Toughening No Jab, No Pay

Parents who don’t vaccinate their children against disease will lose part of their fortnightly family support payment.

From 1 July 2018, Family Tax Benefit Part A payments will be reduced by about $28 a fortnight for each child who does not meet the immunisation requirements after legislation passed the Senate today.

Minister for Social Services Dan Tehan said the change to the No Jab, No Pay policy provided a constant reminder for parents to keep their children’s immunisation up to date.

“Immunisation is the safest way to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases,” Mr Tehan said.

“Parents who don’t immunise their children are putting their own kids at risk as well as the children of other people.

“Since the Turnbull Government introduced its No Jab, No Pay policy in 2016, about 246,000 children and their families have taken action to ensure they meet the immunisation requirements.”

The Turnbull Government provided over $14 million in last year’s Budget for free, catch-up vaccinations for children, young adults and newly arrived refugees.

It also provided $5.5 million over three years to encourage Australian parents and carers to vaccinate their children.

Exemptions still apply for children who have medical contraindications or natural immunity and have been assessed by a general practitioner.