Claire Moore (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. Thank you, Minister, for agreeing to check those figures. I will continue my question. It is not attack, Minister; I am questioning the budget. Can the minister also confirm that in those carers payments that you mention the government has extended eligibility for the $1,000 carer’s bonus to carers in receipt of wife pension, carer service pension and partner service pension? It has not extended this payment to carers in receipt of the age pension. Why are some pensioners now eligible for this $1,000 payment, but those on age pension do not seem to be so? Is it not the case that both groups are providing the same level of care, often to a loved family member? Why the discrepancy? It is a question, Minister, not an attack.