Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

Stillborn Baby Payment

Senate · Tuesday 26 August 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Senator Pauline Hanson moved a motion to take note of the Minister for Women's answer regarding stillborn baby payments. She argued that the current legal definition creates a loophole allowing women who terminate pregnancies to receive taxpayer-funded payments intended for parents of stillborn children. Hanson called for amendments to the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 to exclude such cases from eligibility. The Senate agreed to the motion without further debate.

Outcome

The motion was agreed to by the Senate.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Pauline Hanson (QLD) (Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) One Nation

Hanson argued that the government conflates stillbirth with abortion, noting that the current definition in taxation law includes children weighing at least 400 grams or gestated for at least 20 weeks who have not breathed or had a heartbeat since delivery. Hanson contended that this definition allows women who terminate pregnancies via lethal injection to claim the $4,326 stillborn baby payment and maternity leave. Hanson stated that this constitutes a financial incentive for abortion and is offensive to many Australians. Hanson urged the government to close this loophole by tightening the definition in the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 so that those who undergo terminations cannot receive these benefits.