Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Bernardi for the question. The Prime Minister indicated on Saturday that there was ‘no way on God’s earth’ he would leave carers and seniors in the lurch. Let me make it very clear that, when it comes to the bonuses system, not only will carers and seniors not be worse off under the budget but we are also working on ensuring certainty of payments to carers and seniors in the long term, moving away from a situation where they are reliant on bonuses that may or may not be funded to a system that provides for ongoing certainty.

While I am not going to announce details of the budget today—and those on the other side will be clear about that—let me make it clear—