Oh do shut up, Peter Costello

Our Federal Treasurer was on again today about boosting our population.
Last time he opened his mouth on the subject, it was budget time and he was urging us Patriotic Australians to have a child for mum, a child for dad and one for the nation.
Bah to that, I say.
And double bah to what he's said today - we must breed or risk a country transformed by a migrant influx.
This statement upsets me on so many levels I hardly know where to begin.
Firstly, immigration has been the making of Australia in the past - I mean, we are ALL immigrants of some kind, aren't we? And immigration has made us the rich and diverse country that we are. Been to Lygon St, Sydney Rd or Victoria St lately Pete?
But this recurring message to breed at all costs is positively laughable.
Women are voting with their feet - many have chosen not to have kids. If they do, it's usually only one or two.
What incentive is there in a country with no compulsory paid maternity leave and child care queues longer than the loo line at the Big Day Out?
How about giving all women 2 years maternity leave, Pete?
That would free up a lot of childcare places and give women greater freedoms and choices. I think you'd find a lot more would go back to work (after one year is tough - children aren't children, they're still babies really).
Throwing piddling bloody family benefits and tax "cuts" at us isn't going to do it. A grand gesture is needed in this country if you want more babies Mr Treash.