firstly - i want to make it VERY clear - CENTRELINK only ADMINISTER payments - they don't make ANY decisions on what payments are or how they will be delivered - they're just the public face

in the May 2008 budget, it was decided to change the payment to fortnightly installments for everyone - prior to that, anyone had the OPTION of fortnightly payments, and ALL under 18's were paid fortnightly. the reasons behind it are probably open to lots of speculation, but from what i can gather
- labour government no longer see it as a bonus payment - it is a support payment for those on lower incomes
- as a support payment, it is better paid as all other income support is paid, fortnightly
- it is now considered another "welfare" payment, hence the income limits and the fortnightly payments

From my personal research
- the reports put forward to the goverment were suggestive that the "plasma" bonus, as it was widely known wasn't being used for items for babies
- it wasn't getting paid immediately on baby being born (took up to a month to process) so the immediate costs for the baby were having to be paid by the parents anyway
- most people know for at least 6 months that they are pregnant so have ample time to plan and arrange essentials for baby

the reasons this will work better for the majority of people
- reports to the government are (finally) supporting the need for mum's to spend the first six months with baby for essential development. they support the WHO's recommendation for exclusive breast feeding for that first six months (it's not possible for some, granted, BUT it is the recommendation). As Australia is one of very few developed nations to NOT have a government funded maternity payment scheme, it was put forward that the bonus be paid to support woment having this time off work. by paying it fortnightly, it is similar to supplementing minimum wage (similar, not the same!) and this six month period of time without work is being supported


Ultimately, it was set down by the parliament of the day that access to the payment be restricted, that it is now a welfare payment that is to be paid equally to everyone in fortnightly installments. it's not ideal for some people, but it has been decided and we all have to live with it!

HTH

BG