Fed: Government all talk, no action, on helping mothers: Labor

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2003
Fed: Government all talk, no action, on helping mothers: Labor

Labor says the federal government is all talk and no action when it comes to helping new mothers.

The government is reportedly considering options for a financial assistance package
for women having babies.

The Australian Financial Review says the government is considering making direct payments
to families in the year in which a baby os born.

Another option is to raise tax thresholds for working women giving birth and for the
husbands of non-working women having babies.

The plan would cost up to $1 billion and would effectively replace the baby bonus scheme
and a current one-off payment to mothers of new babies.

However a spokeswoman for Acting Opposition Leader JENNY MACKLIN says the government
should stop talking about the problems faced by new mothers and do something to help them.

AAP RTV pj/rca

KEYWORD: MATERNITY (CANBERRA)

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