Steve Fielding (Victoria, Family First Party) Share this | Hansard source

Quite clearly even before I got to my feet to move these amendments there was concern around the chamber about this issue. So it is not just Fielding raising the issue; there were a number of others who raised this issue specifically. It was not just Fielding raising this issue; this is a genuine concern. Groups are genuinely concerned about this issue. I am surprised that there have been concerns raised about me raising this issue. It is a very difficult topic to discuss and to have to debate. We have had assurances today. All I am seeking is to make sure that this legislation is absolutely clear, because with the baby bonus it was not clear and there are still concerns out in the community. This would clarify it by adding at the end of the definition of stillborn that it ‘does not include a child whose period of gestation was terminated by abortion’, with the definition I gave before. It makes it absolutely clear.

In actual fact I am a little surprised that some people are speaking against making sure it is clear and having this included in the paid parental leave scheme bill. I believe there are still prospects, as the bill currently stands, that drug addicts and welfare cheats could go out and get themselves pregnant and after 20 weeks have an abortion and get paid taxpayers’ money. There is a concern and we should rule it out completely in this legislation in writing so that there is no doubt. Quite clearly there was doubt among coalition senators. They raised this issue even before I got to my feet. I think we could make sure that it is clear for everybody through this bill and these amendments.