On the abolition of the Baby Bonus

For broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 2 June 2013.

The abolition of the federal government’s Baby Bonus has led thoughtful people to reflect on why it was good (while it lasted) to provide financial assistance to encourage a higher birth rate among Australians.

One of those is Greg Melleuish, Professor of History and Politics at the University of Wollongong, who points out that the primary task of any society is to ensure its survival across time, and this cannot happen if people cease to have children, a practice he views as a fundamental social good.

Writing in The Australian on Wednesday, Professor Melleuish observed that elderly childless people “will be the beneficiaries of those who have chosen to make the sacrifices required to raise children,” and that “rearing children brings out a whole range of human characteristics that involve caring for others, which are extremely positive.”

It seems to me that young Australians need as much encouragement as they can get to have more children.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.