Tony Abbott will rip cash away from 9250 needy northern suburbs families

Wednesday, 9 May 2012

Louise Pratt, Senator for Western Australia today said that Luke Simpkins, Member for Cowan, had revealed his true colours by confirming he will vote against the Government’s new Schoolkids Bonus.

Senator Pratt said the new SchoolKids Bonus would give the 9250 families of 16,250 local school children an automatic cash payment of $410 for each child in primary school and $820 for each child in high school.

 “This is a kick in the guts by Luke Simpkins for many local families who are struggling to make ends meet,” Senator Pratt said.

“Labor’s new SchoolKids Bonus replaces the Education Tax Refund. Approximately 1450 local families were missing out on the full amount of the ETR, and our new payment will ensure that families are getting every cent they deserve.”

“It makes it easier for families as there is no paperwork, no need to keep your receipts, just a twice yearly cash payment for every child at school.

“The Liberals will deny local families this money to pay for the costs of essentials like school books and uniforms because they seem to think families can’t be trusted to spend this extra money on their kids.

“It is clear Luke Simpkins does not support local families. Instead, they want to rip hundred dollars from the pockets of families in Cowan who are just trying to put their kids through school”.

Senator Pratt said at the same time they were denying payments to local families, the Liberals were also adding to their $70 billion black hole.

Tony Abbott’s finance spokesperson Andrew Robb said they would deliver a $15 billion surplus if in Government, but have yet to show how they would do it.

“A $15 billion surplus from the Liberals would require severe cuts to vital health and education services – the services local families rely on,” Senator Pratt said.

“It equates to abolishing Medicare, and is on top of the $70 billion in cuts to services Tony Abbott has already admitted he’d have to make to balance his budget.

“The choice for families in Cowan has never been clearer.

“Labor is the only Party who will stand up for the rights of working families and deliver those essential services in health and education upon which they rely.

"Luke Simpkins needs to explain to local families why he supports ripping vital payments of their hands.”

Media contact: Senator Pratt’s office (08) 9225 4411

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