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

I am aware that this is a matter of some concern to the Leader of the Opposition, because he takes the view that we should deny our kids their bonus; he takes the view that people cannot be trusted to spend this money wisely.

This is a government that wants to help families make the right decisions, and that is why the Department of Human Services provides financial information services for families. It is a free and confidential service delivered by professional officers with specialist knowledge of income support systems. Anyone can speak to an officer by phone or set up an appointment to discuss any questions in depth. In the financial year to date, officers have assisted over 164,000 people through these channels. A further 77,000 people have attended over 2,600 public seminars. The Australian people have a clear choice: practical assistance for families or fear and smear from those opposite. (Time expired)