Today it takes two incomes (usually) just to keep
a family afloat. Therefore if someone stays home
to look after children (at least in the child's -
early formative years) then I totally support paid
parental leave to help (be it for the male of female
of the family). And I think our attitudes need to change
regarding the way we look at child-rearing. Children are
this country's future and are worth the investment of
taxpayer's money. Governments spend enough on other
things that some of us may consider a "waste."
An investment in children I don't regard as one of them.

Yuyutsu,

I brought this issue up because recently my brother and his wife have just had their second child. I can't tell them what to do in that area. If I do I'll get in a lot of trouble with my parents. However I brought up the issue of the house husband - and it was 'laughed off' by my brother - however I was being serious about it.

His wife gets paid maternity leave at present, because she has better skills education wise, and as a result a better job. So she is able to stay at home and look after their two children - and be paid for it.

I was quite offended by my brother laughing off the idea - as I was being serious - and felt why should there be discrimination (female versus male) like this in 2014?

NathanJ, there isn't discrimination in this area.....as the paid parental leave can go to either mum or dad.
Obviously your brother just doesn't fancy staying home with the baby, and that has nothing to do with discrimination.

I know a couple of house husbands who do a great job, but I would suggest that most men are quite happy not to stay at home with the kids...

Suseonline,

Tony Abbott's scheme for paid parental leave hasn't been approved by parliament yet, so it is not in place.

"but I would suggest that most men are quite happy not to stay at home with the kids..." This is an assumption, (that some have) not a fact.

Under my brother's work - paid maternity isn't even part of the picture, it would not even be approved by his employer or be taken seriously - because he is male. In fact I think a lot of people would think the idea was silly - and as a result a lot of men would not take it up.

I (personally) think it is a good thing if we can break down barriers between parents and scrap stereotypes in 2014.

Parents connecting with their child in their earliest years is vital - for a good future. Putting them in childcare for long periods of time isn't always the best option.

Nah men should not get paid parental leave, after all isn't it taking equality too far.

This isn't about equality. There's other issues
to consider. To list just two:

1) Get to know your baby - together.
The bond you'll form will last for life.

2) After giving birth mothers are healing -
physically and emotionally - adjusting to their
new role, new baby, new schedule, having a partner
around to help comforts and helps - especially
in their sleep deprived state.