Shadow Education and Training Minister Michelle O’Byrne has slammed the Federal Abbott Government for sticking to legislation which has the sole purpose of cutting the means-tested Child Care Benefit, which more than 10,000 Tasmanian low and middle income families rely on.
The Abbott Government’s Child Care Benefit legislation – currently before the Parliament – will leave low and middle income families worse off, including those with a combined income as little as $42,000 a year.
“This directly hits Tasmanian families who can least afford it, including parents who could otherwise be forced to leave the workforce,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“Tasmanian early educators are of the highest standard and do not need the uncertainty that this legislation will create for the sector.
“To cut support will leave many parents wondering if it is worth continuing to work.
“This is unprecedented – no Government has ever moved to cut the Child Care Benefit.
“This cut to working families is being pushed by Tony Abbott as he stands by his gold-plated paid parental leave scheme which rewards millionaires with up to $50,000 for having a baby.
“His priorities are all wrong.
“Tasmania, because of lower average incomes, will be hit hard by this cruel Abbott cut.
“The Hodgman Liberal Government must put Tasmania’s case to Canberra to get this measure scrapped.”
Labor Leader Bryan Green called on Tasmanian Senators to block the legislation.
“In this instance they should be Tasmanians first, with their political allegiances coming second,” Mr Green said.
“Tasmanian senators must stand up for Tasmania.
“To support this legislation is effectively tearing money out of the wallets of Tasmanians who can least afford it.”
To take a stand against Tony Abbott’s targeted child care cuts sign the petition here: http://www.alp.org.au/targetedchildcarecuts
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader Michelle O’Byrne MP Shadow Minister for Education and Training
