Chris Ellison (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

The opposition might be interested in this, because it touches on a lot of needy Australians who I thought they might have more than a passing interest in. We have allocated $1.8 billion over three years to support principal carers of children who do not currently receive the parenting payment, Newstart allowance or the with-child rate of payment on Newstart. This extends to instances where we see grandparents taking up more and more the responsibility to care for their grandchildren. We have changes to maternity payments—a very important payment for those mothers who are having children. Payments will be made to claimants under the age of 18 in 13 fortnightly instalments of around $317—very important if you are having a child.