The paid parental leave scheme for the Coalition is
"Working mothers to receive full wage for 26 weeks, capped at $150,000"

To me this is subsidizing the already rich If a person earns anywhere near $150,000 in 26 weeks they should be able to afford the baby without being subsidized by Australian citizens.

The scheme will cost $5.5 Billion dollars and is to be funded by a 1.5 per cent tax on Australia's 3,000 biggest businesses, GUESS where they will get the money the will up the price of whatever they sell or whatever service they provide YOU the Australian citizens end up paying.

Abbott also says he will give business a 1.5% tax cut, if that is the case this scheme is therefore paid by taxpayers.

I can understand doing it for some people on low wages but to pay someone with a salary anywhere near or over $300,000 dollars per year is crazy.

At least the ALP one
"18 weeks' paid parental leave paid at the minimum wage"
Is reasonably cost effective BUT not sure if is means tested if not the rich get subsidized again.

Yep, it would be a great scheme, if capped at $30,000.

This is one where Abbott has gone overboard.

Someone is lying
A reporter with Abbott said a women on over $150,000 would receive $75,000.
BUT
The ABC says quote "Working mothers to receive full wage for 26 weeks, capped at $150,000"

The ABC one is wrong. Rather than a lie I would say there wording was a bit loose.

Mr Abbott defended the policy - which cuts off at $75,000 for women earning $150,000 a year.

At least now it is not so bad, but still think it is a bit high to be getting subsidized.

A stupid policy.

Austerity for everyone (ho, ho)

The "budget emergency" calls for upper middle class mothers to showered in cash if they decide to have a baby.

Abbott released this policy in a Malvern cafe today, amidst the yummy mummys waiting with baited breath to hear the details of Tony's largesse.

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/abbott-angles-for-baby-bump-in-polls-20130818-2s4i6.html

"Amelia Taylor, a fashion buyer from Toorak who wore a leopard skin trenchcoat, said her employer had to foot the cost of leave at full pay so she could stay at home with her five-month-old baby Thomas. Mr Abbott's plan, she said, would be “fantastic”, giving women independence and letting her “continue my lifestyle”."

Poirot - Meanwhile the employer has to hire someone else at more than likely a higher wage (as it would be pert time)to do the job guess what cost of goods and services go up.

Or use a temp agency MUCH higher cost.

I don't see small and medium size business liking this one.

Estimated cost $5.5 billion, that is before the blowout.