applicant from the residence requirement. (3)  [Section 12 Subsection (3) inserted by No. 14 of 2011, s. 13, Applied:28 Jun 2011] An applicant must retain his or her relevant interest in the land to which the application relates until the residence requirement has been satisfied. Division 3Eligible transactions13Eligible transaction (1) An eligible transaction is any of the following: (a) [Section 13 Subsection (1) amended by No. 22 of 2013, s. 7, Applied:01 Jul 2013] a contract made on or after 1 July 2000 and before 1 July 2014 for the purchase of a home in the State; (ab) [Section 13 Subsection (1) amended by No. 22 of 2013, s. 7, Applied:01 Jul 2013] a contract made on or after 1 July 2000 for the purchase of a new home in the State; (b) a comprehensive home building contract made on or after 1 July 2000 by the owner of land in the State, or a person who will, on completion of the contract, be the owner of land in the State, to have a home built on the land; (c) the building of a home in the State by an owner builder if the building work commences on or after 1 July 2000. (2) A contract is a contract for the purchase of a home if the contract is a contract for the acquisition of a relevant interest in land on which a home is built. (3) A contract is not an eligible transaction if the Commissioner is of the opinion that it forms part of a scheme to circumvent limitations on, or requirements affecting, eligibility or entitlement to a first home owner grant and the Commissioner will, unless satisfied to the contrary, presume the existence of such a scheme if – (a) in the case of a contract to purchase a home, the purchaser had an option to purchase the home granted before 1 July 2000 or the vendor had an option to require the purchaser to purchase the home granted before that date; or (b) [Section 13 Subsection (3) amended by No. 8 of 2008, s. 21, Applied:02 May 2008] in the case of a comprehensive home building contract, either party had a right or option granted before 1 July 2000 to require the other to enter into the contract. (4) The commencement date of an eligible transaction is – (a) in the case of a contract, the date when the contract is made; or (b) in the case of the building of a home by an owner builder – (i) the date when laying the foundations for the home commences; or (ii) another date the Commissioner considers appropriate in the circumstances of the case. (5) Subject to any qualifications prescribed by regulation, an eligible transaction is completed when – (a) in the case of a contract for the purchase of a home – (i) the purchaser becomes entitled to possession of the home under the contract; and (ii) if the purchaser is to obtain a registered title to the land on which the home is situated, the necessary steps to obtain registration of the purchaser’s title have been taken; or (b) in the case of a contract to have a home built, the building is ready for occupation as a place of residence; or (c) in the case of the building of a home by an owner builder, the building is ready for occupation as a place of residence. (6)  [Section 13 Subsection (6) amended by No. 43 of 2016, s. 11, Applied:31 Oct 2016] If a person purchases a moveable building (being, if the moveable building is purchased after the day on which the amendment to this subsection made by the Taxation and Related Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2016 commences, a new moveable building) and intends to use it as a place of residence on land in which the person has a relevant interest but on which it is not situated at the time of purchase – (a) this Act applies as if the person were an owner builder building a home on the land; and (b) the commencement date of the transaction is taken to be the date of the contract to purchase the moveable building; and (c) the transaction is taken to be completed when the moveable building is ready for occupation as a place of residence on land in which the purchaser has a relevant interest. (7) The consideration for an eligible transaction is – (a) in the case of a contract for the purchase of a home, the consideration for the purchase; or (b) in the case of a comprehensive home building contract, the total consideration payable for the building work; or (c) in the case of the building of a home by an owner builder, the actual costs to the owner of carrying out the work (excluding any allowance for the owner builder’s own labour). Division 4Application for grant14Application for grant (1) An application for a first home owner grant is to be made to the Commissioner. (2)  An application – (a) must be in a form approved by the Commissioner; and (b) must contain the information required by the Commissioner. (3) An applicant must provide the Commissioner with any further information the Commissioner requires to decide the application. (4) Information provided by an applicant in or in relation to an application must, if the Commissioner so requires, be verified by statutory declaration or supported by other evidence required by the Commissioner. (5)  An application may only be made within a period (the "application period") – (a) commencing on the commencement date of the eligible transaction to which the application relates; and (b) ending 12 months after the completion of the eligible transaction to which the application relates. (6) However, the Commissioner has a discretion to allow an application before or after the application period. (7) An applicant may, with the Commissioner’s consent, amend an application. 15All interested persons to join in application (1)  All interested persons must be applicants. (2) An interested person is a person who is, or will be, on completion of the eligible transaction to which the application relates, an owner of the relevant home except such a person who is excluded from the application of this section under the regulations. 16Application on behalf of person under legal disability (1) An application may be made on behalf of a person under a legal disability by a guardian. (2)  For the purpose of determining eligibility, the person under the legal disability is to be regarded as the applicant. Division 5Decision on application17Commissioner to decide applications (1) If the Commissioner is satisfied that a first home owner grant is payable on an application, the Commissioner must authorise the payment of the grant. (2) The Commissioner may authorise the payment of a first home owner grant before completion of the eligible transaction if satisfied that – (a) there are good reasons for doing so; and (b) the interests of the State can be adequately protected by conditions requiring repayment of the grant if the transaction is not completed within a reasonable time. 18Amount of grant [Section 18 Amended by No. 14 of 2011, s. 14, Applied:28 Jun 2011] [Section 18 Substituted by No. 3 of 2013, s. 9, Applied:01 Jan 2013] (1) The amount of a first home owner grant is the lesser of the following: (a) the consideration for the eligible transaction; (b) the amount specified in subsection (2).

Note: Where the consideration is zero, a grant is not payable.

