A One Nation government will deliver a families package that removes out-of-pocket costs for pregnant women in the public system, provides a $2000 contribution toward private maternity care, and gives every school-age child in Victoria $150 toward sport each summer and winter season. 

Party deputy leader Colleen Harkin said that combined with One Nation's federal plan to introduce income tax splitting for families with dependent children, this Victorian package forms part of a national agenda to put families first. 

“Australia's fertility rate has fallen to historic lows, well below the replacement level needed to sustain the population without high levels of immigration,” Ms Harkin said. “Many Australian families say they would like to have more children but are held back by the cost of living, housing pressures, and everyday expenses. This package tackles those pressures directly, at the start of family life with maternity support, and throughout childhood with affordable access to sport.” 

A One Nation Government will ensure pregnant women choosing care in Victoria's public hospital system face no out-of-pocket costs for medical appointments, tests, scans, or related services throughout their pregnancy. Residual gaps some public patients currently encounter, such as certain ultrasounds, pathology tests, and non-invasive prenatal testing 
(NIPT), will be fully covered. Public maternity care is already largely free under Medicare for hospital and clinic services, but One Nation will close the remaining gaps so cost is never a barrier. 

Women who choose private maternity care will receive a one-off $2000 contribution toward their out-of-pocket expenses. Private obstetricians and hospitals play an important role in alleviating pressure on Victoria's public maternity system, but the out-of-pocket costs involved can be substantial. One Nation wants to help contribute toward those costs so families who choose private care are not left bearing the full burden alone. 

Every school-age child in Victoria will receive $150 toward the cost of sport for the summer season and $150 for the winter season, $300 per child per year. The contribution will be available to all school-age children resident in Victoria, paid as a direct payment or voucher claimable against registered sporting clubs and activities. No means-testing. No paperwork beyond a simple claim. 

“Every Victorian mother using the public system should be able to focus on a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, not on unexpected bills for scans or tests,” Ms Harkin said. “Too many families are already stretched by the cost of living. We know many Australians want more children but feel they simply can't afford to. Covering residual costs in the public system, contributing $2000 toward private care, and backing kids into sport gives families real support from pregnancy right through childhood." 

Ms Harkin added that the policies reflect the party's commitment to supporting Australian families without expanding bureaucracy. 

"We believe in a strong public health system that delivers for the majority of Victorians who use it. This is about making that system work better for pregnant women and their families, covering the gaps that already exist, while also recognising those who choose private care, and making sure every child can play sport regardless of what their parents earn. Supporting families who want children, and supporting the children they have, is common sense." 

ENDS