Lambie calls for means-tested childcare to save budget
Senator Lambie proposes means-tested childcare subsidies to cut spending ahead of December's budget.
Why it matters
These proposals could reshape who gets government help with childcare costs. They affect how families budget for essential services during a cost-of-living squeeze.
In Australia. Means-testing childcare would directly affect higher-income Australian families' access to subsidies, and a gas export tax could drive down domestic energy prices if passed.
Key facts
- 500,000 dollars annually
- Example couple income
- Fifth this year
- Interest rate hikes
- Jacqui Lambie, independent
- Senator
- Jim Chalmers
- Treasurer
- Independent senator Jacqui Lambie is pushing the government to cut childcare subsidies for high-income families.
- The government is hunting for budget savings.
- Lambie says couples earning $500,000 a year should get lower rebates than those earning less.
- Lambie also wants to check income before giving electric vehicle subsidies.
- She has called for up to 20 per cent tax on gas exports to raise revenue.
- Treasurer Jim Chalmers faces pressure to cut spending as inflation stays high and interest rates keep rising.
- The government will need support from crossbench members like Lambie to pass its gas reservation bill in parliament this week.
