MEDIA RELEASE

PRIME MINISTER CONFIRMS CRUEL CUTS WILL HURT CHILDREN OF WAR VETERANS

Today in Question Time, the Prime Minister confirmed his intention to cut payments to children of ADF veterans who have been killed or injured, including children who have been orphaned.

 

The Prime Minister’s decision is unconscionable.

 

The cost of providing this assistance is only about $250,000 a year, and would provide payments of a modest $211 a year to about 1,200 children of veterans.

 

This has the same impact on the budget as giving just four high income earners the Prime Minister’s extravagant and unfair paid parental leave scheme.

 

Today, the Prime Minister indicated very clearly what his priorities are.

 

The families of our veterans deserve the respect and gratitude of our nation, and the support of this Parliament. Taking away this modest payment is incredibly insulting.

 

Again, Labor calls on the Prime to reverse this callous decision. He must back down and ensure the children of Australia’s war veterans get the support they deserve.


MONDAY, 17 MARCH 2014

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