Labor MPs questions single parent change LABOR MPs have asked Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Treasurer Wayne Swan to revisit changes to single parenting payments. About 84,000 single parents were moved from the payment to the lower Newstart unemployment payment in January as a budget cost-saving measure. It is expected to save the government around $728 million over four years, but could cost some families $100 a week. Four MPs voiced criticism of the policy when caucus met in Canberra on Tuesday, asking questions of Ms Gillard and Mr Swan about the social justice of it. One said the government's achievements in the area of child care had been "undermined" by the payment cut. Another asked the prime minister to assess some specific examples of the problems the changed caused in her electorate. A backbencher said he regretted having not fought harder against the budget measure, saying it was a mistake to have gone ahead with it. A fourth MP said Labor needed to sell its message better to the public and argue the government's overall strategy on jobs and the social wage was improving the lives of Australians. Ms Gillard said the measure had received the approval of caucus. Mr Swan said he would consult with caucus members in the development of the budget.