NO.047

RECORD NUMBER OF BIRTHS WELCOMED

Preliminary figures released today by the ABS show that the number of births in Australia in 2006 was 265,922.

This figure is the highest number of births since 1971. It is the second highest number of births on record.

Some years ago I drew attention to the looming problem of our ageing population.

The Second Intergenerational Report, which I launched earlier this year, showed how increases in the number of births and fertility rates, coupled with strong economic and fiscal management, have improved the outlook for the challenges we face over the next 40 years.

However there is still a long way to go. The Government has introduced a range of measures to support parents with children. Specifically:-

• The introduction of the maternity payment from July 2004;
• Substantial increases in the rates of family benefits;
• The provision of extra childcare places; and
• The introduction of the Childcare Rebate.
• From 1 July 2007 the Government is increasing the rates of Child Care Benefit by 10 per cent and ensuring more timely assistance by providing the Child Care Tax Rebate as a direct payment shortly after the end of the financial year. These measures will assist more than 700,000 families.

The improvement in the number of births reflects a confidence in Australia’s future, and a greater sense of economic security for families.

CANBERRA

5 June 2007

Contact: David Gazard – (02) 6277 7340