Abbott Government Cuts to Hurt Struggling Families

The Abbott Government has introduced legislation to abolish the Income Support Bonus, a move that will hurt more than one million Australia-wide and thousands locally, Member for Lalor Joanne Ryan said today.

“The Income Support Bonus is to assist recipients in meeting unforeseen costs like medical expenses or car repairs, by providing $210 extra a year for single people and $350 extra a year for couples,” Ms Ryan said.

“These cuts will hurt people receiving government assistance - the people who are already doing it tough.”

“Recipients aren't in a position to be able to lose this assistance. They simply can’t afford another cut from the Abbott Government.”

 Allowances attracting the Income Support Bonus include:

• Newstart;
• Parenting Payments;
• Sickness Allowance;
• Special Benefit Payment; and
• Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY Living Allowance and Austudy.

“The cuts to the Income Support Bonus are in addition to cutting the Schoolkids Bonus and the Low Income Superannuation Contribution. And we know there are still more cuts to come.”

“The abolition of the bonus comes in the same week that Mr Abbott’s advisor Maurice Newman has raised the prospect of scrapping penalty rates and lowering the minimum wage.”

“Cuts to these programs and an attack on employee entitlements clearly demonstrate the Abbott Government’s attitude towards workers and families.”

“Nothing is safe from the Abbott Government, and as always it is the most vulnerable who will bear the brunt.”