Children’s groups hit out at crushing cutbacks

It was a rollercoaster budget for children, with some highs and many crashing lows, according to the Children’s Rights Alliance.

Chief executive Tanya Ward said crashing lows were the cuts to child benefit, and the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance.

“How is this in the best interests of children? Each cut on its own is detrimental, but accumulatively these cuts are devastating to families. In its eagerness to finance a dead banking system, the Government is killing our future,” said Ms Ward.