New policy will see benefits withdrawn if children aren't vaccinated

A new policy, which has been dubbed 'No Jab, No Pay', has been introduced by the Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, and states that parents who they do not allow their child to be vaccinated will have their benefit payments withdrawn.

As it stands, approximately 39,000 Australian children under the age of seven have not been vaccinated because their parents rejected it by completing a 'conscientious objection' form.

Explaining the motivation behind the new policy, Social Services Minister, Scott Morrison, has stated that it is unfair to expect members of the public who do receive benefits to pay towards Family Tax Benefit A for parents who choose to shun immunisation, however it has been noted the decision to withdraw benefits can be contested on medical or religious grounds.

Although backing the plan, the Australian Medical Association President, Dr. Brian Owler, expressed concern for the children affected by the decision, saying: "Kids might get punished because of the position their parents make."

While acknowledging it is the parent's right not to vaccinate their child despite government health advice, Scott Morrison asserts: "We're a free country and we for free society, but that doesn't mean you get to take taxpayers money if you don't want to go along with the rules."

It has been estimated that the plan will save the Australian government approximately $50 million dollars per year.