Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

The approach the government has taken more broadly in this area is to make sure that we are doing everything that we can to support families, including children and dependants, whether it be through the income support system or through other payments or, indeed, through the childcare system. That gives you a sense of the approach that we take to these matters.

As I said in my response to Senator Pocock's motion earlier, before the Minister makes a determination, the Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs must seek advice from Services Australia to identify any dependants and assess any impact on them, and this advice must be considered as part of the decision-making process. I think Senator Pocock said it doesn't need to be considered. It does. Where appropriate, the minister may recommend special adjustments to ensure continued support for dependants, recognising that each situation will differ. In addition, the measure will not apply to the childcare subsidy or the additional childcare subsidy, as these payments are made directly to service providers, ensuring that dependent children attending child care can continue to be supported to do so. For family payments, arrangements are available for another parent or family member to become the eligible recipient from the date the payment is no longer payable to the person subject to a benefit restriction notice, ensuring again that support for children continues. These safeguards are built into the legislation. When the minister is making a decision, he or she is required to take all relevant considerations into account when considering the likely effect of cancellation on a person's dependants. This includes advice Home Affairs is required to seek from Services Australia.