What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This private senator's bill would bring back a conscientious objection option, removed in 2015 under the No Jab No Pay policy. Parents who formally declare an objection to childhood vaccination, after talking with an immunisation provider, would stay eligible for Family Tax Benefit Part A and the Child Care Subsidy. The debate focused on parents' choice and consent, the financial effect on lower-income families, and the effect on vaccination rates and disease.
Arguments made in support
Senator Antic, a Liberal, said decisions about vaccination should rest with parents, and that tying payments to vaccination is coercive.
Supporters argued the policy mostly affects lower-income families who rely on payments, while wealthier families can object without losing money.
Senator Babet said the bill does not ban vaccines or stop doctors recommending them, and that most children who caught up were not from objecting families.
One Nation and Senator Whitten said consent must be free from pressure, and linked their concerns to COVID-era mandates.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Government senators said childhood vaccination saves lives and the bill would lower vaccination rates, raising the risk of diseases like measles and whooping cough.
The Government said no-one is forced to vaccinate, medical exemptions already exist, and it would not widen exemptions.
Coalition senators said the policy helped lift five-year-old coverage above 95 per cent and protects babies, immunocompromised children and pregnant women.
The Coalition noted vaccination coverage has been falling and whooping cough cases are high, so reopening objections now would speed that decline.
The Greens opposed the bill but said the policy can penalise low-income families, and called for better access to GPs and an independent review.
11 speeches by 9 members in the Senate over 2 sitting days.
Hansard: Senate, 26 Nov 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 16 Sept 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia