Best Start payments are a part of the Working for Families package. They can be paid to any family, regardless of income, when the have a newborn baby. The payments last until the baby’s first birthday. You can get extended Best Start payments until your child turns 3, depending on your income.
You can apply when you register your baby via SmartStart Services.
The payments for the first year are not income dependent, but you cannot have Best Start payments paid at the same time as Paid Parental Leave.