Miles Government cost of living plan to help more kids get involved in sport

• The Miles Labor Government’s successful FairPlay program now open to every Queensland child between five and 17 years from 1 July 2024
• Voucher value increased from $150 to $200 to offset the rising cost of junior sports.
• The number of vouchers increased from 50,000 to up to 200,000

Queensland kids will have better access to organised sport as the Miles Labor Government smashes the cost barrier by expanding the FairPlay vouches.

The Miles Labor Government is increasing the size and numbers of vouchers to ensure more Queensland kids can play sport.

Under the expanded model, vouchers will increase in value from $150 to $200 and be expanded to all Queensland kids between five and 17 years of age.

The number of vouchers for the program has also increased from up to 50,000 to up to 200,000, at a cost to the 2024-25 Budget of $40 million.

The program has previously been means tested, but the expanded version will be open to all Queensland Children aged between five and 17 years of age.

This reflects the Miles Labor Government’s focus on reducing cost-of-living pressures facing Queensland families.

It builds on the $1000 electricity rebates for every Queensland household and 50 cent public transport fares.

Importantly, 50,000 vouchers remain guaranteed to those under the current eligibility criteria of children and young people aged between five and 17 who hold, or whose parent, carer or guardian holds a valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.

The program will be open from 1 July 2024 with vouchers to be redeemed by June 2025, enabling summer and winter sports and activities to be accessed.

Since the program began in 2019, more than $30 million has been redeemed by activity providers with more than 210,000 vouchers used by eligible families.

The FairPlay program is part of the Miles Labor Government’s 10-year Activate! Queensland Strategy to get more Queenslanders moving more often.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“My three kids all play a sport and have done since they were very young, so I know how quickly registration fees, uniform and equipment costs can stack up.

“That’s why I’m committed to expanding the already successful FairPlay program to even more Queensland families.

“Community sport is so important to mental health, social development and in developing healthy habits – something I believe should be accessible to all Queensland kids.

“This program expansion will put money back in the pockets of busy mums and dads to spend on what matters most.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:

“I’ve seen the power of sport transform lives.

“I’ve also see the positive impact sport has had on my own family.

“Expanding FairPlay will give more Queensland kids a fair go at a sport they might be interested in.

“Our Government knows all Queensland families are doing their best to manage global cost of living pressures.

“We know how important it is that Queensland kids are active, social and feel connected with the community, which is why we are expanding FairPlay to help more families overcome the financial barriers associated with organised sport.

“In this year’s Budget we are allocating a further $32.5 million to expand the FairPlay program to $40 million.

“The expanded FairPlay program will include all children from five to 17 years of age, and the voucher value has increased from $150 to $200.

“Through the Queensland Budget, more families than ever before will be able to access this fantastic initiative and watch their kids play, run and have fun.”

Quotes attributable to Sport Minister Michael Healy:

“We have listened to the community who’ve been calling for this hugely popular program to be expanded to include all Queensland families.

“The Miles Government’s top priority is the health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders, which includes encouraging participation and helping to make physical activity more accessible and inclusive.

“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.

“By expanding the eligibility of those who can access FairPlay and by increasing the value of the vouchers, more Queensland kids will have the opportunity to take the field instead of simply being a spectator.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Greenslopes Joe Kelly:

"Playing sport and getting involved in recreation activities are incredibly important to our community, and FairPlay has been helping many of our families to do just that.

“I can’t speak highly enough of this initiative, and I hope many more of our families access FairPlay to further connect our community and improve the health and wellbeing of our kids.”

For more information on FairPlay visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/fairplay