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

Nothing is more important to the government than helping families meet these costs. We have taken the view that every child is entitled to a fair go in life wherever they live and whatever their family's income. That is why we also introduced the schoolkids bonus. As I reported to the Senate last month, 1.2 million families of 2.2 million children will see money in their bank accounts twice a year every year from January next year. Families will also receive a one-off lump sum payment replacing the old education tax refund this month. The Department of Human Services advised me that the first payments will be actioned tonight, to appear in bank accounts on Wednesday, and more will follow in the fortnight ahead. We expect the department to administer more than $1.4 billion in payments to households before the month is out. This is money they would not have if the coalition had had their way. (Time expired)