Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has strongly condemned the Labor Government’s decision to slash the value of Active Kids and First Lap vouchers, cease the standalone Creative Kids voucher and massively restrict the eligibility of NSW families.
Mr Crouch said thousands of families across the Central Coast rely on the annual vouchers to enrol their children in sporting and creative activities.
“All families in our community received a total of $300 per child per year in Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers under the Liberal and Nationals Government,” Mr Crouch said.
“Under these cuts, the number of eligible families will be cut in half, and those who are still eligible will have their voucher’s value vaporised.”
“I’m appalled that Labor has cut these highly successful programs at a time when the cost of living is rising and household budgets are already under significant pressure.”
“This is a kick in the guts to not only Central Coast families but the 750,000 families who will no longer be eligible for the vouchers.”
Mr Crouch said that the silence of the Coast’s local Labor members on the issue was deafening.
“It’s utterly appalling that our four Central Coast Labor members, the supposed strong local voices in Government have not once spoken up against these cuts that hurt thousands of Central Coast families.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said NSW families shouldn’t pay for the Labor Government’s broken promises and wrong priorities.
“Before the election, Chris Minns promised to fund Active Kids vouchers, and after months of uncertainty families across NSW are paying for Labor’s broken promise,” Mr Speakman said.
“Given the rising pressure on family budgets, Chris Minns’ cuts mean children right across NSW will miss out on the opportunity to learn to swim, play sport and participate in creative activities.”