Australian officials consider the maternity windfall a success, as new figures show that the country’s birth rate has soared.

Treasurer Peter Costello is satisfied with the result of his “baby bonus” initiative, introduced in July 2004. The promise of 3,000 Australian dollars (2,300 US dollars) per baby has led to a 1.4 annual increase in the population to almost 21 million.

During 2006, there were 265,922 births – a record not reached since 1971.

“I'm out there advertising ... the benefits of one for mum, one for dad and one for the country,” Costello said.

A reassuring aspect would be that the money is not means-tested, it is tax-free and it goes to married and unmarried mothers alike.

“Nobody ever had children to make a profit. There are a lot of other benefits, and that's why I'd recommend it to people,” the Australian politician said.

The number of live births per female has risen to 1.81 from 1.77 in 2004. The birth rate peaked in the 1960s at 3.55.

Australia is not the only country to offer would-be mothers a baby bonus. France and Italy, as well as Poland and Russia have already adopted this initiative.