PAID PARENTAL LEAVE
The Federal Labor Government historic paid parental leave scheme provides eligible working parents with Parental Leave Pay for up to 18 weeks at the national minimum wage.
Paid Parental Leave gives babies the best start in life. It gives more parents the financial security to spend time at home with their new baby in the critical early months.
For many women, particularly the self-employed and those in part-time casual, seasonal or contract work, this scheme is the first time they have had access to Paid Parental Leave.
The scheme also helps women stay connected to the workforce, and helps employers attract and retain valuable and skilled staff.
INCREASED SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES WITH TEENAGE CHILDREN
From 1 January 2012, the maximum annual rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A for 16-19 year olds who are in full-time secondary study will increase from $2,099 to $6,307. This represents up to an extra $4,200 each year for eligible families.
CHILD CARE REBATE
The Federal Labor Government has increased the Child Care Rebate since July 2008 from 30 per cent to 50 per cent of out-of-pocket child care expenses, providing families with up to $7,500 per child per year towards their child care costs.
We also made the rebate, received by around 700,000 families, payable fortnightly.
EDUCATION TAX REFUND
Helping working families meet the cost of education through the Education Tax Refund
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providing a rebate for things like laptops, software, school text books and uniforms;
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For 2009-10 financial year, eligible families can claim a 50% tax refund on eligible expenses of up to $780 for each child undertaking primary school studies and end up to $1,558 for each child undertaking secondary school studies.
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Around 800,000 families and 1.4 million students have already around $500 million in claimed tax rebates for eligible educational expenses incurred in the 2008-09 financial year, with more families to benefit as they complete their tax returns.