Record levels of interest in Queensland's expanded FairPlay voucher initiative

The Queensland Budget delivered an additional investment of $33.5 million to increase the number of FairPlay vouchers to 200,000,increasing the value of the vouchers to $200 and expanding the eligibility to all Queensland children between five and 17 years.

In just two weeks almost all of the vouchers had been redeemed, so the Queensland Government is expanding the program again.

A new $20 million investment will mean another 100,000 Queensland children and their parents can save $200 off their sports registration costs.

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.

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.

QLD Premier Steven Miles noted “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.”

QLD Sport Minister Michael Healy added “the response from Queensland families to the FairPlay program 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.”

For more information on how to apply for FairPlay visit www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/fairplay/apply