Just when I thought Abbott and Co couldn't surprise me anymore, the Government has decided to 'give' newly married couples, committed co-habitting heterosexual couples, and even gay couples $200 for couples counselling!

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/federal-government-offers-newlyweds-200-voucher-to-attend-marriage-coounselling/story-fnihsrf2-1226808063646

They apparently want to kick off this generous use of public money with a trial of 100,000 couples to be given $200 to pay for professional counselling.

That adds up to $20 million.

$200 will be lucky to pay for one or maybe two sessions with a marriage counsellor, so I can't see how this will really help anyone, unless they can afford to pay for more sessions themselves.

I doubt this $200 would make one iota of difference for anyone's relationship at all.
Do they pay it back if they break up anyway?

Will we even know if the $200 will be used for relationship counselling, given that counsellors are not allowed to reveal any client session details?

I don't know about anyone else, but I think this scheme (along with the too generous paid parental leave scheme) is a colossal waste of money.

Should this $20 million be used elsewhere, such as areas in spending that have been cut by this government eg The National Disability scheme?

I totally agree and I have already written to Kevin Andrews to tell him it's a waste of my money…..if anyone wants to follow suit his email address is

"Menzies Electorate (K. Andrews, MP)" <menzies@aph.gov.au>

Some of the best Councillors I have come across, especially in my younger years, were barmaids.
I did pass some money over the bar and oft times received good advice in return, as well as a cold beer.
If Tony is willing to spring me a couple of Bradmans for such counseling I am all for it.
Though I do suspect the wise barmaids I encountered in my youth are no longer about the shop, boobs having replaced brains, or so I am told.
SD

Yes weird stuff.
If they need counseling at the start of wedded life they have the wrong partner.
Much more importantly I fear Abbott is unable to think of needed reforms

Perhaps Abbott could get some counselling?

Susie,
I agree, waste of funds. Some stupid advisors idea to buy some votes.

Just like the baby bonus and its unintended consequences.

You would think the LNP would have learned from Labor about the futility of buying votes.