The pressures of adjusting to a brand new baby coupled with rising interest rates and living costs made the Federal Government’s baby bonus a hot topic in the lead-up to the announcement of this year’s Budget.

The question on everyone’s lips was whether or not the bonus should be means tested and made available only to low and middle income earners.

The unveiling of the new “working families” Budget saw the bonus cut off to new parents with a combined income of more than $150,000.

The announcement was met with strong reactions not only from parents-to-be with earnings over the threshold, but others who feel everyone should get a fair go, including some who don’t have children of their own.

On the other side of the camp there are more than a few who feel that the bonus should be left to those who need it most, not millionaires such as new mum Cate Blanchett.

“I don’t think it really matters how wealthy you are, everyone struggles sometimes,” Family Day Carer and mum Jody Brien said.

“That person still has to take time off work and when you’re a parent, things happen unexpectedly that you have to be prepared for.

“Everyone should be entitled to something but a means test means wealthier families will miss out.”

Hannah Boyers is 30 weeks pregnant and counting her lucky stars that she is both eligible for the bonus and entitled maternity leave from her job as a teacher.

She feels that wealthy families don’t need the cash injection and the money would be better spent on those who need it.

“I do like the idea of means testing - the baby bonus should be a safety net,” Hannah said.

“I would love to stay at home until the baby is five but with or without the baby bonus I won’t be able to afford it.

“I am lucky in that I have a job where I am entitled to 14 weeks maternity leave.”