To be honest the fortnightly payment disadvantages me over the lump sum. Last time that lump sum went to pay for my OB, paediatritian and all the other expenses that come with having an unplanned c/s and jaundiced baby in a private hospital. Of course you get some money back from health insurance and medicare but we were still thousands out of pocket.

However I would definitely prefer a Paid Maternity leave system to a Baby Bonus. To afford to have babies we have really had to save every penny and put it away so that we can afford to pay the mortgage while I'm not working. It can be really stressful and I'm sure there are many people who can't afford to save enough from their day to day expenses to even do this. It is particularly hard when the person staying home is the main income earner.