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

I do not have that particular figure in front of me. What I can say to you is that we are in the business of ensuring that people get the maximum support available to encourage a more full participation in the economy. The critical issue in relieving poverty in this country is to ensure that people are able to participate in the economy. It is about getting people into work—that is the most important activity we can undertake to ensure that people are able to lift their living standards. However, in that process there are a series of other benefits available, including family tax benefit A. People can earn up to $47,800 and still receive maximum family tax benefit A, rent assistance, childcare support and healthcare support. We are in the business of making sure that we break the cycle of poverty in this country. I would have thought you would commend the government for that action, rather than suggesting that people are disingenuous.