Alannah Mactiernan (Perth, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is pretty clear that the Treasurer just does not understand the financial reality of many Australian lives. Yesterday, he justified removing family tax benefit B once the youngest child turns six, saying it is not the role of government to support stay-at-home mothers. Yet, many recipients of family tax benefit B are single parents working full time.

A young woman from my electorate contacted me this morning to explain the impact of this budget on her family. She says:

I am a single mother of three who is employed full-time, therefore not relying on benefits other than the Family Tax Benefit and child care concessions.

However my work is on rolling contracts and so I am only ever one step away from unemployment and poverty. This amount helps me, as a single parent on less than the average wage, to save money for emergencies or potential job loss.

Additionally, the increase in interest on HECS debt impacts on women unfairly. As the primary carer for my children I watched as my ex-partner repaid his HECS debt with salary earned whilst I raised our children. At 31, I have only just begun to pay mine and on an income of 60 thousand per annum, will be doing so for many years to come.

Treasurer, you need to understand that many people getting family tax benefit B are hardworking but need help to provide their families.