Fed: Parties trade blows over family tax benefit

AAP General News (Australia)
08-31-2004
Fed: Parties trade blows over family tax benefit

Labor and the coalition have traded blows over the future of the family tax benefits
system, as a second bonus payment is about to land in voters' pockets.

Families Minister KAY PATTERSON is challenging Labor to guarantee that extra family
tax benefit payments will remain in place after the election.

From next Monday, eligible families who have lodged their tax returns will receive
a second $600 per child bonus.

But Senator PATTERSON says Labor has failed to guarantee it will maintain the value
of the family tax benefits system beyond this financial year.

Labor's families spokesman WAYNE SWAN says Australian families have accrued more than
$1.8 billion in debts to the family and childcare benefit system over the past three years,
due to the government's flawed policies.

AAP RTV pjo/sw/wjf/jv/rp

KEYWORD: POLL04 FAMILY TAX (CANBERRA)

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.