When is a baby boom not a baby boom?: nine points of caution when interpreting fertility trend

A small but significant increase in the Australian birth rate is being taken as evidence of the success of the Maternity Payment (Baby Bonus) introduced in July 2004, and broadly hailed as a ‘baby boom’. However, a number of alternative interpretations can be placed on this increase, not all of which might be desirable in the 21st Century. This paper poses nine points on which to consider the issue. It cautions against complacency that declining fertility has been permanently arrested, and against unqualified celebration of a return to a baby boom environment. Copyright. Monash University and the author/s