Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Colbeck for his question. The Turnbull government has a strong record in working to reduce intergenerational welfare dependency. With the proportion of working-age Australians now dependent on welfare at the lowest level in more than 25 years and strong jobs growth in the economy, we have an opportunity to make a real difference for Australians' lives and help more Australians break out of the welfare dependency mould.

The Turnbull government has taken action with a number of measures, including the government's $96.1 million Try, Test and Learn Fund. Senators on this side of the chamber know that the best form of welfare is a job, and our tax cuts are designed to benefit all taxpayers, including those who move off welfare and into a job. The Try, Test and Learn Fund allows government to trial new and innovative approaches to assist some of the most vulnerable in our society into stable, sustainable employment. Tranche 1 saw 14 initiatives aimed at helping young carers, young parents and students at risk of long-term unemployment. Tranche 2 is open for application until 28 September and will build on the successes of the first tranche by investing $50 million in policy responses to support new priority groups with innovative ideas to help them become self-reliant.

The government believes that all Australian taxpayers deserve tax relief. There are more jobs in our economy today than there were before. Since we came to government there have been over one million jobs created. We know that our Try, Test and Learn Fund is helping ensure that more people come off welfare. (Time expired)