No Jab, No Pay

WHEN 12.01am January 1 ticked over bringing in 2016, so did the Federal Government’s ‘No Jab, No Pay’ legislation.

Under the new measures ‘conscientious objection’ has been removed and families with children who are not immunised, and do not have an approved exemption will no longer receive child care benefits.

Families will be unable to access Child Care Benefit, Child Care Rebate, or the Family Tax Benefit. The Family Tax Benefit is worth $726 per child a year, and the Child Care Rebate is worth up to $7500 yearly.

Trish Ficarra, coordinator of public health and regulatory services with Swan Hill Rural City Council believes the legislation will boost immunisation rates.

“The numbers are always improving, and the new legislation will help,” she said.

“Vaccinations and immunisations are one of the most effective ways to prevent disease.”

Parents will receive certificates to present to their daycare to confirm the institution.

Ms Ficarra also stated there is a new VaxOnTime app to help remind busy parents when their children’s vaccinations are due.

Despite the well-publicised benefits of vaccinations, there are still sects that believe the legislation to be an affront on human rights, and the right to choose.

For more on this story, pick up a copy of today’s (Wednesday, January 6) The Guardian…