Shadow Sports minister Peter Rundle. Photo: Geoff Vivian.
Shadow Sport and Recreation minister Peter Rundle said slashing kids’ sport vouchers was “yet another blow to families already under pressure from rising costs”.
“It’s exactly what we’ve come to expect from Labor’s long list of broken promises on cost-of-living relief,” he said.
“Community sport is more than just a weekend activity, it’s the lifeblood of our communities.
“It keeps kids active, connected, and mentally healthy.”
Mr Rundle said: “clearly, Labor doesn’t understand or value that”.
“The children hit hardest by this decision are often the ones who need support and engagement the most,” he said.
“This is a Government that can find $217 million for a vanity racetrack in Burswood, but not a few million to help kids play footy, netball or join their local club.
“It says everything about their priorities, and they’re not with everyday families.”
A WA Government spokesperson said the targeted KidSport program would continue to provide support to families who needed it most through the $300 voucher scheme which they doubled from $150 as recently as 2023.
“Since the one-off further increase to the program last year, in 2025-26, the eligibility will be expanded to meet the demand of more eligible groups,” he said.
“For the first time, eligible families with kids participating in Girl Guides and Scouts will be able to access the KidsSport program.
“This is an important way of expanding the scheme to support more families and ensure more kids can participate in community sport and recreation.”
The spokesperson said the KidSport voucher program was “just one example” of how the WA Government was helping families with cost-of-living pressures.
“The WA Government is delivering a range of targeted support measures to help relieve cost of living pressures for Western Australians who need it most and has invested $963 million in cost-of-living support measures,” he said.
“This is an additional $200 million into targeted cost of living measures in the 2025-26 State budget, compared to the last State Budget.”
He gave several examples including the $89 million WA Student Assistance Payment, offering $250 for each secondary student and $150 for each kindergarten and primary school student and a $3.1 million to roll out a new Kids Access All Areas pass.
There is also a $10.4 million to extend the Ride to School Free Program for students to the 2026 school year $162 million for new one-zone flat fare across Transperth and Transregional networks from January 1.
He also mentioned continuing free student travel in 2026 and $8 million in Country Week Assistance to for junior sports.
