Fed: Labor says PM has double standards

AAP General News (Australia)
02-17-2004
Fed: Labor says PM has double standards

CANBERRA, Feb 17 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard was guilty of double standards, privately
concerned about the family benefits system but saying something different in public, federal
Labor said today.

Opposition family and community services spokesman Wayne Swan continued his attack
on the government's work and family policies today, saying Mr Howard's credibility had
taken a severe blow.

A new leaked cabinet document, a letter from Mr Howard to then family and community
service minister Amanda Vanstone, said overpayments and debts in the family tax benefit
continued to be an issue for many families and had the potential to undermine appreciation
of the government's efforts.

The letter followed the leaking of a cabinet in confidence document urging the government
to consider more flexible work arrangements for women returning from parental leave.

But Mr Howard denied yesterday the government had sat on the recommendations, saying
defence and national security became priorities as the government prepared for last year's
budget.

Mr Swan said the latest letter from Mr Howard to Senator Vanstone showed he was concerned
about the family benefits system.

"This just demonstrates the double standard of this prime minister," he told ABC radio.

"He says one thing about his policies in private and entirely another to the Australian
people and parliament.

"Every member of parliament knows how big a problem this is because they deal on a
daily basis with the financial pain suffered by a third of all Australian families."

Family and Community Service Minister Kay Patterson said the family tax benefit was
a great boost to families but admitted some problems remained for people who incorrectly
estimated their income.

"There are some with lumpy incomes that come in and out of the workforce who are finding
it difficult to estimate their income," she told ABC radio.

"We need to do better to help them to get it right to reduce the likelihood of an overpayment."

AAP sm/was

KEYWORD: FAMILY DAYLEAD

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