A MINISTER'S answer that she could live on the dole has been marked as "inaudible" in the official transcript from her office, despite the crystal-clear video.
From today parents will move from the parenting payment to Newstart in what federal Families Minister Jenny Macklin says is aimed at getting people back to work. About 84,000 single parents will be affected.
For parents in a relationship, the changes come into force when their youngest turns six.
It will save the budget $728 million over four years, but welfare groups say it will lead to more people falling into poverty.
Families Minister Jenny Macklin. Picture: Chloe Geraghty
When asked today Ms Macklin said she would be able to live on the dole.
"I could, and of course we understand that what's important for people who are unemployed is that we do everything possible to help people get work," she said.
"That's the whole focus of this government - to do everything we can to help people to get into work and that's what we're doing with these single parents as well."
But when her office issued a transcript of the press conference, the question - and answer - were marked as "inaudible".
You can make up your own mind with the video above.
The Minister's office has been contacted for comment in regards to the transcript.
Ms Macklin said the changes to the single parenting payments were aimed at getting parents back into work.
"What we have found as a result of the changes made in 2006, we have seen more and more single parents going back to work and of course the more that people go back to work the better.
"Unfortunately we have far too many children growing up in families where nobody is working. We want to do everything we possibly can to support families to go out to work and hold down a job."
A person living on the dole receives $246 a week.
As a Cabinet Minister, Ms Macklin earns $6321 a week.
Ms Macklin was speaking at the Mercy Hospital for Women in Melbourne, where she visited new and future parents to celebrate the start of Dad and Partner Pay.
From today, eligible working dads and same-sex partners will receive two weeks of government-funded pay at the national minimum wage - currently about $606 per week before tax, for children born or adopted.
Will Enzinger, a self-employed equestrian coach, whose partner Emily Anker is expecting to give birth by caesarean section tomorrow, said the payment would allow him to take time off for the birth without having stress about money.
"Just to be there to support and do it together, it is a great opportunity," he said. "It will be a big help."
I could live on the dole, says Families Minister Jenny Macklin
yeah she could with her parliamentary money in case of difficulty
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