I am a Grand parent with Parental responsibility for three Grandchildren 12,5 and 15 months and have had the children for 15 months. Whilst I am still working my wife had given up her employ to look after the children given the youngest was three days old when they were placed with us. We are 64 and 62.  I would like support from the Australian people and all grand parents in the same scenario to make the Federal Government Dept of Social Services change the rule in which we, now with PR for the children until age 18 are being means tested on my wages which reduces the support paid by Centrelink to assist us in supporting the children's upbringing.

Unless you are in, or know someone in this situation you could only imagine what you have to give up to support the children. Kids today are not like when we had ours and certainly not like us growing up. Just teaching them to play without an electronic toy can be a challenge. Please give your support

The Federal Government grants Tax Relief A and or B based on your earnings. (Means Tested) As the children were placed by the NSW Children's Court. The Grand parents who take on the role of bringing up children should be given both A & B immediately on placement which would alleviate some of the financial burden placed on the Grand Parents and abolish the means testing of those in this situation. Should I separate from my wife and rort the system like so many, which is not an option as our primary is to ensure the children have a better chance in life, than they would have received. Heaven forbid the financial burden on us both should their mother get them back leaving us in an even worse financial position for retirement given the placement and my wife having given up her employ.