(2)  For subsection (1)(b)  – (a) if the first home owner grant relates to an eligible transaction that satisfies section 18A, the amount is $15 000; or (ab) [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 5 of 2014, s. 4, Applied:07 Nov 2013] if the first home owner grant relates to an eligible transaction that satisfies section 18B, the amount is $30 000; or (ac) [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 20 of 2014, s. 4, Applied:09 Dec 2014] if the first home owner grant relates to an eligible transaction that satisfies section 18C, the amount is $20 000; or (ad) [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 43 of 2016, s. 12, Applied:31 Oct 2016] if the first home owner grant relates to an eligible transaction that satisfies section 18D, the amount is $20 000; or (ae) [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 24 of 2017, s. 6, Applied:01 Jul 2017] if the first home owner grant relates to an eligible transaction that satisfies section 18E, the amount is $20 000; or (af) [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 5 of 2018, s. 15, Applied:01 Jul 2018] if the first home owner grant relates to an eligible transaction that satisfies section 18F, the amount is $20 000; or (ag) [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 16 of 2019, s. 4, Applied:28 Jun 2019] if the first home owner grant relates to an eligible transaction that satisfies section 18G, the amount is $20 000; or (ah) [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 9 of 2020, s. 5, Applied:01 Apr 2020] if the first home owner grant relates to an eligible transaction that satisfies section 18H, the amount is $20 000; or (ai) [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 8 of 2021, s. 11, Applied:01 Apr 2021] if the first home owner grant relates to an eligible transaction that satisfies section 18I, the amount is $30 000; or (aj) [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 8 of 2022, s. 9, Applied:01 Jul 2022] if the first home owner grant relates to an eligible transaction that satisfies section 18J, the amount is $30 000; or (ak) [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 13 of 2023, s. 6, Applied:01 Jul 2023] if the first home owner grant relates to an eligible transaction that satisfies section 18K, the amount is $30 000; or (b) [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 5 of 2014, s. 4, Applied:07 Nov 2013] [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 20 of 2014, s. 4, Applied:09 Dec 2014] [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 43 of 2016, s. 12, Applied:31 Oct 2016] [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 24 of 2017, s. 6, Applied:01 Jul 2017] [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 5 of 2018, s. 15, Applied:01 Jul 2018] [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 16 of 2019, s. 4, Applied:28 Jun 2019] [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 9 of 2020, s. 5, Applied:01 Apr 2020] [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 8 of 2021, s. 11, Applied:01 Apr 2021] [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 8 of 2022, s. 9, Applied:01 Jul 2022] [Section 18 Subsection (2) amended by No. 13 of 2023, s. 6, Applied:01 Jul 2023] if the first home owner grant relates to an eligible transaction that does not satisfy section 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, 18F, 18G, 18H, 18I, 18J or 18K, the amount is – (i) if the eligible transaction commenced on or before 30 June 2015, $7 000; and (ii) if the eligible transaction commenced on or after 1 July 2015, $10 000. 18AConditions on increase of grant [Section 18A Inserted by No. 3 of 2013, s. 9, Applied:01 Jan 2013] (1)  In this section –[Section 18A Subsection (1) amended by No. 5 of 2014, s. 5, Applied:01 Jan 2013] [Section 18A Subsection (1) amended by No. 5 of 2014, s. 5, Applied:01 Jan 2013] commencement of building means the date of completion of the laying of the foundations for the building or, if no foundations are to be laid, a date determined by the Commissioner; contract for an off-the-plan purchase, in relation to a new home, means a contract for both – (a) the purchase of land, or an interest in land; and (b) [Section 18A Subsection (1) amended by No. 17 of 1996, Applied:07 Jan 2014] the construction of a new home on that land. [Section 18A Subsection (1) amended by No. 22 of 2013, s. 8, Applied:01 Jul 2013] (2) An eligible transaction satisfies this section if – (a) [Section 18A Subsection (2) amended by No. 5 of 2014, s. 5, Applied:01 Jan 2013] the commencement date of the eligible transaction is on or after 1 January 2013 but before 7 November 2013; and (b) where the eligible transaction is – (i) a comprehensive home building contract for a new home – (A) the commencement of building under the comprehensive home building contract occurs within 26 weeks of the date of the contract; and (B) the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5) within 24 months after the commencement of building under the comprehensive home building contract; or (ii) the building of a new home by an owner builder – (A) [Section 18A Subsection (2) amended by No. 5 of 2014, s. 5, Applied:01 Jan 2013] the commencement of building occurs on or after 1 January 2013 but before 7 November 2013; and (B) the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5) within 24 months after the commencement of building; or (iii) a contract for an off-the-plan purchase of a new home – (A) [Section 18A Subsection (2) amended by No. 5 of 2014, s. 5, Applied:01 Jan 2013] the commencement of building occurs on or after 1 January 2013 but before 7 November 2013; and (B) the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5) within 24 months after the commencement of building; or (iv) a contract for the purchase of a new home, the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5). (2A)  [Section 18A Subsection (2A) inserted by No. 5 of 2014, s. 5, Applied:01 Jan 2013] If satisfied there are good reasons to do so and if a request by the applicant is made before a decision on the application has been reversed or varied under section 23, the Commissioner may – (a) extend the period referred to in subsection (2) for the commencement of building notwithstanding that that period has expired; or (b) extend the period referred to in subsection (2) for the eligible transaction to complete notwithstanding that that period has expired. (3)  Despite subsection (2), an eligible transaction does not satisfy this section if the Commissioner considers that the eligible transaction replaces a transaction, entered into before 1 January 2013, for the same property between substantially, or that benefits substantially, the same parties. (4)  For the avoidance of doubt, a payment under this Act of $15 000 that – (a) was made in anticipation of Part 3 of the Jobs Package (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2013 receiving the Royal Assent; and (b) was made after 1 January 2013 but before Part 3 of the Jobs Package (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2013 received the Royal Assent – is taken to be a first home owner grant payment for the purposes of this Act. 18BConditions on further increase of grant [Section 18B Inserted by No. 5 of 2014, s. 6, Applied:07 Nov 2013] (1)  In this section – commencement of building means the date of completion of the laying of the foundations for the building or, if no foundations are to be laid, a date determined by the Commissioner; contract for an off-the-plan purchase, in relation to a new home, means a contract for both – (a) the purchase of land, or an interest in land; and (b) the construction of a new home on that land. (2) An eligible transaction satisfies this section if – (a) the commencement date of the eligible transaction is on or after 7 November 2013 but before 1 January 2015; and (b) where the eligible transaction is – (i) a comprehensive home building contract for a new home – (A) the commencement of building under the comprehensive home building