Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Community Services) Share this | Hansard source

I think it is a very important question; I am not sure about those on the other side. I say to Senator Joyce that one thing every Australian family should know is that this coalition government is the best friend Australian families have ever had. It was a fantastic budget, as we all know, on Tuesday: a record $4.5 billion over five years to further support families, children, people with disabilities, volunteers, Indigenous people and older Australians; and $3.94 million will be provided for the one-off lump payment to carers of people with disabilities or who are frail aged. Two million older Australians will receive $500 as part of a $1.3 billion one-off bonus payment for each older Australian who receives a utility allowance or a seniors concession allowance. Every older Australian has the discretion to go out and spend $500 on whatever they want. We have had so much support over that incentive—and it is a great thing for families. It does not matter if you are disabled or older, every family in Australia is going to be looked after in this fantastic budget. From 1 January 2008 this government will deliver greater incentives for older Australians, with changes to the pension bonus scheme enabling more members to gain access to the scheme. We are going to commit $46.4 million over four years to extend access to the pension bonus scheme. This is on top of the already significant commitment made by the Howard government to assist older Australians in retirement.

Again, a lot of families are trying to get into work—