FED: Howard outlines new social package

AAP General News (Australia)
04-16-2000
FED: Howard outlines new social package

MELBOURNE, April 16 AAP - The federal government would spend $240 million to improve
access to child care and to bolster family support services as part of its new focus on
social reform.

Prime Minister John Howard announced the four-year program in his keynote address to
the Liberal Party national convention today.

Mr Howard said while economic and taxation reform was crucial for Australia, the changes
must lead to a better social outcome for Australians.

He said that under the Stronger Families Strategy, more money would be spent to provide
support for parents who needed help or advice to raise children.

"Instead of isolating them, we should be reaching out to those people who are crying
out for help," Mr Howard said.

He said that of the $240 million, $70 million would be allocated over four years to
expand access to child-care services to people who worked shifts and in remote areas.

Under the plan, child-care workers would come to the home and possibly stay overnight,
saving parents the need to disrupt a child's routine by taking him or her to a child-care
centre.

"We should provide the option for the care to go to the home, not the reverse," Mr Howard said.

He said $4 million would be spent on helping young people in isolated areas.

The money would fund 10,000 cadetships for young people in isolated areas to help them
take part in a wider range of activities.

Mr Howard said the party faced significant challenges and warned MPs and senators not
to underestimate Labor's desire to win back power at the next election, due in late 2001.

"Never underestimate your political opponent," he said.

"I don't underestimate the challenge that lies ahead of the coalition as it heads toward
the next election."

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KEYWORD: LIBERALS HOWARD

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