FED:Abbott backs changes to baby bonus

AAP General News (Australia)
08-04-2010
FED:Abbott backs changes to baby bonus

Opposition Leader TONY ABBOTT has backed Labor's plan to make the baby bonus scheme
and family tax benefit payments more flexible.

Prime Minister JULIA GILLARD today announced new regulations to allow eligible parents
to access 500 dollars of the nearly 53-hundred dollar baby bonus upfront .. in addition
to the first instalment.

Labor also plans to simplify arrangements for advance payments of family tax benefits
.. allowing a family with two children under 12 a maximum advance payment of 625 dollars
.. with an overall maximum amount of one-thousand dollars.

Mr ABBOTT says he's inclined to support the changes .. which would come into effect
on July 1 next year and cost the government 54-million dollars over four years.

AAP RTV kms/rl/jkl/crh

KEYWORD: POLL10 GILLARD (CANBERRA)

� 2010 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.