https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:55:37 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate/page/2#post-2149011 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 11:31:23 +0000 jetsa 2149011@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Truth Bombs: super interesting thanks for posting again! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate/page/2#post-2148905 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 07:58:47 +0000 Truth Bombs 2148905@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Interesting update: the only religious organization to have an approved exemption has said they are no longer advising their followers not to vaccinate so Australia is removing the religious exemption completely. Medical exemptions are now the only approved option. <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/parents-must-have-a-medical-reason-to-not-vaccinate" rel="nofollow">http://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/parents-must-have-a-medical-reason-to-not-vaccinate</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate/page/2#post-2143025 Tue, 14 Apr 2015 07:51:17 +0000 Trufflehunter 2143025@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not sure if I agree with this and I'm pro vax. It just doesn't feel right...plus I suspect it might galvanize the anti vax movement. Heavy-handed tactics by the government feed paranoia. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate/page/2#post-2142821 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 23:09:07 +0000 BabyPenguinXO 2142821@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Totally agree.</p> <p>I have to pay higher health premiums for choices like tobacco. I think not getting the benefits for making a poor choice of not vaccinating is the same concept. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate/page/2#post-2142815 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 22:52:59 +0000 FannyMae 2142815@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: yes thats the little baby that contracted the disease and passed away. terribly sad, its been all over the news/facebook etc for a few weeks now, and its been a big turning point with the whole no jab-no pay-no play thing. almost every day there is an article on one of the news websites about the issue, which results in hundreds of opposing comments that can get quite nasty!</p> <p>just to add a side note - there has also been a lot of comments relating to the timing/political agenda of the government in persuing this move apart from the outcry over the death of the little baby. rising unpopularity, budget woes, attempted cuts to essential services/benefits etc... it is *a little* convenient to cut spending on these two particular benefits (and save a few $$) when the community is already rabbling on about it. beats cutting the old age pension I suppose! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2142744 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 21:00:42 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2142744@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@FannyMae: is this the story? Four week old died of whooping cough and he was too young for the vax. <a href="http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/04/13/09/48/father-who-lost-newborn-to-whooping-cough-comes-out-in-support-of-no-jab-no-pay-policy" rel="nofollow">http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/04/13/09/48/father-who-lost-newborn-to-whooping-cough-comes-out-in-support-of-no-jab-no-pay-policy</a></p> <p>This article is about a Canadian mom that was anti-vaccine until all 7 of her kids contracted whooping cough.<br /> <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11530137/Anti-vaxxer-mother-recants-after-her-seven-children-contract-whooping-cough.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11530137/Anti-vaxxer-mother-recants-after-her-seven-children-contract-whooping-cough.html</a> Scary stuff. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2142686 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 19:45:01 +0000 FannyMae 2142686@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@anonysquire: I'm have no idea how the welfare/tax system works in the US, but I think @Ree723: is pretty much on the ball. How does one pay taxes to the government in order to cut benefits to other people? Our income is taxed, some of that goes into Medicare, it pays for millions of children to be vaccinated if their parents chose to. @Truth Bombs: thumbs up to that.</p> <p>also a quick link to an article - <a href="http://babyology.com.au/miscellaneous/no-jab-no-pay-no-play-tough-new-vaccination-rules-mean.html?utm_source=Facebook&#038;utm_medium=referral&#038;utm_campaign=SNAP" rel="nofollow">http://babyology.com.au/miscellaneous/no-jab-no-pay-no-play-tough-new-vaccination-rules-mean.html?utm_source=Facebook&#038;utm_medium=referral&#038;utm_campaign=SNAP</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2142661 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 19:10:12 +0000 FannyMae 2142661@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The debate about this (in Australia) has been really interesting. Fierce but interesting, it peaked lately because of the sad death of a small baby from whooping cough. </p> <p>The Family Tax Benefit is means tested, and at minimum $58 a fortnight and parents will still have the right to chose not to vaccinate their kids, but weigh it up against the loss of that benefit and any childcare rebate benefit. There's been a bit of harping on about people's right to receive these payments, but its a privilege not a right for simply popping out a few sprogs. </p> <p>If somebody's objection to having their child vaccinated is so strong (as is their right as the parent), then they do need to make that choice of whether their beliefs are so strong that they would forgo those $$ for making that choice. it is also the government's right as the payee of these benefits to determine a person's eligibility (i.e. salary is too high a tax bracket). In reality, an unvax child (for whatever reason) has a higher chance of contracting a particular disease which may require doctor/hospital care - therefore paid for by the government via medicare.</p> <p>I dunno how its going to work really, I'm sure its going to be going round and round in the media for weeks, and there is DEFINITELY an element of political spin and popularity games going on, but it is better than ignoring the fact that a heck of a lot of people are upset about lil babies dying. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2142431 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 15:58:08 +0000 Rainbow Sprinkles 2142431@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Whoah. Not a fan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2142325 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 14:57:48 +0000 stargal 2142325@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Great idea! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2142318 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 14:54:35 +0000 AprilFool 2142318@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: Nannies are not covered by this benefit in general so that wouldn't be an option.</p> <p>@edelweiss: These aren't welfare benefits as you know them in the US. In Australia, all families, as long as you earn under the cap, receive some money from the government just for having children. They also subsidise childcare rates (so the government pays half of my daughters day at day care). These are the benefits they are talking about. </p> <p>While I agree with the policy I am not sure what effect it will have, as it is proven in Australia, it is not the lower income that do not vaccinate and the higher income don't receive these payments as they earn too much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2142171 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 13:32:01 +0000 Adira 2142171@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: I disagree. If you're choosing not to vaccinate your child because of your personal beliefs (and not because of a medical or religious reason), then you are choosing to not only put your OWN child at risk to catch these preventable diseases, but you're putting other children at risk as well! I think there should absolutely be consequences for making such a choice that affects not only you and your family but others as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2142154 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 13:27:25 +0000 birdofafeather 2142154@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Truth Bombs: i'm not from australia, so i