The Abbott Government yesterday voted to repeal Labor’s Schoolkids Bonus, a cut that will hurt more than 11,810 families in the City of Whittlesea.
Andrew Giles MP, Federal Member for Scullin, said that cutting the Schoolkids Bonus will impact on low and middle income families in Scullin struggling to meet the costs of their children’s education.
“Families rely on the Schoolkids Bonus. It helps them buy all the things their kids need for school, such as uniforms, shoes, school books and stationary,” Mr Giles said.
“This year, more than 11,810 families in the City of Whittlesea have received the Schoolkids Bonus, which pays $410 for each child in primary school and $820 for each child in secondary school.
“This will hit struggling families the hardest, and it means their kids risk missing out on all the things they need to do well at school.
Families that receive the SchoolKids Bonus are those low and middle income families eligible for Family Tax Benefit Part A, which is an income tested payment.
Axing the Schoolkids Bonus means a family with two kids in school would be $15,000 worse off over the course of their children’s schooling.
“Labor would oppose the Abbott Government’s attempts to cut the Schoolkids Bonus.”
“I will not support any attempt by the Abbott Government to make it harder for families to make ends meet, and harder for kids to succeed at school.”
“The Government should be easing the cost of living for families, not taking money off them.”