He looks pretty good with his shirt off, but Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has had a troubled relationship with women.

Dubbed the "Mad Monk", he's shared his thoughts that echo a time when pre-marital sex was frowned upon, divorce was uncommon and abortion was illegal - and these haven't helped.

Now, an announcement of paid maternity leave for six months at full salary begs the questions: is it a grab for women's votes, or is he genuinely acknowledging the harship many women face in sustaining a work/life balance?

Reporter Alison Hickerson asked YWCA's Executive Director Caroline Lambert if Abbott's scheme is sufficient.

Audio: 

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Maternity leave - SYNcast.mp3