Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris has hit back at criticism from Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch over the State Government’s Active and Creative Kids Program.
Crouch said with the former government’s Active Kids vouchers now expired, the replacement program provided only one third of the cost-of-living support to local families previously available.
Crouch said the Government had merged the highly successful Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers into one, cutting their value by two-thirds despite promising to roll over the vouchers after the state election.
“Sadly, we’ve seen this Labor Government completely dice-up what was one of the most successful funding opportunities to get kids out of the house and into sports and creative activities.
“Under the former Liberal-National government, families benefited from two $100 Active Kids vouchers per school-enrolled child to put towards the cost of sport and active recreation fees, as well as a $100 Creative Kids voucher for activities like music lessons and graphic design.
“Now, families will receive only two $50 vouchers for eligible active or creative activities, and only if they meet the strict eligibility criteria set by the Government which will halve the number of eligible families in NSW, including right here on the Central Coast.”
But Harris said the former Liberal government had left NSW with a massive debt, necessitating a rethink to address cost-of-living pressures for families.
“The back-to-school voucher scheme was a one-off cash splash by the former Liberal government in an election year and was never intended to continue beyond June 30 last year,” he said.
“We know this because it was not budgeted for by the former government.
“The Labor Government is supporting parents with targeted initiatives such as the new means-tested creative and active kids schemes from February 1 and a $6B package of preschool fee relief.
“These are fairer and more sustainable ways to help families.
“We know many families are doing it tough with cost-of-living pressures which is why we have introduced a range of cost-of-living measures to target education, energy bills and toll relief to benefit Central Coast families.
“These are tough decisions, but we want to ensure that money goes to the right people to (help them) support their family.
“We are committed to ensuring we get this right and make sure that taxpayers’ money is going to the most effective ways of reducing costs for families,” Harris said.