at belly belly, i think we are so lucky to have members like Lula2 and Shannon and whoever else i've forgotten, on hand, who are willing to give insiders info on this "minefield".

It is so frustrating to hear your story Lulu2, people like you who SHOULD be behind the counter (if that was your desire, and you had good childcare, flexible hours - all the other things working parents need), cos you understand it and view it as a public service, - all the reduncancies of experienced staff, stinks of mismangement of human resources to moi. (And govt wanting to pay younger people instead cos they're cheaper).

I think the Family Assistance stuff is partly there so the unemployment figures are made to look artificially better than they really are. The window dressing put on it is that the lovely leaders are looking out for families. I think they have self interest at heart, cos more people looking for paid work leads to higher unemployment figures. (I realise not all mums fit in this category, but i am talking about the women who either do or have to get paid work.)

I read a quote in the media yesterday that income earners under $40,000 will no longer pay tax. I don't believe this for a minute, but it would be nice to find out the REAL thing. (We come into that bracket and it made me laugh). I think they were confusing the thing about the capping for either Family Asssistance A or B being raised from $33,000 to $40,000.

Sorry, having a cynical morning here. Steps off soapbox.