Ballina MP calls for rethink on axing of Carers’ Bonus
Member for Ballina Don Page is outraged at the Labor Federal Government’s decision to cut the $1600 Carers’ Bonus.
“It is a disgrace that this Labor Federal Government are targeting the most vulnerable members of our community in their first budget,” Mr Page said
“I regularly see people in my office who are struggling to cope with the burden of caring for their disabled and sick loved ones. It is disgraceful that they are now going to endure further financial burden under the Rudd Labor Government.
“Carers provide an invaluable service to the community that would otherwise need to be funded by the Government. If anything, the support given to Carers should be increased.
“There is a desperate lack of group home places available for disabled people in NSW and many carers are in desperate situations, often elderly or in poor health themselves.”
The $1600 annual bonus had been paid by the Howard Federal Government for the last four years.
“It is shameful for Wayne Swan to call the payment ‘pork-barrelling’ when it was paid annually over four years and when Labor supported the payment while in Opposition,” Mr Page said.
“The carers’ payment has been paid to almost 400,000 people over the last four years. The $1600 paid under the Howard Government will be replaced with a $500 utilities bonus by the Rudd Government.
“I have already had calls from constituents who will be severely affected by this cut. I call on the Rudd Government to rethink this callous decision.
“Targeting carers of disabled people on the basis of cutting inflation is one of the meanest things I’ve seen in 20 years in public life.
“The Federal Government has a massive surplus of around $26 billion, yet they target the most vulnerable in the community. So much for Labor compassion!”
