Stirling Griff (SA, Centre Alliance) Share this | Hansard source

Minister, your statement confirms that government does not have an issue with a sexist and discriminatory rule. Whilst I appreciate, as you said, that it may take time to consult with others, this change is very minor and, in fact, is fully costed by the PBO. It's around $27 million in the forward estimates. This has a very minor cost impact on your budget, but it just sets everything straight—it sets everything right. It removes this sexist rule. Given that part of your statement also said that it's something that perhaps should be looked at—but then it slightly contradicts itself as well a bit further on—can you advise whether government is looking at options that will actually take into account either combined family income or looking at this very issue in the reasonable future?