A baby bonus to offset a plummeting fertility rate is unlikely to be on the cards despite warnings of 280,000 fewer births by 2024 | JennieDuke
A baby bonus to offset a plummeting fertility rate is unlikely to be on the cards despite warnings of 280,000 fewer births by 2024, as a disparate group of MPs and senators recommend a re-examination of family tax benefits, cheaper childcare and extra economic stimulus instead.
Former Treasurer Peter Costello introduced a baby bonus in 2002 and famously described his hopes for families to have "one for mum, one for dad and one for the country''. It was axed by then-Treasurer Wayne Swan in 2014.There is now little support for a repeat performance. Liberal Senator for Queensland Gerard Rennick said he was "not a fan of the baby bonus" nor any one-off upfront payments for having children.
Nationals Senator for Queensland Matt Canavan was also not supportive of direct cash payments at birth and instead said he remained supportive of a family-based taxation system. "Fertility rates increase when parents feel positive about their capacity to provide for their child’s future," Senator McKenzie said.
She said the cost of childcare should be looked at as the current government subsidies were a disincentive for women to return to full-time work or have more children.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Parliaments must do more to protect mental health of MPsBeing a politician is a job like no other. But that isn’t all good. The price you pay for the privilege, opportunities and experiences is agreeing to a bizarre life and workplace - one that is often not good for your mental health.
Read more »
Baby slump: Australian newborn deficit to hit budget bottom lineAustralia is facing a 280,000 shortfall in the number of babies by 2024 as the coronavirus and unrealistic forecasts combine for a baby deficit.
Read more »
Baby slump: Australian newborn deficit to hit budget bottom lineAustralia is facing a deficit of 280,000 babies by 2024 due to the recession and unrealistic pre-coronavirus forecasts of a birth surge | swrighteconomy
Read more »
Liberals accept defecting Nationals MP after two others quit the partyTwo senior NSW Nationals figures have quit the party and Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams has had her membership of the Liberals accepted a day after quitting the Nationals in disgust | AlexSmithSMH
Read more »
Liberals accept defecting Nationals MP after two others quit the partyTwo senior NSW Nationals figures have quit the party and Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams has had her membership of the Liberals accepted a day after quitting the Nationals in disgust | AlexSmithSMH
Read more »
Baby slump: Australian newborn deficit to hit budget bottom lineAustralia is facing a deficit of 280,000 babies by 2024 due to the recession and unrealistic pre-coronavirus forecasts of a birth surge | swrighteconomy
Read more »