''It is good for mothers and their babies for women to have the ability to have their first child later and for mothers to have the ability to space their family. It is vital for mothers and babies to increase attended births and offer proper post-natal care.''

Ms Plibersek also attacks the government for giving the Reserve Bank nearly $9 billion in borrowed money to shield itself against foreign currency losses.

''They've announced they will take $4.5 billion from the world's poor on the false pretence that Australia cannot afford it. But that's only half of what the new Treasurer gifted to the Reserve Bank.''

She says the cuts are ''a betrayal of the poorest of the poor in our region and around the globe''.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has said she is reviewing the aid program. Her spokeswoman said this week that the ''re-alignment of the aid program will be consistent with the government's policies and priorities by focusing Australian assistance on our region, and consolidating aid efforts to reduce fragmentation and improve efficiency''.