House debates Questions without Notice

Pensions and Benefits

Wednesday, 12 March 2008 House of Representatives

Brendan Nelson

Brendan Nelson Bradfield, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition

2:00 pm

My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer the Prime Minister to reports about the future of carers’ and seniors’ payments arising from late-night briefings by his staff. Will the Prime Minister himself confirm that carers and seniors will receive their lump-sum payments this financial year?

Kevin Rudd

Kevin Rudd Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister

I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. As I said to the parliament yesterday, when it comes to their bonuses, carers and pensioners will not be a single dollar worse off when it comes to this budget, and, consistent with normal practice, those payments will be made within the financial year.