can't comment on what's a privilege or what's given to all parents regardless of circumstance, but i wonder what the outrage would be if they started taking away government privileges based on other decisions parents made. </p> <p>for me as a californian, there are less than 3% of school-aged kids that have a vaccine exemption. for the new bill that's even just one of the mandated vaccines that you cannot skip in order to enroll your child in child care or public school. i do not believe that the state government should be able to deny my child the schooling she has been guaranteed and promised. "The right to a public education in California is a fundamental right fully guaranteed and protected by the California Constitution." "For example, public school teachers are prohibited from giving instruction, and school districts are prohibited from sponsoring any activity which adversely reflects upon persons because of their race, sex, color, creed, handicap, national origin, or ancestry. (97) Instructional material used in public schools must not include matter which is discriminatory on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, handicap, national origin or ancestry. (98) Scholarships, loans and grants must be awarded in a nondiscriminatory manner. (99) Discrimination based upon sex is also prohibited in athletic programs provided by public schools or supported by public funds. (100) Also, the general prohibition against discrimination by any program receiving state funds applies to public schools." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2142122 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 12:56:26 +0000 jetsa 2142122@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd be all for this. It appears that those who have a legitimate medical reason to not vaccinate would have no problem getting an exemption and their children are the ones most protected by herd immunity. Those that choose not to vaccinate based on religious or personal reasons will be allowed that choice, they will just not be given any benefits for that choice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2142119 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 12:54:09 +0000 Truth Bombs 2142119@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@anonysquire: Lots of people pay taxes towards government programs they never benefit from. That's like saying if someone in the US decides not to have children they should pay less income tax since they aren't using public schools. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2142117 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 12:51:35 +0000 Ree723 2142117@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@anonysquire: Well, yes and no. Your taxes go to paying family tax benefit and child care rebates as it is. If the govt stops payments to those not vaccinating, they technically are spending less of your money... And your taxes go towards funding Medicare (the national health scheme inAustralia) so you're paying for people to be vaccinated anyway... All depends how you look at it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2142106 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 12:42:06 +0000 anonysquire 2142106@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Truth Bombs: that's great. But it sounds like I would still have to pay taxes that would go towards this.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2142105 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 12:40:23 +0000 Truth Bombs 2142105@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: @anonysquire: @coopsmama: But no one is losing their right to make the choice, there are just consquences in the form of losing privledges that come with making a certain choice. I don't see it as all that different from the fact that my insurance company will charge me higher premiums if I choose to use tobacco. They aren't telling me I can't use tobacco, just that if I do, there is a consequence. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2142062 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 12:15:53 +0000 Synchronicity 2142062@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm all for this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2142056 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 12:11:48 +0000 Ree723 2142056@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@edelweiss: Everyone, up to a family income of $150,000 per year, is entitled to 'welfare' payments in the form of family tax benefits and child care rebates. It doesn't affect any other benefits that would support those in need. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2142053 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 12:09:46 +0000 LuLu Mom 2142053@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm for it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2141989 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 11:14:57 +0000 lawbee11 2141989@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@edelweiss: The article specifically mentions "taxpayer funded child care benefits." I'm not sure how the system works in Australia, but as far as I can tell they're not talking about taking away assistance for stuff like food. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2141982 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 11:11:11 +0000 edelweiss 2141982@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>hm, not sure about this. i'm pro-vaccine, but not sure i like tying welfare benefits to forcing medical decisions on families. if this were specific to child care benefits, i could see a stronger argument because there is a more tailored need to have the vaccinations in child care settings, but the article just says "welfare". </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2141981 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 11:11:11 +0000 coopsmama 2141981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: Absolutely. It's a very slippery slope. </p> <p>Not a fan at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2141980 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 11:10:06 +0000 anonysquire 2141980@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Don't support it. I don't think we need to have our rights taken away. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2141971 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 11:04:12 +0000 birdofafeather 2141971@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't support this (and my kid is vaccinated save 2) and I'm writing letters to show my displeasure with the mandates that are being proposed for children in CA. I think it creates a slippery slope and it's not one I'm comfortable with. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2141903 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 10:34:53 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2141903@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Truth Bombs: thanks for posting this, I might not have heard of it otherwise!</p> <p>I think it's great and would support this in the US as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2141901 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 10:31:19 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 2141901@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I like it because it doesn't mandate what a person has to do. It can still be the family's choice to use a different kind of child care or stay at home.</p> <p>If you don't believe in the rules of a certain childcare provider, then you probably shouldn't be there.anyway. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2141899 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 10:30:21 +0000 looch 2141899@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlebug: I am not sure specifically if this would work in the US (it opens up a whole other can of worms), but when I lived in Switzerland, I had to declare my religion. I had the option to choose nothing, but if I selected something, I was then paying taxes to support the organization, it came right out of my paycheck.</p> <p>I think it's more the fringe religions that are difficult to track, someone correct me if I am wrong, but you are supposed to to register with a parish (at least when you're Catholic) in the US, if you want to partake in the sacraments. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/australia-to-cut-child-care-benefits-to-families-who-choose-not-to-vaccinate#post-2141895 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 10:22:15 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 2141895@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think this is great! </p>