Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Participation Requirement) Bill 2009 introduces a new requirement for families receiving family tax benefit part A for children aged between 16 and 20 years. To be eligible to receive family tax benefit part A, children between those ages must be studying full-time towards, or have completed, year 12 or its equivalent. This new participation requirement for family tax benefit part A is part of the Rudd government’s plan to increase the number of young people with a year 12 or equivalent qualification. The opposition supports this bill as it builds upon the coalition’s position that young Australians should remain in school, undertake training or have a job. We do not support the situation where young Australians are essentially provided financial support while they are not preparing themselves to grasp employment opportunities as and when they arise. The coalition is very comfortable in supporting this legislation.