The Abbott Government’s multi-billion-dollar childcare package is under fire from within.

Government Senators are among those attacking parts of the overhaul to be unveiled in tomorrow night’s federal budget.

They are concerned that the changes appear to shift funds from families relying on one income, so that stay-at-home parents could miss out.

Brittney Levinson reports.

TRANSCRIPT

On the eve of the budget’s release, senators had a lot to say about the changes to childcare payments.

Matt Canavan, National Senator: “The mums and dads of Australia should make their own mind up about who looks after their children.”

His Liberal colleague agrees.

Cory Bernadi, Liberal Senator: “If you go back to first principles, you say why wouldn’t we be encouraging parents to look after their children rather than paying someone else to look after their children.”

The new scheme will mean stay at home families with one income of $65,000 or more could lose their childcare payment.

But families with two working parents and a combined income of $177,000 will save up to $30 a week.

While we’re used to seeing treasurer Joe Hockey at budget time, it was the social services minister making all the appearances this morning.

Scott Morrison, Minister for Social Services: “The only people who may not get subsidies for childcare now are those on incomes over $65,000, who aren’t working, volunteering, looking for work or studying for more than four hours a week.”

The changes aim to stop parents from double-dipping in financial support from their employer and the government.

Families will be limited to a maximum payment of $11,500.

Brittney Levinson, QUT News.