Fed: Swan blasts Howard over focusing on war and not families

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2004
Fed: Swan blasts Howard over focusing on war and not families

Labor's family and community spokesman WAYNE SWAN says the federal government can marshal
the will to go to war, but can't find time to help families.

A report in The Australian newspaper says the government sat on plans for a new work
and family package in last year's Budget because its priority was on the war in Iraq.

A leaked cabinet document shows the federal government had planned reforms to help
parents -- but failed to implement them.

Mr SWAN says Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD doesn't care about Australian families, only
about winning votes.

He's called on Mr HOWARD to admit to parliament he got the issue wrong and immediately
introduce the proposals in the leaked document.

Deputy Opposition Leader JENNY MACKLIN says Mr HOWARD is stuck in the 1950s and doesn't
understand mothers want the option to return to work.

AAP RTV sm/sb/dl/jmt

KEYWORD: FAMILY (CANBERRA) WITH AUDIO

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