Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Abbott wants to hurt families

Tony Abbott has yet again shown Australian families he can’t be trusted to help them with the cost of living.

After insulting 1.3 million families last week by saying ‘No’ to the Gillard Government’s new Schoolkids Bonus, Mr Abbott still refuses to rule out cuts to vital family payments if he becomes Prime Minister.

Asked again on ABC Radio National this morning, Mr Abbott still wouldn’t say if the extra support being delivered to families would be protected under an Abbott Liberal Government.

“What we do in the long run…we will let people know in good time before the next election.”
(Abbott, ABC Radio National)

The Gillard Government is delivering:

  • A boost to Family Tax Benefit Part A of up to $600 a year for families with two or more children.
  • Household assistance payments of up to $110 per child a year for families receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A and $69 a year for families receiving Family Tax Benefit Part B.
  • A new Schoolkids Bonus of $410 a year for each child in primary school and $820 a year for each child in secondary school.

An Abbott Liberal Government will put this extra support for families at risk.

As families get extra money in their bank accounts over the coming weeks to help them make ends meet, they’ll be asking Tony Abbott why he wants to rip it straight out of their pockets.

The Gillard Government is delivering more support for low and middle income families because we know they are feeling the pinch. But Tony Abbott thinks struggling families don’t deserve this extra help.

Australian families just can’t trust Tony Abbott and the Liberals.