- $500 in KidSport vouchers available per eligible
child
- KidSport vouchers help with club fees, equipment
and uniforms, making sport more accessible and affordable for WA families
- Cook Labor Government delivering further
cost-of-living support and encouraging kids' participation in sport
The
Cook Labor Government today announced a major increase in support for Western
Australian families to cover the cost of children's sport - with financial assistance
available through KidSport almost doubled for 2025.
Families
will be able to apply for up to $500 in KidSport vouchers per eligible child until
June 2025 to ensure they can participate in their favourite sport next year.
KidSport enables eligible
children to participate in community sport by delivering financial assistance
towards club fees, playing equipment and uniforms. In 2023-24, 25,500 children
benefited from the program.
The $3 million boost in financial support is the second since August, when the
amount families can apply for through the KidSport program was lifted from $150
to $300. This was complemented by expanding the list of what vouchers can be
used for to include essential playing equipment and uniforms.
The
latest KidSport voucher boost is part of a financial support package being
delivered by the Cook Labor Government to help take pressure off families, and
make sure any remaining funds from the WA Student Assistance Payment end up in
the pockets of WA families.
Low-income
families with children enrolled in public or non-government secondary schooling
will also benefit from a $9.4 million boost to the Secondary Assistance Scheme,
with the amount lifted to $300 a year - up from $115 - for both 2024 and 2025.
The
Secondary Assistance Scheme includes an education program allowance that is
paid to the school and a clothing allowance received by the parent.
KidSport
is open to eligible 5-18-year-olds. For more information on the program and who
is eligible visit the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural
Industries website: www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/kidsport
Comments attributed
to Premier Roger Cook:
"Easing cost of living pressures is an
important part of my Government's plan to support WA families.
"We also want to make sport accessible to all
Western Australian children, who need opportunities to stay active and connect
with others in their communities.
"Our boost to the KidSport voucher program will
go a long way to removing financial barriers like registration, uniforms and
equipment for families, with up to $500 now on offer to those who need it.
"For an eligible secondary school student, up
to $635 in additional support has been made available through our WA Student
Assistance Payment and increases to the Secondary Assistance Scheme and
KidSport."
Comments
attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
"Sport is such an important way for kids to
be healthy and active and the last thing we want is for people to have to cut
back on their kids' sporting activities due to cost of living pressures, which
is why we are announcing this latest boost.
"This additional funding will help ensure
that all kids can continue to play their favourite sports and is further proof
of the Cook Government's commitment to do the right thing by WA."
Comments attributed to Forrestfield MLA
Stephen Price:
"I have had so many families tell me that
they appreciate the support provided by KidSport, and I am delighted that the
Cook Government is extending the support available to $500.
"This will really help families and ensure
that kids can continue to take part in sports."
