If you want to accuse the Sydney Morning Herald of lying to the public, I think you are on a very sticky wicket. Let me give the minister an opportunity to make a personal representation, if she wishes, after I read from the Sydney Morning Herald of Friday, 7 March:

The Federal Government faces criticism from carer groups after it decided not to match a $1600 bonus payment made to carers by the Howard government in recent years. A spokeswoman for the Minister for Families, Jenny Macklin, confirmed the decision last night, saying it was part of the Government’s plan to cut spending.

It was something the government planned.