House debates

Wednesday, 8 February 2017

Questions without Notice

Pensions and Benefits

1:59 pm

Photo of Bill ShortenBill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Exactly how many Australian families will be worse off because of the Prime Minister's cuts to family payments introduced into the parliament today?

Photo of Malcolm TurnbullMalcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

The very clear distinction, the difference between our side of politics and theirs, is we stand for the security and the opportunity that Australian families deserve. We have come to the parliament today with a child-care package that will make child care more affordable and more available to Australian families. It will ensure that the greatest beneficiaries of this reform are Australian families on lower incomes. It will make child care more available. As the mothers said to me at the Crace child-care centre this morning, 'It will enable us to stay in full-time work.' One mother said, 'This will enable me to work another day.' She said to me as I walked out of the child-care centre, 'When is it going to start?

I said, 'That will depend on the Senate and the Labor Party,' and she said, 'I hope they support it.' Well, Australian families right across Australia are saying to us they want more affordable and more available child care, and the members opposite stand in the way.

Photo of Mr Tony BurkeMr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | | Hansard source

Mr Speaker—

Photo of Tony SmithTony Smith (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Has the Prime Minister concluded his answer?

Photo of Malcolm TurnbullMalcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

I have.

Photo of Tony SmithTony Smith (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

The Manager of Opposition Business will resume his seat.