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FIND KNOX | SEPTEMBER 2021
findknox.com.au
Victoria Taxpayers will pay for future IVF Treatments By Warren Strybosch
Having a child is something most of us just take for granted. However, for some it becomes an emotional rollercoaster ride when they find out that they cannot have a child via natural means and need to consider alternative solutions. The world’s first In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) occurred in 1973 and Australia had their first IVF birth in 1980. The first baby born from a frozen embryo was in 1983 and since then IVF success rates have increased from 1-9 successful births to over 50% of successful births. One of the biggest hurdles for people wanting to try IVF was the cost associated with the procedure. Not anymore. The Andrews Labor Government is making it easier for more Victorians to achieve their dream of becoming parents by establishing the first public fertility care service in Victoria and asking Victorian taxpayers to cover the majority of the costs of those treatments. Minister for Health Martin Foley has stated, “We’re removing the financial barrier faced by too many families and making IVF easier, fairer and more affordable – it will be life changing for thousands of Victorian families every year.”
The Victorian Budget 2021/22 will invest $70 million to establish public fertility care services, which will help up to 4,000 Victorians every year – saving them on average $10,000 each. The funding includes $20 million to improve public hospital facilities to deliver the services, while $50 million will be invested to provide up to 2,700 free treatment cycles and a range of other fertility care services to up to 4,000 Victorians per year.
families, with services expected to start in a phased approach from 2022. It is estimated public IVF will deliver on average savings of $10,000 to eligible Victorians, depending on their individual circumstances. This investment will also create jobs for more Victorians, with roles as fertility specialist doctors, nurses, counsellors, laboratory scientists and support staff.
“Our policy will save Victorian families up to $10,000 each year, ensuring that bank balance is no barrier to becoming a parent.”
This investment will deliver on the Labor Government’s commitment to create public IVF services, while also establishing Victoria’s first public sperm and egg bank.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Do you think it is fair for Victorians to take upon themselves the financial burden of paying for these IVF treatments, whilst those who are wanting to use the services do not have to pay as much or anything at all?
We are not sure what she means by fairer?
Public fertility care will make a real difference to thousands of Victorian
You can write your comments to the editor@findmaroondah.com.au.
Pay relief for locked down parents-to-be By Georgie Moore
(Australian Associated Press)
Soon-to-be parents who have lost work because of lockdowns won’t miss out on paid parental leave under proposed federal government changes. Coronavirus disaster payments will count towards thresholds for parental and partner leave pay under a bill being introduced into parliament on Wednesday. Currently, a parent must show they’ve worked for the equivalent of at least one day a week for 10 out of 13 months before having a child.
Parents cannot have more than a 12 week gap between each work day in that period.
$772.55 payments can be transferred to another parent should they become the primary carer.
Social Services Minister Anne Ruston doesn’t want lockdowns to affect paid parental support that expectant mums and dads rely on. “This will come as welcome relief for families living
The final six weeks can also be shared or taken by either parent at any time before a child turns two. Two weeks’ pay is also available for dads or partners.
in extended lockdown conditions in NSW who are awaiting the arrival of a newborn,” she said. The change would be applied across other parts of the country and to anyone receiving disaster payments in the future. Primary carers can receive paid parental leave for up to 18 weeks. The weekly
Weekly coronavirus disaster payments of up to $750 a week are available for people in nationally recognised hotspot areas who have lost more than 20 hours of work. People who have lost between eight and 19 hours of work are eligible for $450 a week.
