Delivering our commitments

The Government is delivering on its 2004 election commitments, including:

Family Assistance

The Government is delivering extra assistance to families, including increasing the maximum rate of Family Tax Benefit Part B ($2 billion over five years from 2004-05), the 30 per cent Child Care Tax Rebate (around $1 billion over five years from 2004-05), and increasing grandparents’ access to the Child Care Benefit ($110 million over five years from 2004-05).

Recognising Senior Australians

The Government is providing a new Utilities Allowance of $100 per household to people of Age Pension age receiving income support, including Veterans ($801 million over five years from 2004-05) and a new Seniors Concession Allowance of $200 per year to each holder of the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card ($334 million over five years from 2004-05).

Water Management

$2 billion has been committed to establish an Australian Water Fund.

This is a major investment in water infrastructure, improved environmental knowledge and water management.

Investing in Our Schools

The Government will invest an additional $1 billion over five years from 2004-05 to provide much needed school infrastructure.

These and the other election promises outlined in the Making Australia Stronger — Delivering Our Commitments document build on policies already implemented by this Government.