Opposition Leader Mark Speakman and Shadow Sport Minister Eleni Petinos today launched a campaign to Save Active Kids, inviting people to visit www.saveactivekids.com.au to show their support.
Active Kids has been a very popular and successful measure implemented by the Coalition Government, giving kids, who may have otherwise missed out, an opportunity to participate in sport and helping with their physical and mental health. This great program is now under threat due to Labor cuts.
“The Labor Government needs to come clean. It needs to tell kids and parents why it’s looking to cancel vouchers and increase cost-of-living pressures on them at the worst possible time,” Mr Speakman said.
“At the 2019 election NSW Labor was upfront about its plans to cancel Active Kids, but it said nothing at this election,” said Mr Speakman. “If it was planning to scrap the program, it should have been honest with NSW families.
“We want to see this program continue for NSW families, helping to take the pressure of family budgets and helping our kids get active.”
At the start of this year more than 4.85 million vouchers had been redeemed, saving families $481 million.
Shadow Sport Minister Eleni Petinos said that the program not only helps to reduce the pressure on household budgets, but also encourages healthy and active lifestyles for our children.
“The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare states that 70% of children fail to meet physical activity guidelines. This can lead to poorer academic outcomes and increased childhood obesity rates,” Ms Petinos said.
“Chris Minns must come clean and tell us if he’s cutting these important vouchers. The Coalition will fight every day for families, sporting clubs and small businesses to ensure that these and other important cost-of-living relief aren’t cut at a time when families can least afford it.”