WIN one of four makeup collections
WIN one of four makeup collections valued at over $400 from the Heat Group, distributors of Max Factor, Covergirl, Bourjois & Red Earth. To enter, just tell Heat what you think about the $10,000 Bumper Baby Bonus and the 14 week maternity leave proposal by participating in their poll. Vote Now
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The debate: Bumper Baby Bonus, or fourteen weeks paid maternity leave?
Family First Senator Steve Fielding is calling for families who have a third or subsequent child to be rewarded with a $10,000 Bumper Baby Bonus in an effort to encourage families to have more children. Also on the table is the Australian Democrats proposal that all working mothers should receive 14 weeks of Government-funded maternity leave.
"The simple reality is Australia needs more children, and offering a $10,000 Bumper Baby Bonus will encourage families with two children to consider having a third. So many of these families would like more children, but decide against it because of financial pressures" said Senator Steve Fielding.
According to the Australian Democrats the proposal does not address the key issues, money being only one, albeit important factor in the decision to have more children.
"The Baby Bonus is not paid maternity leave. It is a one-off financial boost and does nothing to ensure women can take time off work as it is not tied to leave. Unlike paid maternity leave, it does nothing to encourage workplace attachment, or allow superannuation payments to continue throughout the period of leave." author of the maternity leave bill Senator Natasha Stott Despoja said.
The proposed baby bonus has sparked heated discussion within internet discussion groups. "The things that might give families more incentive to have bigger families are the long-term things", says Tam-I-Am, moderator on popular pregnancy website Bub Hub. "The access to facilities and healthcare, affordable child-care, paid maternity leave, longer maternity leave, legislation to give women rights to return to work only part time, etc.
"If the government is serious about increasing the amount of women having babies they really seriously need to look at these issues, rather than 'stop-gap' measures".
What influences your decision to have children? Do you see more value in a lump sum payment, or longer term help?
Have your say. Vote Now and enter to win one of four makeup collections.
