Cory Bernardi (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Families and Community Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Senator Evans. Will the minister guarantee the retention of the lump sum $1,600 carers bonus?

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to 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—

Opposition Senators:

Opposition senators interjecting—

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

I do not know whether or not you are interested in the answer, but I will give it to you anyway. In terms of the bonus I can say that, when carers and seniors compare their bonus payments this year with what they received last year, they will be no worse off.

Cory Bernardi (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Families and Community Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. I note the minister refused to guarantee the retention of the lump sum carers bonus, so I ask: is this simply another broken promise from the Rudd government? At what stage was this determined during the election campaign?

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

I thank Senator Bernardi for the supplementary question. One of the things I learnt in 11 long years in opposition, Senator Bernardi, is to never read the supp you prepared without listening to the answer to the question, otherwise you might look a little on the slow side. What I said to you very clearly is that, when carers and seniors compare their bonus payments this year with what they received last year, they will be no worse off.