The Gillard Government is providing more support to families with teenagers to help cover the costs of raising children and encourage teenagers to stay in school.



More support for low and middle income families raising children in MARIBYRNONG
5 May 2011

The Gillard Government is providing more support to families with teenagers to help cover the costs of raising children and encourage teenagers to stay in school.

Member for Maribyrnong, the Hon. Bill Shorten, said there were over 3600 local families with 16 to 19 year olds who could benefit from this significant increase to Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A.

“Local families could get up to an extra $4,200 per child aged between 16 and 19 years old under these significant changes to Family Tax Benefit,” Mr Shorten said.

“The Gillard Government recognises that children don’t get cheaper as they get older.

“I know that the cost of groceries, clothes and family activities can all increase as children grow. And I know these costs can be a barrier for local families to support their child’s secondary education.

“This payment will help ease that pressure.

“Because we understand those pressures, we are also acting to make advance payments more flexible.

“From 1 July this year those local families in Maribyrnong will have access to more flexible advance payments of FTB Part A.

“Local families facing unexpected costs such as the family car breaking down will have quick and easy access to advance payments and will not have to resort to high-interest loans or credit cards.”

Families will be able to advance a maximum of 7.5 per cent of their total rate of FTB Part A payment, up to $1000.

“We are also linking the increase of FTB Part A to school participation, because we want to ensure that kids stay in school,” Mr Shorten said.

“We want kids in school today so that they can be in a job tomorrow – that is vital for our community’s future and it is vital for their future too.”

From 1 January next year the maximum rate of Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A for 16-19 year olds will be increased by around $4,200 a year.