Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

) ( ): It is not too late for the opposition to join with the government and celebrate the Senate's passing of the government's schoolkids bonus initiative. It is not too late for the opposition to join with the government in recognising that the prosperity of our people rests upon our national investment in education. It is not too late for the opposition to join with the government in understanding that education unlocks inequality by opening up opportunities for individuals. And, as a result of that opening up of opportunities, it of course opens up opportunities for this whole country. So it is not too late for this government to try to persuade the opposition—not that we will ever give up on that—of how important it is to help parents ensure that their kids do the very best that they possibly can at school. Our people deserve nothing less. This parliament ought to come together and assist parents in getting the very best out of the education system that is possible.

That is why this government has provided $2 billion for a schoolkids bonus for families. It is an important investment in the education of the people of this country. So, despite the opposition's resistance, 1.3 million families will see money in the bank, twice a year every year, to help them ensure their kids get the very best education they can. That is $410 each year for a child in primary school and $820 each year for a child in high school. That means 2.2 million Australian kids will see the benefits in terms of assistance with their laptops, textbooks and after-school activities. (Time expired)