- $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."
As stated by 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."
