Australia to cut tax benefits for parents who don't immunize children

Eliza Borrello abc.net.au Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has announced that parents who choose not to have their children vaccinated will miss out on thousands of dollars in government benefits. Speaking at Westmead Hospital in Sydney on Sunday, Mr Rudd said those who do not vaccinate their children will not get the Family Tax Benefit A end-of-year supplement. The payment is worth $726 per child, per year and is paid when children are vaccinated at one, two and five years of age. Since last year, parents who have not immunised their children have not received the benefit; however, those registering as so-called conscientious objectors have. Under Labor's policy, exemptions would only be made on religious or medical grounds. Labor says it wants to boost immunisation rates and prevent children who are not vaccinated from getting diseases like whooping cough and measles, and putting others at risk. The Government says the science of immunisation "cannot be disputed". "Immunisation is the safest and most effective way for parents to protect their children from disease, and one of the most important public health measures at our disposal," a Government statement said. Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek told Sky News the plans will boost immunisation rates. to read more click here: abc.net.au