Around 3,300 local Maribyrnong families with teenagers in school will benefit from an increase to their family tax benefit payments, of up to $4,200 per year said Federal Member for Maribyrnong Bill Shorten today.



From 1 January, Family Tax Benefit Part A will increase for families with teenagers aged 16 to 19 years, who are still in full-time secondary school or equivalent vocational training – this means that families may receive a total up to $214 a fortnight for each teenager still in full-time secondary study.

“All the evidence shows that young people who finish their education or get a trade are better off” Mr Shorten said.

“The Gillard Labor Government understands this and is prioritising educational support to ensure that young people have the best chance to get a good job.

“We want to encourage Maribyrnong teenagers to return to school next year - or to get a school based apprenticeship - because we know that these choices will open doors, and give them a big leg up in life.

Mr Shorten said that most families with a teenager in full-time secondary study, who is currently receiving Youth Allowance, would be better off on Family Tax Benefit.

“This extra financial support for families will help them keep their kids in school – and get their kids better jobs and higher incomes in the long run.

“It will be a big help to those families under financial pressure and are finding it hard to support older teenagers to stay at school or in training.”

Mr Shorten emphasised that the Gillard Government will continue to find ways to help Australian families.

“I will continue to make sure that families have the support they need to encourage their teenagers to stay at school, get an education and get ready for work,” Mr Shorten said.

“Today’s announcement is good news for Maribyrnong families who will be better able to meet their cost of living; it’s good news for Maribyrnong teenagers who will have a better chance at getting a good job, and, as a result, it’s good news for Australia’s economy,” Mr Shorten said.

Families already receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A for children aged 16 to 19 years in full‑time secondary study will have their entitlements automatically adjusted from 1 January if they are entitled to the higher rate.

For more information, visit www.fahcsia.gov.au

Suburbs in the Maribyrnong electorate include: Aberfeldie, Airport West, Albion, Avondale Heights, Brooklyn (part), Essendon, Essendon North, Essendon West, Kealba, Keilor East, Keilor Park, Maribyrnong (part), Moonee Ponds, Niddrie, St Albans (part), Sunshine, Sunshine North and Tullamarine (part).

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 Media Contact: Kieran Barns-Jenkins (03) 9326 1300