The bill is called “No Jab, No Pay,” and taken out of the bill is a category that allows parents to still receive full government benefits even though they did not vaccinate their kids.
Australia’s Social Services Minister, Scott Morrison, said that the choice made by some parents to not vaccinate their kids is not supported by public policy, nor medical research. He added that such action should also not be supported by taxpayers in the form of payments to families.
Families who do not get their kids vaccinated could lose up to $15,000 AUD per year in tax and child care benefits starting from January 1, 2016.
There will be an exemption for parents that have valid medical reasons.The proposed change has been well-received by the public.
The number of kids under 7 who are not vaccinated have increased over the passed decade. The number has increased to 39,000 from 24,000. However, 97 percent of Australian families that do claim tax benefits for their kids are vaccinated.
The bill is expected to be passed without any amendments.