contract occurs within 26 weeks of the date of the contract; and (B) the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5) within 24 months after the commencement of building under the comprehensive home building contract; or (ii) the building of a new home by an owner builder – (A) the commencement of building occurs on or after 7 November 2013 but before 1 January 2015; and (B) the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5) within 24 months after the commencement of building; or (iii) a contract for an off-the-plan purchase of a new home – (A) the commencement of building occurs on or after 7 November 2013 but before 1 January 2015; and (B) the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5) within 24 months after the commencement of building; or (iv) a contract for the purchase of a new home, the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5). (3)  If satisfied there are good reasons to do so and if a request by the applicant is made before a decision on the application has been reversed or varied under section 23, the Commissioner may – (a) extend the period referred to in subsection (2) for the commencement of building notwithstanding that that period has expired; or (b) extend the period referred to in subsection (2) for the eligible transaction to complete notwithstanding that that period has expired. (4)  Despite subsection (2), an eligible transaction does not satisfy this section if the Commissioner considers that the eligible transaction replaces a transaction, entered into before 7 November 2013, for the same property between substantially, or that benefits substantially, the same parties. (5)  For the avoidance of doubt, a payment of $30 000 that – (a) was made in anticipation of the First Home Owner Grant Amendment Act 2014 receiving the Royal Assent; and (b) was made on or after 7 November 2013 but before the First Home Owner Grant Amendment Act 2014 received the Royal Assent – is taken to be a first home owner grant payment for the purposes of this Act. 18CConditions on increase of grant [Section 18C Inserted by No. 20 of 2014, s. 5, Applied:09 Dec 2014] (1)  In this section – commencement of building means the date of completion of the laying of the foundations for the building or, if no foundations are to be laid, a date determined by the Commissioner; contract for an off-the-plan purchase, in relation to a new home, means a contract for both – (a) the purchase of land, or an interest in land; and (b) the construction of a new home on that land. (2) An eligible transaction satisfies this section if – (a) [Section 18C Subsection (2) amended by No. 23 of 2015, s. 4, Applied:01 Jul 2015] the commencement date of the eligible transaction is on or after 1 January 2015 but before 1 January 2016; and (b) where the eligible transaction is – (i) a comprehensive home building contract for a new home – (A) the commencement of building under the comprehensive home building contract occurs within 26 weeks of the date of the contract; and (B) the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5) within 24 months after the commencement of building under the comprehensive home building contract; or (ii) the building of a new home by an owner builder – (A) [Section 18C Subsection (2) amended by No. 23 of 2015, s. 4, Applied:01 Jul 2015] the commencement of building occurs on or after 1 January 2015 but before 1 January 2016; and (B) the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5) within 24 months after the commencement of building; or (iii) a contract for an off-the-plan purchase of a new home – (A) [Section 18C Subsection (2) amended by No. 23 of 2015, s. 4, Applied:01 Jul 2015] the commencement of building occurs on or after 1 January 2015 but before 1 January 2016; and (B) the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5) within 24 months after the commencement of building; or (iv) a contract for the purchase of a new home, the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5). (3)  If satisfied there are good reasons to do so and if a request by the applicant is made before a decision on the application has been reversed or varied under section 23, the Commissioner may – (a) extend the period referred to in subsection (2) for the commencement of building notwithstanding that that period has expired; or (b) extend the period referred to in subsection (2) for the eligible transaction to complete notwithstanding that that period has expired. (4)  Despite subsection (2), an eligible transaction does not satisfy this section if the Commissioner considers that the eligible transaction replaces a transaction, entered into before 1 January 2015, for the same property between substantially, or that benefits substantially, the same parties. 18DConditions on increase of grant [Section 18D Inserted by No. 43 of 2016, s. 13, Applied:31 Oct 2016] (1)  In this section – contract for an off-the-plan purchase, in relation to a new home, means a contract for both – (a) the purchase of land or an interest in land; and (b) the construction of a new home on that land. (2) An eligible transaction satisfies this section if – (a) the commencement date of the eligible transaction is on or after 1 July 2016 but before 1 July 2017; and (b) the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5) within 24 months after the commencement date of the eligible transaction. (3)  If satisfied there are good reasons to do so and if a request by the applicant is made before a decision on the application has been varied or reversed under section 23, the Commissioner may extend the period referred to in subsection (2) for the eligible transaction to be completed even though the period has expired. (4)  Despite subsection (2), an eligible transaction does not satisfy this section if the Commissioner considers that the eligible transaction replaces a transaction, entered into before 1 July 2016, that is for the same property and that is between substantially, or that benefits substantially, the same parties. (5)  For the avoidance of doubt, a payment of $20 000 that – (a) was made in anticipation of Part 4 of the Taxation and Related Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2016 receiving the Royal Assent; and (b) was made on or after 1 July 2016 but before the Taxation and Related Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2016 received the Royal Assent – is taken to be a first home owner grant payment, for the purposes of this Act, made in relation to an eligible transaction to which this section, as amended by that Act, applies. 18EConditions on increase in grant [Section 18E Inserted by No. 24 of 2017, s. 7, Applied:01 Jul 2017] (1) An eligible transaction satisfies this section if – (a) the commencement date of the eligible transaction is on or after 1 July 2017 but before 1 July 2018; and (b) the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5) within 24 months after the commencement date of the eligible transaction. (2)  If satisfied there are good reasons to do so and if a request by the applicant is made before a decision on the application has been varied or reversed under section 23, the Commissioner may extend the period referred to in subsection (1) for the eligible transaction to be completed, even though the period has expired. (3)  Despite subsection (1), an eligible transaction does not satisfy this section if the Commissioner considers that the eligible transaction replaces a transaction, entered into before 1 July 2017, that is for the same property and that is between substantially, or that benefits substantially, the same parties. (4)  For the avoidance of doubt, a payment of $20 000 that – (a) was made in anticipation of the Taxation and Grants Legislation (Housing Construction Amendments) Act 2017 commencing; and (b) was made on or after 1 July 2017 but before the Taxation and Grants Legislation (Housing Construction Amendments) Act 2017 commenced – is taken to be a first home owner grant payment, for the purposes of this Act, made in relation to an eligible transaction to which this section, as amended by that Act, applies. 