Every child should have the opportunity to play sport with a community club. ACT Active Kids vouchers for school children will knock down barriers for families.

The ACT is the only area in Australia without some form of “Active Kids” sports vouchers. I am committed to introducing an ACT Active Kids program. School-enrolled children will be eligible to receive an annual $200 voucher to put toward sporting costs, including dance. Families will be able to apply for an annual voucher for each eligible student in their family. Families can put those vouchers toward registration, participation, or membership costs with approved ACT Active Kids providers.

This initiative will tie into improvements to local sports and recreation facilities in Yerrabi. The aim of the program is to foster a love of sport, and active lifestyles.

Encouraging children to try out team sports can set them up for a healthier lifestyle, but financial barriers can get in the way. Annual sports vouchers per child will make it easier for families to make that choice.

What about cross-border sports?

A common question I get asked is if my proposal would be compatible with the NSW program. Currently, NSW families can only spend their voucher with NSW clubs. ACT children who play sport with a NSW based club don’t get the subsidy like their teammates do.

I see no reason our governments cannot cooperate and put the wellbeing of our children ahead of borders. I will lobby the NSW government to allow use of the Active Kids vouchers from each side of the border.

Actions

• Introduce the ACT Active Kids program.
• Lobby the NSW government to cooperate on where Active Kids sports vouchers can be spent.