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

It is a sorry thing that we hear from the knuckle-draggers on the other side of the chamber, who have failed to face up to their responsibilities when it comes to ensuring a just society—because we know that a just society begins with a good education. It is the only way to give every Australian the chance to realise their full potential for themselves and for their country. It is the path to the high-wage, high-skill, high-tech jobs that people are entitled to expect. That is why this Labor government has made education the foundation of a richer, fairer and greener Australia. The schoolkids bonus is one of the steps we are taking along that path.

The old education tax refund was a worthy initiative, but less than 20 per cent of eligible households were claiming the benefit in full. It was bypassing the poorest, those most in need. That is why the government has acted on the recommendation of the Henry tax review by replacing the refund with a schoolkids bonus. This is the sort of practical assistance that struggling families need to give their kids a fair go in school and in life. It is a shame that those opposite do not support these practical measures to help people get a good start in life.