Premier Steven Miles has today announced a major boost to his Labor Government's successful FairPlayinitiative – boosting supply by 100,000 vouchers.
The move is backed by an additional $20 million investment by the Miles Labor Government.
It means 100,000 more Queensland families can save money on their kids sports memberships, registration or participation fees.
The FairPlay program is designed to address cost of living pressures that are making it harder for families and young Queenslanders to take part in sport and active recreation.
The vouchers help reduce the cost of sports memberships, registration or participation fees.
This major boost brings the number of vouchers on offer to 300,000.
50,000 vouchers are reserved for eligible health care card and concession card holders, to ensure vulnerable families don't miss out.
The announcement follows the Miles Labor Government's 2024 State Budget increasing the voucher value from $150 to $200 and expanding the eligibility to all Queensland kids between five and 17 years.
Over 186,000 vouchers have been snapped up within the first two weeks. About 14,000 vouchers remain available to eligible health care card and concession card holders.
The $200 vouchers can be cashed in anytime this financial year.
Quotes attributable Premier Steven Miles:
"It only took two weeks, but we've seen record levels of interest in our expanded FairPlay voucher initiatives.
"I know how important this program is, which is why I'm announcing 100,000 extra vouchers for Queensland kids.
"This is an investment in the back pockets of Queensland parents and the health of Queensland kids.
"I received an email from Claire last week, who said the $200 FairPlay voucher will allow her son to compete in Little Athletics for the first time. That's something Claire couldn't afford on a single income, without the help of FairPlay.
"That's what this program is all about, helping to relievepressure on the household budget and keep kids thriving."
As stated by Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:
"I knew Queensland kids loved their footy, basketball, netball, soccer, dancing and all other sports, but the uptake on our Fair Play vouchers has blown me away.
"Last month, I announced in the State Budget an additional investment of $33.5 million to increase the number of FairPlayvouchers to 200,000 and increasing the value of the vouchers to $200
"In just two weeks almost all of the vouchers had been redeemed, so our Government is expanding the program again.
"This new $20 million investment will mean another 100,000 Queensland kids and their parents can save $200 off their sports registration costs.
"We are doing what matters for Queenslanders by providing record cost of living relief and these savings will mean kids won't have to miss out on the sports they love to play."
As stated by Sport Minister Michael Healy:
"The response from Queensland families to the FairPlayprogram has been nothing short of remarkable.
"From the minute the program opened, Queenslanders took the opportunity to access vouchers for their kids. In fact, in just the first two hours, almost 30,000 vouchers had been issued.
"To see so many vouchers issued in the first fortnight, shows just how much Queensland kids love their sport and active recreation, so it's terrific another 100,000 vouchers are being made available.
"Playing sport and having an active lifestyle is an important aspect of who we are as Queenslanders, and it shouldn't be limited to just those who can afford to take part."
