Jenny Macklin (Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

It is important that we recognise why the government is making these changes. We are making them to make the system fairer and more equitable and for income from different sources to be treated in the same way. The first question—I want to make sure I am following the three questions accurately—was about changes to the definition of income for family tax benefit purposes. What that will mean for family tax benefit parts A and B is that 12,700 beneficiaries will lose the benefit and 61,700 will lose some of the benefit. However, you have to remember that about two million people are receiving family tax benefit A and B, so take that into account. That is the number of people who are receiving family tax benefit part A or part B who will be affected by the changes.

Regarding the second area, which goes to other benefits, there is also an impact on family tax benefit, and the changes that we are making will affect the Commonwealth seniors health card. I will get the accurate figure for you. You also wanted to know the level of saving, and I will get that for you too.

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