Wed, 14th May 2008

Ludwig dodges responsibility for carers

Senator the Hon Helen Coonan
Shadow Minister for Human Services

In an embarrassing display in the Senate this afternoon the Minister for Human Services demonstrated total ignorance about issues directly related to his own portfolio.

Senator Joe Ludwig, who, as Minister for Human Services, is responsible for the administration of carer’s payments, had no idea as to whether or not such payments would be subject to means testing following the Rudd Government’s Budget announcement last night.

During Question Time this afternoon, Senator Coonan asked Senator Ludwig why the Prime Minister had broken his promises to carers to make their bonus payments permanent.

Instead, no promise was made of any future commitment by the Rudd Government beyond this year.

“Senator Ludwig attempted to deflect my question to the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs representative, Senator Chris Evans,” Senator Coonan said.

“As Shadow Minister for Human Services, I know firsthand how this portfolio overarches several different payment systems. Senator Ludwig should by now be aware of what is in the compass of his portfolio.

“There is no excuse for this appalling ignorance.

“No wonder carers in this country are in a state of shock,” Senator Coonan said.