Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

I can answer that question because single parents are the family type most likely to experience financial hardship. It can be tough for these parents, who are overwhelmingly women, to balance caring responsibilities and full-time work, study or looking for work. This doesn't end when the child turns eight.

With the government's changes announced in the budget, which expand eligibility for single parenting payments to parents with the youngest child under 14, more than 57,000 single parents will be better off by at least $176.90 per fortnight. Similarly, we know that older Australians face barriers when looking for work. Our changes expand access to existing higher rates of JobSeeker for those on payments for nine months or more or those over 55. This acknowledges their circumstances and provides greater financial support while they look for work.