Post by Banjo on Jun 9, 2012 10:12:37 GMT 7
Cheaper to have kids on welfare, says Tony Abbott
FAMILIES who receive welfare benefits can afford to have children more than others, according to Tony Abbott.
In a wide-ranging speech yesterday the Opposition Leader talked up the Coalition's paid parental leave scheme, which gives mothers six months leave at their full wage.
Mr Abbott said the "fair dinkum" scheme - which he will implement if elected to government - was "an acknowledgment of contemporary social reality".
"Few accept that career and family should be an either/or choice," he said.
"Most households can't afford to lose a substantial part of their regular income.
"If that's what having a child means, then fewer families will have children and they will have fewer children. As well, fewer women will have careers because it will be less easy to combine serious work with involved parenting.
"At present, the only families that can have more children without damaging their financial position are those on welfare. It's one of the reasons why the birth rate tends to be higher among people of lower socio-economic status."
Mr Abbott said people who were doing it tough "undeniably deserve financial support when their families grow".
"But every family's budget comes under strain as it grows which is why all families deserve support," he said.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard this week chaired a summit with childcare industry representatives to address fees.
www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/cheaper-to-have-kids-on-welfare-says-tony-abbott/story-e6frea8c-1226389573740
FAMILIES who receive welfare benefits can afford to have children more than others, according to Tony Abbott.
In a wide-ranging speech yesterday the Opposition Leader talked up the Coalition's paid parental leave scheme, which gives mothers six months leave at their full wage.
Mr Abbott said the "fair dinkum" scheme - which he will implement if elected to government - was "an acknowledgment of contemporary social reality".
"Few accept that career and family should be an either/or choice," he said.
"Most households can't afford to lose a substantial part of their regular income.
"If that's what having a child means, then fewer families will have children and they will have fewer children. As well, fewer women will have careers because it will be less easy to combine serious work with involved parenting.
"At present, the only families that can have more children without damaging their financial position are those on welfare. It's one of the reasons why the birth rate tends to be higher among people of lower socio-economic status."
Mr Abbott said people who were doing it tough "undeniably deserve financial support when their families grow".
"But every family's budget comes under strain as it grows which is why all families deserve support," he said.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard this week chaired a summit with childcare industry representatives to address fees.
www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/cheaper-to-have-kids-on-welfare-says-tony-abbott/story-e6frea8c-1226389573740
