Target the needy for help, says mum

Eileen Reid.

Labour's election-year offer of $60 a week for those with new babies will not be a vote winner with Eileen Reid.

The Beachlands mother of two is expecting her third child in March.

She said that although her family's income fell below the $150,000 threshold for the policy, they were fortunate that they had enough money to raise their children.

"It wouldn't really have a huge impact on the affordability for us of having a child, and it definitely wouldn't influence my voting decision.

"We've always been lucky enough to be able to afford to have our children - leaving it later in our careers, I guess."

Mrs Reid, a stay-at-home mother, said the income threshold for families to qualify for the assistance seemed too high.

"Personally I believe it could be better spent on those who really need it. I guess it's the targeting of those who really need it, though, that's the really difficult part."

Labour will also extend paid parental leave from 14 to 26 weeks, and extend early childhood education subsidies from 20 free hours a week to 25.