18FConditions on increase in grant [Section 18F Inserted by No. 5 of 2018, s. 16, Applied:01 Jul 2018] (1) An eligible transaction satisfies this section if – (a) the commencement date of the eligible transaction is on or after 1 July 2018 but before 1 July 2019; and (b) the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5) within 24 months after the commencement date of the eligible transaction. (2)  If satisfied there are good reasons to do so and if a request by the applicant is made before a decision on the application has been varied or reversed under section 23, the Commissioner may extend the period referred to in subsection (1) for the eligible transaction to be completed, even though the period has expired. (3)  Despite subsection (1), an eligible transaction does not satisfy this section if the Commissioner considers that the eligible transaction replaces a transaction, entered into before 1 July 2018, that is for the same property and that is between substantially, or that benefits substantially, the same parties. (4)  For the avoidance of doubt, a payment of $20 000 that – (a) was made in anticipation of the Taxation Related Legislation (Housing Availability and Payroll Relief) Act 2018 receiving the Royal Assent; and (b) was made on or after 1 July 2018 but before the Taxation Related Legislation (Housing Availability and Payroll Relief) Act 2018 received the Royal Assent – is taken to be a first home owner grant payment, for the purposes of this Act, made in relation to an eligible transaction to which this section, as inserted by that Act, applies. 18GConditions on increase in grant [Section 18G Inserted by No. 16 of 2019, s. 5, Applied:28 Jun 2019] (1) An eligible transaction satisfies this section if – (a) the commencement date of the eligible transaction is on or after 1 July 2019 but before 1 July 2020; and (b) the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5) within 24 months after the commencement date of the eligible transaction. (2)  If satisfied there are good reasons to do so and if a request by the applicant is made before a decision on the application has been varied or reversed under section 23, the Commissioner may extend the period referred to in subsection (1) for the eligible transaction to be completed, even though the period has expired. (3)  Despite subsection (1), an eligible transaction does not satisfy this section if the Commissioner considers that the eligible transaction replaces a transaction, entered into before 1 July 2019, that is for the same property and that is between substantially, or that benefits substantially, the same parties. (4)  For the avoidance of doubt, a payment of $20 000 that – (a) was made in anticipation of the First Home Owner Grant Amendment Act 2019 receiving the Royal Assent; and (b) was made on or after 1 July 2019 but before the First Home Owner Grant Amendment Act 2019 received the Royal Assent – is taken to be a first home owner grant payment, for the purposes of this Act, made in relation to an eligible transaction to which this section, as inserted by that Act, applies. 18HConditions on increase in grant [Section 18H Inserted by No. 9 of 2020, s. 6, Applied:01 Apr 2020] (1) An eligible transaction satisfies this section if – (a) [Section 18H Subsection (1) amended by No. 8 of 2021, s. 12, Applied:01 Apr 2021] the commencement date of the eligible transaction is on or after 1 July 2020 but before 1 April 2021; and (b) the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5) within 24 months after the commencement date of the eligible transaction. (2)  If satisfied there are good reasons to do so and if a request by the applicant is made before a decision on the application has been varied or reversed under section 23, the Commissioner may extend the period referred to in subsection (1) for the eligible transaction to be completed, even though the period has expired. (3)  Despite subsection (1), an eligible transaction does not satisfy this section if the Commissioner considers that the eligible transaction replaces a transaction, entered into before 1 July 2020, that is for the same property and that is between substantially, or that benefits substantially, the same parties. (4)  For the avoidance of doubt, a payment of $20 000 that – (a) was made in anticipation of the Taxation and Related Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2020 receiving the Royal Assent; and (b) was made on or after 1 July 2020 but before the Taxation and Related Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2020 received the Royal Assent – is taken to be a first home owner grant payment, for the purposes of this Act, made in relation to an eligible transaction to which this section, as inserted by that Act, applies. 18IConditions on increase in grant [Section 18I Inserted by No. 8 of 2021, s. 13, Applied:01 Apr 2021] (1) An eligible transaction satisfies this section if – (a) the commencement date of the eligible transaction is on or after 1 April 2021 but before 1 July 2022; and (b) the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5) within 24 months after the commencement date of the eligible transaction. (2)  If satisfied there are good reasons to do so and if a request by the applicant is made before a decision on the application has been varied or reversed under section 23, the Commissioner may extend the period referred to in subsection (1) for the eligible transaction to be completed, even though the period has expired. (3)  Despite subsection (1), an eligible transaction does not satisfy this section if the Commissioner considers that the eligible transaction replaces a transaction, entered into before 1 April 2021, that is for the same property and that is between substantially, or that benefits substantially, the same parties. (4)  For the avoidance of doubt, a payment of $30 000 that – (a) was made in anticipation of the Treasury Miscellaneous (Cost of Living and Affordable Housing Support) Bill 2021 receiving the Royal Assent; and (b) was made on or after 1 April 2021 but before the Treasury Miscellaneous (Cost of Living and Affordable Housing Support) Bill 2021 received the Royal Assent – is taken to be a first home owner grant payment, for the purposes of this Act, made in relation to an eligible transaction to which this section, as inserted by that Act, applies. 