Push to extend 'really popular' $100 voucher for NSW parents
Local sporting clubs are calling for the New South Wales government to continue the Active Kids voucher scheme, which is due to end next month.
The program gives $100 to parents, guardians and carers of school-enrolled children to use on annual sport and active recreation costs.
The current vouchers are valid until June 30, 2023.
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Ryan Buckley said it was a really popular scheme among NSW parents. Nine
Galaxy Sports coaching director Ryan Buckley said about 50 per cent of his customers use the Active Kids vouchers and flagged the importance of the program to ensure children of all socioeconomic backgrounds can participate.
"It's a really really popular scheme that helps to reduce the barriers to accessing sport and exercise for children," Buckley said.
"To hear that it might be completely going is heartbreaking basically."
A lot of children enrolled in netball and football at the West Ryde Rovers Football Club would be unable to play without the vouchers, according to president Karen Waud.
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Active kids were found to have better self-regulation skills in new study iStock
"The Active Kids voucher has increased participation in grassroots sport," Waud said.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said at the start of the year around $480 million worth of vouchers had been redeemed.
"Please roll this over for the sake of families and parents," Speakman said.
"They're important in times of high inflation, when cost of living is a huge problem and they're important to keep kids healthy and active."
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However, the recently elected NSW Premier said the former government had only funded the $130 million program for a year and that a budget review needed to take place before he could rule any items in or out.
"When the program was announced in 2018 it was fully funded over the forward estimates every year for four years," Chris Minns said.
"What that means in terms of the budget situation is that it is not a cut to the existing budget, we have to find the funds to ensure the program can continue."
You can still apply for the Active Kids vouchers here.
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