Opposition MP questions the government's proposed reduction in KidSport vouchers, citing concerns about the impact on children's participation in sports and potential negative consequences. The government defends its position by highlighting the program's generosity compared to other states.

AnsweredQoN 470Legislative Assembly
Asked
26 June 2025
Portfolio
Sport and Recreation

QuestionView source ↗

Cost-of-living relief—KidSport program
470. Hon Simon Ehrenfeld to the parliamentary
secretary representing the Minister for Sport and Recreation:
I refer to the
proposed 40% or $200 reduction in KidSport vouchers.
(1) What number of children by total and
percentage are affected by the reduction?
(2) What number is it anticipated will be forced
to drop out of their sports activities as a result of the reduction?
(3) Has there been any proper assessment for the
consequential cost of children dropping out, such as declining health and
rising antisocial behaviour?
(4) What is the general rationale for cutting this
payment when cost of living for families is continuing to rise?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question. I provide the following
answer on behalf of the Minister for Sport and Recreation.
(1)–(4) In 2023—
Several members
interjected.
The President: Order! You may be just holding up your
friends from being able to ask a question, and other friends.
Hon Samantha Rowe: In 2023, KidSport vouchers were
doubled from $150 to $300. There was a temporary uplift to $500. In this budget
we made a commitment to keep this voucher at $300. A total of 30,000 kids
accessed KidSport this financial year. Western Australia's KidSport program is
the most generous of any state.

Explore WA Government Data

Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.

Explore more