Wednesday, 27 August 2025

 Gary MAAS (Narre Warren South) (19:10): (1285) The adjournment matter I wish to raise is for the Minister for Community Sport and concerns the Get Active Kids voucher program. The action I seek is that the minister provide an update on how the program as announced in the state budget 2025–26 will assist families in my electorate of Narre Warren South. It is hard to believe that we are coming up to round 9 of the Get Active Kids voucher program. It has been going for so many years and delivering to those who are doing it a little bit tough. I am happy that our government has locked in the vouchers for another two years and the program will be opened to kids up to the age of 18 who are named on a Commonwealth healthcare card or pensioner concession card and named on a Medicare card. I know how popular the program is in my community. It has helped many vulnerable families with the cost of living, including registration fees, memberships, sports equipment and uniforms. My community loves their sport, and the vouchers have reduced the barriers to participation for many families who struggle to meet the basic grassroots costs. Physical activity is important. Not only is it great for kids’ mental and physical health, but it also helps children to build friendships, resilience, teamwork and skills and to just be further connected within the community. The Get Active Kids voucher program is another display of our government’s commitment to helping children reach their full potential, and I look forward to sharing the minister’s response with my community.