18JConditions on increase in grant [Section 18J Inserted by No. 8 of 2022, s. 10, Applied:01 Jul 2022] (1) An eligible transaction satisfies this section if – (a) the commencement date of the eligible transaction is on or after 1 July 2022 but before 1 July 2023; and (b) the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5) within 24 months after the commencement date of the eligible transaction. (2)  If satisfied there are good reasons to do so and if a request by the applicant is made before a decision on the application has been varied or reversed under section 23, the Commissioner may extend the period referred to in subsection (1) for the eligible transaction to be completed, even though the period has expired. (3)  Despite subsection (1), an eligible transaction does not satisfy this section if the Commissioner considers that the eligible transaction replaces a transaction, entered into before 1 July 2022, that is for the same property and that is between substantially, or that benefits substantially, the same parties. (4)  For the avoidance of doubt, a payment of $30 000 that – (a) was made in anticipation of the Treasury Miscellaneous (Affordable Housing and Youth Employment Support) Act 2022 receiving the Royal Assent; and (b) was made on or after 1 July 2022 but before the Treasury Miscellaneous (Affordable Housing and Youth Employment Support) Act 2022 received the Royal Assent – is taken to be a first home owner grant payment, for the purposes of this Act, made in relation to an eligible transaction to which this section, as inserted by that Act, applies. 18KConditions on increase in grant [Section 18K Inserted by No. 13 of 2023, s. 7, Applied:01 Jul 2023] (1) An eligible transaction satisfies this section if – (a) the commencement date of the eligible transaction is on or after 1 July 2023 but before 1 July 2024; and (b) the eligible transaction is completed in accordance with section 13(5) within 24 months after the commencement date of the eligible transaction. (2)  If satisfied there are good reasons to do so and if a request by the applicant is made before a decision on the application has been varied or reversed under section 23, the Commissioner may extend the period referred to in subsection (1) for the eligible transaction to be completed, even though the period has expired. (3)  Despite subsection (1), an eligible transaction does not satisfy this section if the Commissioner considers that the eligible transaction replaces a transaction, entered into before 1 July 2023, that is for the same property and that is between substantially, or that benefits substantially, the same parties. (4)  For the avoidance of doubt, a payment of $30 000 that – (a) was made in anticipation of the Taxation and Miscellaneous Amendments Act 2023 receiving the Royal Assent; and (b) was made on or after 1 July 2023 but before the Taxation and Miscellaneous Amendments Act 2023 received the Royal Assent – is taken to be a first home owner grant payment, for the purposes of this Act, made in relation to an eligible transaction to which this section, as inserted by that Act, applies. 19Payment of grant (1) A first home owner grant is to be paid by electronic funds transfer, by cheque or in any other way the Commissioner thinks appropriate. (2) A first home owner grant is to be paid – (a) to the applicant; or (b) to some other person to whom the applicant directs in writing that the grant be paid. (3) If the applicant requests, the Commissioner may apply the amount of a first home owner grant, or part of the amount, towards a liability for State taxes, fees or charges. 20Payment in anticipation of compliance with residence requirement (1)  [Section 20 Subsection (1) amended by No. 79 of 2003, s. 8, Applied:01 Jan 2004] The Commissioner may authorise payment of a first home owner grant in anticipation of compliance with the residence requirement if the Commissioner is satisfied that each applicant who is required to comply, but has not yet complied with the residence requirement, intends to occupy the home as his or her principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months (or any lesser period approved by the Commissioner under section 12(1A) ) commencing within the 12-month period immediately after completion of the eligible transaction or within a longer period allowed by the Commissioner. (2) If a first home owner grant is paid in anticipation of compliance with the residence requirement, the payment is made on condition that, if the residence requirement is not complied with, the applicant must within 14 days after the relevant date – (a) give written notice of that fact to the Commissioner; and (b) repay the amount of the grant. (3)  For the purpose of subsection (2), the relevant date is the earlier of the following: (a) the end of the period allowed for compliance with the residence requirement; (b) the date on which it first becomes apparent that the residence requirement will not be complied with during the period allowed for compliance. (3A)  [Section 20 Subsection (3A) inserted by No. 14 of 2011, s. 15, Applied:28 Jun 2011] If a first home owner grant is paid in anticipation of compliance with the residence requirement and an applicant ceases to retain his or her relevant interest in the land before satisfying the residence requirement, the applicant must, within 14 days after ceasing to retain his or her relevant interest – (a) give written notice of that fact to the Commissioner; and (b) repay the amount of the grant – unless the Commissioner has exempted the applicant from the residence requirement in accordance with section 12(2). (4)  [Section 20 Subsection (4) amended by No. 14 of 2011, s. 15, Applied:28 Jun 2011] A person who fails to comply with a condition prescribed by subsection (2) or subsection (3A) is guilty of an offence.Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 100 penalty units. 21Conditions generally (1) The Commissioner may authorise the payment of a first home owner grant on conditions the Commissioner considers appropriate. (2) A condition imposed by the Commissioner (under this section or any other provision of this Act) may require a person on whose application the first home owner grant is paid – (a) to give notice of non-compliance with the condition within a period stated in the condition; and (b) to repay the grant within a period stated in the condition. (3)  In the case of a joint application, each applicant is individually liable to comply with a requirement under subsection (2) but compliance by any one or more of them is to be regarded as compliance by both or all. (4) A person who fails to comply with a condition imposed by the Commissioner (under this section or any other provision of this Act) is guilty of an offence.Penalty: Fine not exceeding 100 penalty units. 22Death of applicant (1) An application for a first home owner grant does not lapse because an applicant dies before the application is decided. (2)  If an applicant dies before the application is decided, the following provisions apply: (a) if the deceased was one of 2 or more applicants and one or more applicants survive, the application is to be dealt with as if the surviving applicants were the sole applicants; (b) in any other case, a first home owner grant, if payable on the application, is to be paid to the estate of the deceased. (3)  [Section 22 Subsection (3) substituted by No. 79 of 2003, s. 9, Applied:01 Jan 2004] If a deceased applicant for a first home owner grant had not, by the date of his or her death, occupied the home to which the application relates as the applicant’s principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months (or any lesser period approved by the Commissioner under section 12(1A) ) commencing within the 12-month period immediately after completion of the eligible transaction or a longer period allowed by the Commissioner, but the Commissioner is satisfied that the applicant intended to do so, the residence requirement is satisfied. 