Squeers, I agree with much of what you say, especially with regards to not enough jobs,

So this begs the question about responsible parenting. If a couple are forced to make more choices about extending their family, due to financial retrained, that's a wise choice, but the trouble is that because we have had such an easily rourted welfare system, combined with a large amount who view welfare as an entitlement, often the people having the large families are not the ones who can offer the best education, which in turn provides an opportunity for a better prospect in later life. This is also the reason behind Tony Abbotts PPL scheem, it's just that he couldn't come out and say that for PC reasons.

What he should have offered from day one was a child care rebate for return to work mothers. It would still be a better option today.

And yes, unfortunately all single mothers do get badged as welfare drains and that's sad. But take that lady in Cains, a terrible situation but there were five fathers to eight kids and there were three more kids. You're kidding! Without our overly generous welfare system that simply would not have happened.

And yes, we are in trouble, serious trouble!