Australian parents who choose not to have their children vaccinated will lose childcare benefits up to $15,000 starting in 2016. Currently, the government estimates that 39,000 children under age seven have not received immunizations because their parents are vaccine objectors. Conscientious objectors who have opted out of vaccinations have more than doubled in the last decade.
Social Minister Scott Morrison defended the plan, which is supported by the Australian Medical Association, and said that taxpayers should not have to subsidize parents who choose not to immunize. “The overwhelming advice of those in the health profession is it’s the smart thing and the right thing to do to immunise your children,” Morrison added.
“Vaccination remains one of the most effective public health measures that we have,” AMA President Brian Owler said. “Whatever we can do to increase vaccination rates is important.”
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced the “no jab, no pay” plan, which has bipartisan support.
Owler even said some “kids might get punished because of the position their parents make.” But the rest of the community had to be protected, he said, particularly sick people such as those undergoing chemotherapy.
The new coercive policy means that parents who refuse to have their children vaccinated would lose a childcare benefit of up to $205 a week, a childcare rebate up to $7500 a year or the Family Tax Benefit supplement of up to $726. They could lose up to $15,000 a year.
Children can still be exempted on medical or religious grounds, but Mr. Morrison warned that the religious exemption is “very narrow.”
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said “(I don’t accept) people just claiming some sort of loose, undefined conscientious objection not to do the right thing by their children.” But there are some who strongly oppose measures that mandate immunization.
Over 3000 signatures were added in five days to a petition opposing the plan. And change.org has had a lot of feedback as well. “My children, my choice and NOT the governments (sic),” Rima Helal wrote. Another woman, Jody Fletcher, states: “I will not put my child at risk from further damage from vaccinations.”
NSW preschools already require vaccinations to enroll children and Mr. Morrison is hoping other states and territories will also co-operate.
Making it difficult to object to immunization is one way that governments can remove or restrict liberties, including religious freedom.
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