23Power to correct decision [Section 23 Substituted by No. 46 of 2008, s. 22, Applied:18 Nov 2008] (1) If the Commissioner decides an application, and is later satisfied (independently of an objection under this Act) that – (a) the decision is incorrect; or (b) the decision was made on the basis of, or having regard to, false or misleading information provided by the applicant or a third party; or (c) the applicant failed to provide information that was relevant to the making of the decision on the application, which they ought reasonably to have provided; or (d) the applicant failed to comply with any condition(s) upon which the grant was made, or failed to comply with or meet any relevant eligibility criteria – the Commissioner may vary or reverse the decision. (2)  A decision cannot be varied or reversed under this section more than 5 years after it was made. 24Notification of decision (1) When the Commissioner decides an application (or decides to vary or reverse an earlier decision on an application) the Commissioner must give the applicant notice of the decision. (2) If the decision is to authorise the payment of a first home owner grant without conditions, the payment of the grant is sufficient notice of the decision. (3) If the decision is to refuse an application, or to vary or reverse an earlier decision on an application, the Commissioner must state in the notice the reasons for the decision. Division 6Objections and appeals25Objections (1)  [Section 25 Subsection (1) amended by No. 36 of 2004, s. 23, Applied:01 Dec 2004] [Section 25 Subsection (1) substituted by No. 46 of 2008, s. 23, Applied:18 Nov 2008] An applicant who is dissatisfied with the Commissioner’s decision – (a) on the application; or (b) to vary or reverse a decision in accordance with section 23; or (c) to impose a penalty under section 38  – may lodge a written notice of objection with the Commissioner. (2)  The grounds of objection must be stated fully and in detail in the notice of objection. (3)  The objection must be lodged within 60 days after the date of the notice of the decision. (4) If the Commissioner is satisfied that an objector has a reasonable excuse for failing to lodge an objection within the 60-day period, the Commissioner may extend the time for lodging the objection. 26Powers of Commissioner on objection (1) After considering an objection, the Commissioner may confirm, vary or reverse the decision subject to the objection. (2) The Commissioner must give the objector written notice of the decision on the objection setting out the reasons for the decision. (3)  [Section 26 Subsection (3) inserted by No. 36 of 2004, s. 24, Applied:01 Dec 2004] The Commissioner must ensure that any delegate who considers and decides on an objection – (a) was not involved in making the decision to which the objection relates; or (b) is not, or was not at the relevant time, a subordinate of a person who was involved in making the decision to which the objection relates. (4)  [Section 26 Subsection (4) inserted by No. 36 of 2004, s. 24, Applied:01 Dec 2004] In this section – delegate means a person to whom the Commissioner has delegated powers under subsection (1). 27Appeal (1)  [Section 27 Subsection (1) amended by No. 73 of 2001, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2002] An objector who is dissatisfied with the Commissioner’s decision on the objection may apply to the Magistrates Court (Administrative Appeals Division) for a review of the decision. (2)  [Section 27 Subsection (2) amended by No. 73 of 2001, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2002] An application for review must be lodged within 60 days after the notice of the decision on the objection is given. 28Limitation on review of decisions [Section 28 Repealed by No. 73 of 2001, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2002] [Section 28 Inserted by No. 47 of 2011, s. 12, Applied:07 Dec 2011] A court or administrative review body, including the Magistrates Court (Administrative Appeals Division), does not have jurisdiction or power to consider any question concerning a decision of the Commissioner except as provided in this Division. 29Objection or appeal not to stay proceedings based on the relevant decision (1)  [Section 29 Subsection (1) amended by No. 73 of 2001, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2002] Although a decision is subject to an objection or review, the Commissioner may act on the basis that the decision is correct until the objection or review is decided. (2)  [Section 29 Subsection (2) amended by No. 73 of 2001, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2002] When an objection or review is decided, the Commissioner must take any necessary action to give effect to that decision. PART 3AdministrationDivision 1Administration generally30AdministrationThe Commissioner is responsible to the Minister for the administration of the first home owner grant scheme. 31Delegation (1) The Commissioner may delegate functions related to the administration of the first home owner grant scheme. (2)  Without limiting subsection (1), the Commissioner may enter into an agreement (an "administration agreement") with a financial institution or other person under which – (a) the Commissioner delegates functions related to the administration of the first home owner grant scheme; and (b) the financial institution or other person is required to carry out the delegated functions in accordance with specified conditions. (3)  The conditions of an administration agreement may include conditions prescribed by the regulations. (4)  If an administration agreement includes prescribed conditions, a financial institution or other person that contravenes a prescribed condition is guilty of an offence.Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 500 penalty units. (5) The Commissioner may, at any time, at the Commissioner’s discretion, revoke an administration agreement or any other delegation under this section. 31AAuthorised officers [Section 31A Inserted by No. 46 of 2008, s. 24, Applied:18 Nov 2008] The Commissioner may appoint persons as authorised officers for the purposes of this Act. Division 2Investigations32Authorised investigationsAn authorised investigation is an investigation to determine – (a) whether an application under this Act or a corresponding law for a first home owner grant has been properly made; or (b) whether an objection to a decision made under this Act or a corresponding law should be upheld; or (c) whether an applicant to whom, or for whose benefit, a first home owner grant has been paid under this Act or a corresponding law was eligible for the grant; or (d) whether a condition on which a first home owner grant has been paid under this Act or a corresponding law has been complied with; or (e) any other matter reasonably related to the administration or enforcement of this Act or a corresponding law. 33Cross-border investigation (1) The Commissioner may, at the request of an authority responsible for administering a corresponding law, carry out an authorised investigation for the purposes of the corresponding law. (2) The Commissioner may delegate powers of investigation under this Division to the authority responsible for the administration of a corresponding law, or a person nominated by that authority. 