How true

[***super_nova***]

[***super_nova***]

---

@am*3 wrote:

I don't think you can compare life in 2013 with life in Grandma's day. The average rent where I live is $450 a week, the avg house price about $550 000... pay that one one income.. not easily done unless you are in a high income category.

---

When I got pregnant in early 1970s our rent was about $60 per week; we both earned over $100, which was above average.  I think about $50 was the minimum wage.  So not much different to now, just add 0.  But, white goods cost then just about as much as they do now; to buy a fridge of washer was several months wages. 

I have no problem with help given to new parents but not to give most those who earn enough to be able to have savings and get those who can least afford it to pay for it.  Sadly that little detail will most likely escape those who lap up TA's 3 word slogans.

[cherry*135]

The rents have gone up here from around $270 p.w. to $450 p.w in the last 7 or so years . Wages have not increased that much.

People on average salaries need two incomes to pay those high rents/or a mortgage. In the 1980's one income would have been livable on, let alone in Grandma's day.

[twinkles**stars]

Oh come on now....white goods were no where near the cost of todays.

In the 70's I was earning a modest $200 per week. First block of land was $11000, house was $20000, brand new car $3000

[the_great_she_elephant]

Most couples/families now do need 2 incomes to pay their basic living costs

If paid parental leave is to help new parents cover their basic living costs, does that imply that the basic needs of high earners are greater than those on alow income?

[***super_nova***]

Not sure where you lived, but in Melbourne very modest house cost over $30 000 in late 1970s.  In Sydney in 1979, there was nothing under $60 000.  Maybe out somewhere on outskirts, 50km from GPO.
here is some cost of appliances in the 70s:

http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/70selectrical.html

As I said, i do agree that people need help at the time they have a new baby. 

[twinkles**stars]

Outer East Melbourne, built a brand new house in 1978. 4 bedrooms with ensuite and family room, 2 story at the back.

Nova that site is American?

[purple_haize]

1976 my first hubby and me bought at 3 bedroom house in Melbourne Outer East for $16.000 on a 1\4 acre.

[***super_nova***]

---

@twinkles**stars wrote:

Nova that site is American?

---

Yes, but surely appliences would not be so much different?  There was a site that had Australian prices for 70s, but I cannot find it now. 

According to BUREAU OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS the average male wage in 1969-70

NSW 77.40

VIC 77.00

QLD 68.40

SA  69.90

WA  74.90

TAS 70.00

AU  75.00

http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/free.nsf/0/3CE0FD337A1F0AB6CA2575160010C5CC/$File/63020_SEP1...

[cherry*135]

---

@the_great_she_elephant wrote:

Most couples/families now do need 2 incomes to pay their basic living costs

If paid parental leave is to help new parents cover their basic living costs, does that imply that the basic needs of high earners are greater than those on alow income?

---

I think so, because a couple on a combined income of $300 000 would be able to afford a much higher priced house than someone on a combined income of $100 000 and the couple with the $300 000 annual combined income would have higher mortgage repayments to meet than the couple on $100 000.

Annual salary -  is related to what is an affordable amount of mortgage payment/rent.

If a couple earning $300 000 p.a can afford to buy a house (with a mortgage) worth $800 000, should they not be able to do that, because a couple earning $100 000 p.a. couldn't afford to buy a house worth that much?

[donnashuggy]

Liberal priorities are wrong because they don't have education as a priority so that more of the population can earn more with higher/better education.

They would rather invest in leaking fishing boats. Says a lot, doesn't it?