PARENTS who refuse to vaccinate their children will be denied up to $15,000 a year in childcare rebates and welfare under new federal government rules, it’s been reported.
BIPARTISAN political support for the change means a conscientious objector loophole will be closed to protect children, News Corp reports.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Social Services Minister Scott Morrison are set to announce the reform on Sunday, with the changes to come into effect from next year. It will mean parents who fail to immunise their children will no longer be paid the $200-a-week childcare benefit, the $7500-a-year childcare rebate or the $726 Family Tax Benefit A annual supplement. News Corp quoted Mr Abbott as saying that parents should be able to take their vaccinated children to childcare without the risk of them contracting a serious or life-threatening illness “because of the conscientious objections of others”. Mr Morrison said exemptions on medical or religious grounds will continue but parents must be affiliated with a religious group whose governing body has registered an objection approved by the government.