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LIBERAL MP Jackie Kelly is to be applauded for her attempt to steer the childcare debate towards a more common sense and workable blueprint

There is, however, one essential item missing from that blueprint — that is, acknowledging the real work that mothers in the home contribute to society.

Looking after infants costs real money. That is agreed or the childcare debate wouldn’t be happen­ing. If wages, similar to those paid to childcare workers, were paid to mothers who opted to stay at home with their infants, the health, social and econ­omic benefits to society would be considerable.

This is consistent with research that shows babies develop best under the care of their biological mothers.

Such a government in­itiative would give a real choice to those women who go back to work because they have to rather than want to.