Families with School-aged children across New South Wales are set to benefit from a rebate for sporting and fitness-related costs with the State Government today announcing a new $207 million initiative over four years.
The ‘Active Kids Rebate’ is a key initiative in the 2017-18 State Budget and supports the Premier’s initiative to reduce obesity rates of children by five per cent over ten years. Families will be able to claim the rebate on items such as sports registration and membership costs.
From 1 January 2018, parents will be able to claim up to a $100 rebate per school child, per year, as a voucher to reduce the cost of registration or membership fees for after-school and weekend sport including activities like golf.
Sports Minister Stuart Ayres said the annual rebate would not be means tested and available for every school child wanting to get involved in community sport and fitness.
“We would love to see more young people participating in sport, we know promoting active habits early is a key factor for ensuring a generation of healthy kids and tackling rising obesity rates.”
Parents will be able to register online and can take a sports voucher to a registered sports club or provider to receive their rebate.
“Whether it’s strapping on their boots, donning a netball bib or pulling on their team colours, this is about making sure families don’t have to stretch their budgets to ensure their kids are active and healthy,” Mr Ayres said.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet today announced the rebate would be available for every family with children in school from early next year.
“The health of our children is a priority for every parent, and I hope this rebate is the difference it takes to enable parents to enrol their child in the sport of their choice.”
“Tearing around the sports ground is the best thing about being a kid, but sports registration and lesson fees can add up for families.”
“Our Budget will lower that cost for every school child in NSW, making sport more accessible, helping families out and reducing barriers to healthy activity,” Mr Perrottet said.
Golf NSW CEO Stuart Fraser was thrilled with today’s announcement. “This is fantastic news for any budding junior golfer and their parents across the State.”
“Not only will families benefit, but the health of many of our clubs will improve with increased participation and membership levels,” Mr Fraser said.
A comprehensive list of available sports and activities will be finalised following community consultation ahead of the start date early next year, to allow providers to register with the NSW Office for Sport.
More details are available on the NSW Office of Sport website www.sport.nsw.gov.au/.