[Greens-Media] ALP back-flip on welfare principles

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

ALP back-flip on welfare principles

The ALP performed another embarrassing reversal last night when they
changed position and backed down on supporting changes to 'principal
carers' provisions in the Senate proposed by the Australian Greens.

"In March I put up exactly the same amendment and the ALP supported it,
but last night the ALP voted with the Government against it - despite
indicating 'in principle' support," said Senator Rachel Siewert today.

"I'm concerned that the ALP have backed away on this issue simply
because they are worried in the run-up to an election that they
supporting increasing funding for income support," she said.

"Labor continue to speak out against the contradiction between the
Family Law Act on the one hand (which enshrines the principle of equal
shared care as the default) and the Social Security Act on the other
(which only supports one parent as the 'principal carer')."

"However, when it comes to fixing this contradiction in law, to ensure
that parents with 50/50 shared care are able to access the same
entitlements to support their kids, this principle simply doesn't stack
up for Labor against the real-politik of avoiding criticism of their
economic credentials in an election year," said Senator Siewert.

	           
For more information or comment call 
Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025

Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au
http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au

RESCUE THE SENATE


Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia


Wednesday 13 June 2007