Mums support six month maternity

Murwillumbah mother sheridan morgan with four-month-old son Archie.

Crystal Spencer

Poll

Who should pay for maternity leave?

This poll ended on 10 April 2010.

Government

75%

Business

6%

Self-funded

6%

We shouldn't have paid maternity leave

6%

Other

3%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

MURWILLUMBAH mother Sheridan Morgan says Tony Abbott’s funded maternity leave policy would help reduce stress in new mothers should he topple the Rudd Government at the next election.

Mrs Morgan, 31, on paid maternity leave with four-month-old son Archie, said she supported the Federal Coalition leader’s approach because it offered more money.

Mr Abbott this week announced plans to give expectant mothers up to $150,000 over a year at the cost of a 1.7 per cent levy on Australia’s biggest companies should he take government.

“I don’t really care about big business. They seem to be making enough money to cope with the extra tax,” Mrs Morgan said.

The high school teacher is currently on 28 weeks half paid leave as a teacher but said she would take a full year off to raise her son.

She said as a mother, Mr Abbott’s plan was more appealing to her.

“I already wanted another baby, so it would make it easier for me and less stressful,” she said.

“The more time off the better it is, especially to bond. I think it would appeal more to breastfeeding mothers because they say the longer you do it for the better.”

The Federal Government wants its $260 million policy for an 18-week scheme paid at the minimum wage to begin in January.

The differences

• Tony Abbott

$75,000 over six months.

Funded through 1.7 per cent levy on Australia’s biggest companies.

• Kevin Rudd

18-week scheme paid at the minimum wage.

Capped at $9800.