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Martin Cameron presses Minister Ros Spence for clarity amid club concerns in Latrobe Valley on sport voucher program

Morwell Nationals Member, Martin Cameron, questions the state's commitment to the sport voucher program for needy children. He presses Minister Ros Spence for clarity amid club concerns in Latrobe Valley.

By news@gippsland - 19th March 2024 - Back to News

The Nationals Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has questioned the state government's commitment to a sport voucher program which subsidises registration and uniforms costs for children in need. After fielding enquiries from clubs across the Latrobe Valley, Mr Cameron asked Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence if another round of the Get Active Kids Vouchers Program would be available this year.

Martin Cameron queries state's dedication to sport voucher program, seeking answers from Minister Ros Spence amid Latrobe Valley club worries

Sport voucher uncertainty

Mr Cameron said, "The winter sport season is upon us and community clubs across the state would normally already be processing vouchers for the children who rely on them to participate in community sport. Three weeks out from season 2024 and despite numerous enquiries, there is no information about whether the vouchers will be available this year."

"Children should be able to participate in community sport regardless of their personal circumstances, and they shouldn't be excluded just because their families can't afford to pay the associated costs. The reality is that many children in the Latrobe Valley rely on these vouchers to subsidise the costs of playing sport with their friends on the weekend.

"If the voucher program isn't running in 2024, then it is incumbent on the state government that other financial support is available to ensure children can still play their chosen sport," Mr Cameron said. The Minister has 30 days to respond.

Pictures from Martin Cameron MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor’s digital-only licence system, calling it discriminatory and locking out hunters lacking internet access
  Melina Bath urges Minister Dimopoulos to reinstate paper-based licence renewals, ensuring hunters aren’t excluded and focusing on hunting competency over digital skills
• Tim Bull says locals and community groups want stronger enforcement as illegal campers leave areas unkempt
  Tim Bull urges Environment Minister Dimopoulos to act on illegal campers along the Snowy River, balancing public access for tourists with enforcement and welfare oversight to protect local businesses.
• Danny O'Brien seeks explanation for South Gippsland entering fire danger period earlier than neighbouring regions
  Danny O'Brien has urged the Emergency Services Minister to explain why South Gippsland entered the Fire Danger Period early, leaving farmers concerned about limited time for essential burn-offs and cleanup.