Omnibus Bill through to further Senate Negotiation

Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter, welcomed the passage through the House of Representatives of the Government’s Omnibus Welfare Bill.

“The passage of the Omnibus Bill through the House represents the necessary step to further negotiation in the Senate to secure major child care reform to make child care more affordable and more available for Australian families balancing work and raising children,” the Minister said.

“There can be no doubt that Australian families want reform in this area.

“The Government has proposed reasonable and responsible welfare savings proposals to fund the $1.6 billion child care package, including gradually closing Family Tax Benefits (FTB) supplements, but also providing a $20 per fortnight, per child increase in FTB A.

“While cross bench Senators have voiced varying views on the Social Services Legislation Amendment (Omnibus Savings and Child Care Reform), the Government will continue to work with them to achieve an outcome that secures much needed child care reform, as well as providing responsible broader savings.

“I look forward to continuing constructive discussions with cross bench Senators over coming weeks as the Omnibus Bill progresses to consideration by the Senate.”