MP backs in changes

CHEAPER childcare, improved paid parental leave, and a pay bump for aged care workers are some changes the Federal Government are touting as cost-of-living assistance that came into effect on 1 July.

Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, said the Government had delivered on election commitments.

“Labor’s cheaper childcare initiatives, which will see the childcare subsidy increase for around 5000 families in the Bendigo electorate, will help local families’ household budgets,” she said.

Ms Chesters also said several other election promises had come into effect on 1 July including an independent government agency to crack down on corrupt practices and aged care improvements.

“From July, the National Anti-Corruption Commission will be opening its doors,” she said.

However, Victorian Liberal Senator and shadow minister for education Sarah Henderson criticised the childcare changes, saying in a statement they didn’t go far enough when inflation is taken into account.

“Time and time again, Labor promised lower costs for early childhood education, but all it has delivered is higher fees, leaving many parents further out of pocket than they were before,” said.

“Labor’s policy to deliver ‘cheaper childcare’ is an absolute failure. Australian families are being hit with higher costs with no relief in sight.”