Ms MACKLIN (2:09 PM) —My question is to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister, isn't it a fact that one in three mothers have missed out on the baby bonus and, of those who have qualified, 90 per cent have received less than $500—whereas 90 per cent of new mothers will receive up to $3,000 in the first year under Labor's new baby care payment? Will the Prime Minister adopt Labor's family friendly baby care payment, which provides 90 per cent of new mothers with a payment worth up to $3,000 in the first year?

Mr HOWARD (Prime Minister) —It is the case that there are eligibility criteria attached to the existing baby bonus. As to precisely the impact of that, I would have to get concise advice; I do not carry that around in my head.

Mr McGauran —Just have a lengthy discussion!

Mr HOWARD —I will have a lengthy discussion about it and get a little bit of advice. But I take this opportunity to remind the Deputy Leader of the Opposition of the enormous range of family benefits that have been introduced by this government. The reality is that for many families, say, with two children—one child under five—if you look at the tax value of the family tax benefit, you have got a situation where many of those families are effectively free of tax until they are earning about $30,000 a year. The measure of the benefits that have been introduced by this government far exceeds any that existed when we came to power in 1996.