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

The answer is not yes or no; the answer is very clear, and I will read it again for Senator Patterson. We hope to have the upgraded utility payments operating from 20 March—a large increase in utility payments over those paid by the previous government. We hope to get the legislation through in this fortnight so that they can be paid quarterly, going up to $500 per annum. As I said to you very clearly, Senator Patterson, when carers and seniors compare their bonus payments this year—when they have a look at what they get in bonus payments this year—with what they received last year they will be no worse off.