Baby Bonus V's Paid Maternity

[Pretty Butterfly]

I agree with what most are saying.

I would love Maternity leave for all, and BG, your idea of how to make it work sounds great!!

But in the meantime, as a starter, the BB is something we didn't have many years ago, we got nothing. And although 3 months off work isnt ideal, a few years ago you didn't even get that, so to me, its a bonus.

When I had my first 3 kids it was just a family allowance, nothing more, no bonus.

Nai, actually the lump sum also was better for me with Kane, with medical trips and costs too!!

But this time round, as an already SAHM, it supplements a "wage" in this house. And I guess that it only works that way if your already at home anyway.



For those mums earning a good wage, the BB would be a massive drop in income. And thats a shame that hard working Aussies, who contribute so much, aren't looked after unless their particular boss has maternity leave.

I too was self employed, and recieved nothing while not at work. It was EXTREMELY hard.


ETA...SJ, for first time parents, with all the start up costs, is does seem so unfair hon. That a few people who abused the bonus have ruined it for others. I would be mad too!! I'm just lucky I guess, I dont have start up cost, just week to week costs.