Hastie ‘open minded’ on return of baby bonus to counter ageing population concerns – as it happened
News Source
•Mon, 21 Sep 2026 07:41:14 GMT
📰 What Happened
Shadow industry minister Andrew Hastie says he is "open minded" about bringing back a baby bonus. He spoke on the ABC's Afternoon Briefing on Monday, after the Intergenerational Report was released.
Hastie said family formation is being delayed because young people cannot buy homes soon enough. He said the fertility rate is heading towards a historic low.
Asked about a cash payment for each new baby, Hastie said he would support "anything" that helps young Australians start families sooner. He added that he has three children himself.
🔍 The Backstory
The baby bonus was a Howard government policy that paid families cash for each baby born. It ran from 2004 until 2014, when it was replaced by smaller payments.
Economists disagree about whether cash bonuses lift birth rates. Some say they help a little; others argue housing costs, childcare fees and job security matter far more to young families.
The idea returned to the news because of the Intergenerational Report. Independent MP Bob Katter has floated a $75,000 payment per child. Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Nationals leader Matt Canavan both dismissed that idea.
🎯 Why It Matters
Politicians are searching for answers to a falling birth rate. Any large new payment would cost billions and shape the federal budget for years to come.
Shadow industry minister Andrew Hastie says he is "open minded" about bringing back a baby bonus. He spoke on the ABC's Afternoon Briefing on Monday, after the Intergenerational Report was released.
Hastie said family formation is being delayed because young people cannot buy homes soon enough. He said the fertility rate is heading towards a historic low.
Asked about a cash payment for each new baby, Hastie said he would support "anything" that helps young Australians start families sooner. He added that he has three children himself.
The baby bonus was a Howard government policy that paid families cash for each baby born. It ran from 2004 until 2014, when it was replaced by smaller payments.
Economists disagree about whether cash bonuses lift birth rates. Some say they help a little; others argue housing costs, childcare fees and job security matter far more to young families.
The idea returned to the news because of the Intergenerational Report. Independent MP Bob Katter has floated a $75,000 payment per child. Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Nationals leader Matt Canavan both dismissed that idea.
Politicians are searching for answers to a falling birth rate. Any large new payment would cost billions and shape the federal budget for years to come.