Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Russell Broadbent MP

Russell Broadbent calls for action to address injustices of Australia's 'No Jab, No Play, No Pay Policy' on families

The No Jab, No Play, No Pay policy harms families choosing not to vaccinate, contradicting Australia's human rights obligations and the best interests of children, as highlighted by ongoing advocacy.

By news@gippsland - 25th October 2024 - Back to News

You may be aware that I have been speaking out against the government's No Jab, No Play, No Pay policy. I have spoken with parents from across the nation who have experienced financial and emotional pain at the hands of this policy, purely because they made the informed decision to not vaccinate their children.

Russell Broadbent opposes the No Jab, No Play, No Pay policy, which harms families choosing not to vaccinate. This approach violates human rights treaties and ignores the best interests of children

Human rights ignored

I have written to many senior officials on this matter - including the Prime Minister - to bring their attention to the gross injustice suffered by these families. But their stories have fallen on deaf ears. So perhaps we need to take a different approach.

Australia is signatory to seven main human rights treaties. We pride ourselves on being a nation where everybody can have a fair go, we celebrate our differences, and we can hold our own opinions and values without fear of repercussions or punishment. The No Jab No Pay policy threatens that vision. Yes, we are signatory to seven human rights treaties - but it appears that it's just for optics.

Child health priority

Article three of the Convention on the Rights of the Child says that 'in all actions concerning children, the best interest of the child shall be a primary consideration'. Every family I have spoken to has made the informed decision not to vaccinate their kids in the best interest of their children's health and wellbeing.

Article 24 of the same Convention outlines the 'right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health.' Again, the choices made by these parents were to protect their child's health. Just like parents who vaccinate their children, parents who make the decision not to also have their child's health and wellbeing front of mind.

Families deserve protection

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, in article 10, states that 'the widest possible protection and assistance should be accorded to the family, which is the natural and fundamental group unit of society'. So why are we punishing families with this punitive policy?

When I wrote to the Prime Minister earlier this year, I also copied the Australian Human Rights Commissioner, Lorraine Finlay. Let's hope she keeps these treaties in mind when she chooses to respond.

Pictures from Russell Broadbent MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Melina Bath urges action on Gippsland youth crime with tougher penalties, stronger policing, and restored diversion funding
  Melina Bath has demanded urgent action on Gippsland's escalating youth crime, calling for tougher penalties, stronger police presence, and restored diversion program funding to protect communities and restore safety.
• Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate.
• Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates food, wine, music and stories that showcase the region's vibrant spirit
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland blends local wine, food, and stories with live music, chats with growers, family fun, and creative experiences celebrating the region's vibrant culture and community spirit.
• South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland.
• Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy removing Gippslanders' right to appeal development decisions
  Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy after Gelliondale Wind Farm reapplies, warning it removes Gippslanders' appeal rights, undermines safeguards, and threatens proper siting of turbines near homes.
• Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect.
• Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes.
• Melina Bath urges communities to honour veterans' families and support Legacy Week fundraising efforts
  Melina Bath urges communities to support Legacy Week, honouring veterans' families. Funds raised provide financial, educational and emotional support, continuing Sir Stanley Savige's century-old vision of care, compassion and mateship.
• Darren Chester urges abandoning flawed legislation restricting medal reviews to actions within 20 years
  The Albanese government's proposed legislation limits medal appeals to 20 years, stripping veterans and families of rights. Darren Chester says the changes undermine the Defence Honours Tribunal's independence and disenfranchise ADF members.
• Darren Chester honours Legacy volunteers' century of supporting veterans' families at national launch
  Darren Chester praised Legacy volunteers at the national launch, highlighting their century of supporting veterans' families. Legacy Week 2025 will raise funds through badge and bear sales to provide vital services.