Cricket - there is no federally funded maternity leave in Au at all
Out of curiousity, roughly how much are you taxed? We have about 20% or so, deducted from DH's paycheque (I realize that is different for different income levels) and then we have a 5% federal sales tax on most items and an 8% provincial sales tax as well. So our tax rate is relatively high, I'd say, by the time all is said and done, but for that we do get health insurance which covers a fair bit - including private midwives and homebirth - (though not optometrists or dentists or chiropractors), and a good baby bonus/mat leave, as I mentioned. I'm generally not in favour of high taxation and wealth redistribution as a rule, but I do appreciate the value that our government puts on young families this way. (I guess you could say that I'm against other people getting my money, but I like getting theirs! Hardly a consistant position. )