Death cover pays a lump sum in the event of the insured's death or terminal illness.
The sum insured depends on your individual circumstances. As a general rule you should aim to have enough cover to repay all large bills and debts, and also to provide your dependents with enough remaining money in order maintain their current standard of living.
Whilst Death Cover is important for the main income earner, it is also important for a homemaker. How will your partner look after the children and run the household whilst maintaining their full time job?
It is possible to finance the cost of Death Cover through your superannuation fund, however this should be discussed with a Financial Planner as there are both positives and negatives to this strategy.