Petition Amend the No Jab No Play legislation

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council the No Jab No Play legislation, which denies unvaccinated children access to early childhood education and care services. While framed as a public health measure, the policy removes parental choice in medical decision-making and unfairly penalises children for their parents’ decisions. By making enrolment conditional on vaccination status, the law excludes children from essential developmental, educational, and social opportunities, in breach of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It creates a two-tiered system that undermines inclusivity and equality, hitting low-income families hardest, those who may have fewer alternative care options and less ability to navigate or challenge the restrictions.

We propose adopting a model similar to Queensland’s, where services may provide information and encourage immunisation but cannot refuse enrolment or attendance solely because of a child’s vaccination record. This approach respects parental rights, protects children’s equal access to essential developmental and social opportunities, and prevents discrimination, particularly against low-income families who have fewer alternative care options.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to amend the No Jab No Play legislation to restore parental choice in children’s medical decisions and ensure no child is denied access to early childhood education and care based on vaccination status.