I am a single grandmother, trying to support my 14-year-old granddaughter in an already challenging financial climate. When my granddaughter recently turned 14, I was abruptly cut off from receiving parenting payments. This sudden change has added significant financial stress to our lives, as providing for a teenager is no less demanding than caring for a younger child.

Currently, the Australian Government ceases parenting payments once a child turns 14, assuming that parents and guardians no longer require the same level of financial assistance. However, the needs of 14 and 15-year-olds remain substantial. The expenses involved in clothing, feeding, educating, and supporting a teenager do not diminish simply because they have crossed an age threshold.

Research indicates that families with 14 and 15-year-old children continue to incur high costs related to education, extracurricular activities, and healthcare. According to a 2022 study by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the cost of raising a child increases significantly during adolescence, with families of teens aged 14-17 spending an average of $4,000 more annually compared to those with younger children. This increase highlights the ongoing need for financial support from the government during this critical life stage.

In times of economic uncertainty, it is vital for our government to reevaluate policies that inadvertently place undue financial burdens on families. Adjusting the eligible age for parenting payments to at least 15 not only aids families in need but also underscores our collective commitment to nurturing the next generation effectively.

I urge our policymakers to take this matter seriously and propose an amendment to extend parenting payments until a child reaches 15 years of age. By doing so, they can provide much-needed financial relief to families like mine and ensure that all youth have the support they need to thrive.

Please sign this petition to support families struggling to meet the needs of their teenage children and to advocate for a more compassionate and realistic approach to parenting payments in our country. Together, we can make a difference and have our voices heard.