Christian Porter (Pearce, Liberal Party, Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

This year we spend $20 billion in the family tax benefit system and, by holding that amount constant for nearly two years, we pay for all of these marvellous achievements and changes in child care. I am asked, 'Are there any alternative approaches?' The Labor alternative is, in fact, equally simple—that is, simply do not make the savings and do not proceed with any reforms to the childcare system. The reason why they would adopt that approach is summarised in a press release put out by the member for Jagajaga this morning. They say that a two-year indexation pause to the family tax benefit system is a sledgehammer blow to Australian families. That is an interesting description when you consider the double standards involved. Labor in July 2009 reduced the indexation of family tax benefit part A from the pension rate down to CPI—not pausing; reducing. Labor in 2009 paused the higher income threshold for FTB, saving $1.4 billion over three years. Labor paused the indexation of the FTB part A and part B is supplements for three years in 2009. Labor paused the indexation of the—

Ms Butler interjecting—

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