Victoria: One Nation proposes $2,000 baby subsidy, pledges not to touch state abortion laws

One Nation outlines baby payment

One Nation proposed a $2,000 baby bonus for new parents in Victoria. The party said the program would cost $136m over four years, while acknowledging that estimate was a ballpark figure linked to how many babies are born each year.

Harkin said One Nation would not change Victoria’s abortion laws, despite the federal party platform calling for opportunities to roll back abortion laws. She said the state party had no abortion policy because it was not its focus, and accused Labor of lying and using American-style scaremongering.

Coalition backs cost coverage

Within hours, opposition leader Jess Wilson said the Coalition would match Labor’s proposal, including coverage of out-of-pocket costs and the travel subsidy. In a statement, she said the Liberals and Nationals would not let Labor politicise the issue.

Wilson said the policy built on Labor’s legacy, adding that she did not consider it political because it was fundamental to women in the state. Neither Labor nor the Liberal Party responded to a request for comment on One Nation’s policy.

Health group welcomes agreement

Sally Hasler, chief executive of Women’s Health Victoria, welcomed cross-party support for abortion cost coverage. She said the agreement meant Victoria would become the first state to provide abortion free, regardless of which party won the election.