Malcolm Roberts (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Gallagher. It has been four weeks since the Australian Bureau of Statistics published data showing a 67 per cent reduction in Australia's monthly birthrate between July and December 2021 as compared to the long-term average—a startling decrease. I drew attention to this data during Senate estimates, hoping for some reassurance. None was forthcoming. Let me ask again: Minister, why has Australia's birthrate declined from 30 June 2021 to 31 December 2021, revealing a 70 per cent reduction?