2015-11-30
It is extremely disappointing that the Labor party has helped pass legislation that takes payments away from low income couples with children aged 13 or over, says Australian Greens spokesperson on families, Senator Rachel Siewert.
“When the Labor party was in Government they cut payments to single parent families, as opposition they have supported cuts to coupled families.
“Both major parties have let families down with the passing of this amended legislation.
“This was just a short time after the Community Affairs Legislation Committee report into the Bill was tabled in the Senate after a rushed inquiry process.
“Raising teenagers is more expensive than younger children yet low income coupled families will lose funding just at this time.
“It is fundamentally unfair that both the Turnbull Government and Labor party have moved tonight to make savings at the expense of these families.
“Anyone with kids aged 13 to 16 knows it can be some of the most expensive years as a parent. It’s when growing teens are raiding the fridge, developing more outside interests, and school supplies can get costly.
“We did not need to target low and middle income families for these savings when they’ve already had blows from successive Governments.
“These cuts will hurt the most vulnerable in our community, I remain deeply concerned for those who will now struggle to get by thanks to this legislation”.