Mums react to Abbott's parental leave plan

The 'politics of the pram' have moved on to centre stage in the election campaign and for mothers like Madeleine Aikenhead, it's a welcome arrival.

'I think it is good that there is a recognition across all spectrums of politics that parents need to be supported to raise children', Madeleine says.

'Particularly support mothers so they don't remain out of the workforce.'

They're sentiments shared by Lyndal and Gerard Gibbs.

'When you have got professional females in the workforce there is a good incentive to keep them in the workplace', says Lyndal.

'And I think organisations need good females in the workplace.'

There are a lot of people out there who have no options when it comes to maternity leave and they really struggle, Gerard adds.

But opinions are divided about Tony Abbott's multi-billion dollar promise of half a year's parental leave on full pay.

'I think that's a little bit generous and the money could be better spent somewhere else. There are far bigger problems in the world and it could be better spent', parent Mel Smith says.

She believes couples should budget for parenthood, not rely on taxpayer handouts.

While the merits of the generous scheme are debated, a Galaxy poll has given the coalition optimism its plan could shift votes.

Forty-four per cent back its policy, compared with thirty-six for Labor's.

According to the ACTU's Ged Kearney, voters should be sceptical about the scheme's delayed start time of July twenty-fifteen.

'He is probably looking for an excuse not to actually implement it. We know that business is putting pressure on him not to. Big business don't like this scheme. They don't want to pay that levy.'

These concerns were highlighted in a statement from the Business Council of Australia.

It says while the country needs to support higher workforce participation, lowering the tax burden on all businesses is critical to support investment and jobs.