Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Community Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for the question. One of the things that has happened since the budget announcement, and something I think the senator should also reflect on, is the acclaim this government has received for recognising the huge efforts made by the carers of disabled Australians. They do an absolutely incredible job. We decided in this very generous budget that we would provide $1,000 to every carer who receives the carer payment and, in addition, $600 to every recipient of carer allowance. This has been very well received. This is a stand-alone incentive for carers who care for disabled Australians. I think it is a wonderful incentive. One needs to understand that it is completely separate from the range of other incentives, payments and pensions that we pay. Carers are in a very different position to a number of other individuals. It has been put to us that there are particular demographics that have not received similar sorts of payments. For example, people have said those on the disability pension perhaps need a one-off bonus. We have reflected on a particular special relationship, and the carer does have other costs associated specifically with looking after disabled people. The broad population of Australia have very much welcomed those payments, and I wish those on the other side would reflect on how important they are for carers.