34Power of investigation (1) For the purposes of an authorised investigation, the Commissioner may, by written notice, require a person – (a) to give the Commissioner written information that is relevant to the investigation and is specified in the notice; or (b) to attend at a specified time and place before the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s nominee to answer questions relevant to the investigation; or (c) to produce a document to the Commissioner that is relevant to the investigation at a specified time and place. (2) The Commissioner may require that information given, or to be given, under this section be verified on oath or by statutory declaration. (3) A person who, without reasonable excuse, refuses or fails to comply with a requirement of the Commissioner under this section is guilty of an offence.Penalty: Fine not exceeding 100 penalty units. (4) A person who, having attended before the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s nominee in response to a notice under subsection (1)(b), refuses or fails, without reasonable excuse, to answer a question relevant to the investigation is guilty of an offence.Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 100 penalty units. 35Powers of entry and inspection (1) An authorised officer may, for the purposes of an authorised investigation, exercise any of the following powers: (a) inspect premises; (b) require a person to produce a document relevant to the investigation for inspection and (if necessary) to operate a computer or other device in which information is stored to produce a document in understandable form; (c) retain a document for inspection, to make a copy of it or to take extracts from it; (d) require a person to answer questions relevant to the investigation; (e) require a person to give the authorised officer other assistance that may be reasonable in the circumstances to carry out the authorised investigation. (2) An authorised officer may enter premises for the purpose of carrying out an authorised investigation – (a) with the consent of the occupier; or (b) on the authority of a warrant issued under subsection (3). (3)  A magistrate may issue a warrant authorising an authorised officer to enter premises (using force that may be reasonably necessary in the circumstances) if satisfied that the warrant is reasonably necessary for the administration or enforcement of this Act. (4) An authorised officer may be accompanied by any assistants the authorised officer reasonably requires to carry out an authorised investigation. (5)  A person must not – (a) hinder or obstruct an authorised officer who is carrying out an authorised investigation or a person assisting the authorised officer; or (b) use abusive, threatening or insulting language to an authorised officer who is carrying out an authorised investigation or a person assisting an authorised officer; or (c) refuse or fail, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a requirement made by an authorised officer in the exercise of powers conferred by this section; or (d) answer a question put by an authorised officer under this section knowing that the answer is false or misleading. Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 100 penalty units. 36Self-incrimination (1) If a person is required to answer a question or to produce a document in the course of an authorised investigation, it is not an excuse for non-compliance that the answer to the question or the contents of the document might tend to incriminate the person or to make the person liable to a penalty. (2)  However, if the person answers the question or produces the document after objecting to the requirement to do so on grounds of self-incrimination, evidence of the answer to the question or the production or contents of the document is not admissible in proceedings for an offence or for the imposition of a penalty other than proceedings under this Act. 36AAccess to records [Section 36A Inserted by No. 8 of 2008, s. 22, Applied:02 May 2008] (1)  In this section – record means – (a) any document; or (b) any other information kept in any form or device. (2) For the purposes of an authorised investigation, an authorised officer may inspect and take copies of a public record kept under an Act without payment of any fee required by that Act. PART 4Miscellaneous37False or misleading statements [Section 37 Substituted by No. 8 of 2008, s. 23, Applied:02 May 2008] (1)  A person must not, in giving any information under this Act, dishonestly – (a) make a statement that is false or misleading; or (b) omit any matter from a statement if, without that matter, the statement is false or misleading; or (c) provide a document that is false or misleading without informing the person to whom the document is provided of that fact. Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 150 penalty units. (2)  A person must not, in giving any information under this Act, intentionally or negligently – (a) make a statement that is false or misleading; or (b) omit any matter from a statement if, without that matter, the statement is false or misleading; or (c) provide a document that is false or misleading without informing the person to whom the document is provided of that fact. Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 100 penalty units. 38Power to require repayment and impose penalty (1) The Commissioner may, by written notice, require an applicant (or former applicant) for a first home owner grant to repay an amount paid on the application if – (a) the amount was paid in error; or (b) [Section 38 Subsection (1) amended by No. 46 of 2008, s. 25, Applied:18 Nov 2008] the Commissioner varies or reverses the decision under which the amount was paid in accordance with section 23. (2)  [Section 38 Subsection (2) substituted by No. 8 of 2008, s. 24, Applied:02 May 2008] If – (a) an applicant (or former applicant) contravenes section 37(1) or (2); and (b) as a result of that contravention a first home owner grant, or part of such a grant, is paid under Division 5 of Part 2 or applied under section 19(3)  – the Commissioner, by the notice specified in subsection (1) or another notice, may impose a penalty not exceeding the amount the applicant (or former applicant) is required to repay under subsection (1). (3)  [Section 38 Subsection (3) amended by No. 8 of 2008, s. 24, Applied:02 May 2008] If an applicant (or former applicant) for a first home owner grant fails to make a repayment required under this section or the conditions of the grant, the Commissioner may, by written notice, impose a penalty not exceeding the amount the applicant (or former applicant) is required to repay. (4) If an amount is paid in error on an application for a first home owner grant to a third party, the Commissioner may, by written notice, require the third party to repay the amount to the Commissioner. 39Power to recover amount paid in error, &c. (1)  This section applies to the following amounts: (a) an amount that an applicant (or former applicant) for a first home owner grant is required to repay under the conditions of the grant or by requirement of the Commissioner under this Act; (b) the amount of a penalty imposed on an applicant (or former applicant) for a first home owner grant; (c) an amount a third party is required to repay by requirement of the Commissioner under this Act. (2)  The liability arising from a requirement to pay (or repay) an amount to which this section applies is, if the requirement attaches to 2 or more persons, joint and several. (3) If an applicant who is liable to pay an amount to which this section applies has an interest in the home for which the first home owner grant was sought, the liability is a first charge on the applicant’s interest in that home. (4)  [Section 39 Subsection (4) amended by No. 8 of 2008, s. 25, Applied:02 May 2008] [Section 39 Subsection (4) substituted by No. 46 of 2008, s. 26, Applied:18 Nov 2008] The Commissioner may recover as a debt due to the Crown – (a) an amount to which this section applies; and (b) any reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Commissioner in connection with the recovery, or attempted recovery, by any lawful means of the amount referred to in paragraph (a). (4A)  [Section 39 Subsection (4A) inserted by No. 8 of 2008, s. 25, Applied:02 May 2008] If a person fails to pay an amount to which this section applies, or any part of that amount, within the time specified in the notice under section 38 which requires that payment, the Commissioner, by written notice to the person, may require the person to pay interest on the unpaid amount. (4B)  [Section 39 Subsection (4B) inserted by No. 8 of 2008, s. 25, Applied:02 May 2008] If the Commissioner requires a person to pay interest on an amount under subsection (4A), the person is liable to pay interest on the amount, or part of the amount, that is unpaid – (a) on a daily basis from the end of the last day for payment specified in the notice under section 38 until the day it is paid; and (b) at the interest rate specified in section 35 of the Taxation Administration Act 1997. (4C)  [Section 39 Subsection (4C) inserted by No. 8 of 2008, s. 25, Applied:02 May 2008] Despite subsection (4B), a person is not liable to pay interest on an amount as required by that subsection if the amount of interest that would be payable under subsection (4B) would be less than $20. (5) The Commissioner may enter into an arrangement (which may include provision for the payment of interest) for payment of a liability outstanding under this section by instalments. (6)  [Section 39 Subsection (6) amended by No. 8 of 2008, s. 25, Applied:02 May 2008] The Commissioner may write off the whole or part of a liability to pay an amount to which this section applies or any interest relating to such an amount if satisfied that action, or further action, to recover the amount outstanding or interest is impracticable or unwarranted. 39ARecovery of grants and costs from third parties [Section 39A Inserted by No. 46 of 2008, s. 27, Applied:18 Nov 2008] (1) The Commissioner, by notice in writing, may require any of the following persons instead of the applicant (or former applicant) for a first home owner grant to pay any amount due under section 39: (a) a person from whom any money is due or accruing or may become due to the applicant; (b) a person who holds or may subsequently hold money for or on account of the applicant; (c) a person who holds or may subsequently hold money on account of some other person for payment to the applicant; (d) a person who has authority from some other person to pay money to the applicant. (2)  A copy of the notice is to be served on the applicant. (3)  The amount of money required to be paid by a person under subsection (1) is – (a) if the amount of the money held or due or authorised to be paid does not exceed the amount payable by the applicant to the Commissioner, all the money; or (b) if the amount of the money exceeds the amount payable, sufficient money to pay the amount payable. (4) A person required to pay money under this section must pay the money to the Commissioner – (a) on receipt of the notice; or (b) when the money is held by the person – whichever is the later, or within any period specified by the Commissioner. (5) A person subject to a requirement of the Commissioner under this section must comply with the requirement.Penalty: In the case of – (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; or (b) in any other case, a fine not exceeding 20 penalty units. (6)  If the whole or a part of an amount is paid by another person – (a) the Commissioner is to promptly notify the person on whom the notice was served of the payment; and (b) the notice is taken to be amended accordingly. 40Protection of confidential information (1)  In this section, [Section 40 Subsection (1) amended by No. 36 of 2004, s. 25, Applied:01 Dec 2004] protected information means information obtained in the course of work related to the administration of this Act about an application for a first home owner grant. (2)  For the purpose of this section, a person is subject to a duty of confidentiality if – (a) the person is, or has been, engaged in work related to the administration of this Act; or (b) the person has obtained access to protected information (directly or indirectly) from a person who is, or has been, engaged in work related to the administration of this Act. (3)  A person who is subject to a duty of confidentiality must not disclose protected information except as permitted by subsection (4) .Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 100 penalty units. (4)  Protected information may be disclosed – (a) at the request or with the consent of the person to whom the information relates or a person acting on that person’s behalf; or (b) in connection with the administration or enforcement of – (i) this Act or a corresponding law; or (ii) a taxation law of the Commonwealth or a State; or (c) for the purposes of legal proceedings; or (d) as authorised under the regulations. 41Evidence (1) A certificate signed by the Commissioner stating that a first home owner grant was paid to a person named in the certificate on a specified date is admissible in legal proceedings as evidence of the payment. (2) A copy of a notice issued by the Commissioner imposing a penalty under this Act is admissible in legal proceedings as evidence of the imposition of the penalty. (3) A copy of a notice issued by the Commissioner requiring the payment or repayment of a specified amount is admissible in legal proceedings as evidence – (a) that the requirement was made; and (b) that the amount specified in the notice was outstanding at the date of the notice. 42Time for commencing prosecution [Section 42 Amended by No. 36 of 2004, s. 26, Applied:01 Dec 2004] Proceedings for an offence against this Act may only be commenced within 3 years after the date on which the offence is alleged to have been committed. 43Protection of officers, &c. (1)  This section applies to – (a) the Commissioner; and (b) an authorised officer; and (c) [Section 43 Subsection (1) amended by No. 86 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:01 May 2001] a delegate of the Commissioner who is a State Service officer or State Service employee. (2)  No personal liability attaches to a person to whom this section applies for an honest act or omission in the performance, or purported performance, of functions under this Act. (3)  A liability that would, but for subsection (2), lie against a person to whom this section applies, lies instead against the Crown. 44Regulations (1)  The Governor may make regulations for the purposes of this Act. (2)  Regulations made under this Act may – (a) authorise any matter to be determined, applied or regulated by the Commissioner of State Revenue; and (b) be made subject to conditions or so as to apply differently according to matters, limitations or restrictions, whether as to time, circumstance or otherwise, specified in the regulations. (3)  Regulations made under this Act may – (a) provide that a contravention of, or failure to comply with, any of the regulations is an offence; and (b) in respect of such an offence, provide for the imposition of a fine not exceeding 25 penalty units. 45Administration of ActUntil provision is made in relation to this Act by order under section 4 of the Administrative Arrangements Act 1990  – (a) the administration of this Act is assigned to the Treasurer; and (b) the department responsible to the Treasurer in relation to the administration of this Act is the Department of Treasury and Finance.