Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

Of course I support paid parental leave, but it has got to be the right paid parental leave at the right time. That is what it has got to be: the right paid parental leave at the right time. And the first priority right now has got to be to build jobs, to build opportunity, to promote economic growth—and I was told by many people, including, it has to be said, by members opposite, that the priority right now has got to be a better childcare system. And that is exactly what this government will deliver tonight: a Jobs for Families childcare system.

The great thing about the childcare proposal that this government is bringing down as part of this budget is that, if you are a low- or middle-income family with children in the childcare system, you will be better off to the tune of $30 a week. That is working families benefiting to the tune of $30 a week.

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