Carrying on a mini-debate we had last month on Bsharp's blog, it's interesting to hear what is being debated in the media since it was implemented on 1 July:
- tales of people trying to hold off having ceasars until after 1 July, and people disappointed with missing out on having a 1 July baby by hours or minutes!!
- talk of needing to implement another level of management, involving the bonus being installed in a series of monthly payments, for mothers for whom there is a risk that they might not use the money as intended (addicts etc)
- smart ideas for investing your baby bonus!! invest it bonds/funds and use it in 18 years time for you childs education etc etc!!
- current affairs show stories about teens planning to get pregnant to cash in on the $3000 windfall!!
I can't help thinking how bizarre this is. Just goes to show that a lot of people who don't really need the bonus will receive it, and the temptation is there for anyone to use it on things other than for baby-related costs. And the PM says that's OK - you don't have to spend it on the baby!
I know it's better than nothing, but does little to address the issues that a compulsory paid parental leave system could address.
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