The Children's Commissioner is warning MPs that a government bill that puts work expectations on beneficiaries who are parents must provide quality care for children.
Parliament's Social Services select committee has been hearing submissions on a bill that sets up a new youth benefit, with recipients having a payment card for groceries, and their rent, power and phone bills paid directly.
It also includes work obligations for beneficiaries with children.
The deputy Children's Commissioner, Jo Cribb, told the committee that if such changes become law, then good alternative care for children must be available and affordable.
