Active Kids voucher program cut back in latest NSW budget

A program used by thousands of families will be gutted by next year as part of the state’s latest budget.

The NSW government will cut back a program that helps families keep their kids in sports, as part of the latest budget roll out.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey will announce Labor’s first budget in more than a decade on Tuesday.

Speaking with Sunrise on Tuesday morning, Mr Mookhey confirmed the government would be winding back the Active Kids voucher program which has helped families cut down on the cost of sports for a number of years.

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey has confirmed that the Active Kids Voucher will be wound back. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

The $50 vouchers will remain accessible for the 1.6 million households who are eligible for the family tax benefit, with capacity to support about 400,000 children across the state.

“We found a way in which to continue it for those who most need it,” Mr Mookhey said.

“Not everyone will be pleased with that, but we have done our best.”

The program was cut in half from $100 to $50 from July. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

When asked why the government was cutting back such a vital program, the Treasurer cast the blame on the previous government.

“The [Liberal] government did not put the money aside for it, so that has been hard,” Mr Mookhey explained.

The vouchers value was cut in half from $100 to $50 on July 1 as part of the wind down of the program.

It will now only be available to families who receive the family tax benefit. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

These vouchers remain valid through to January 31, 2024.

From February 1, the program will become means-tested and only available to those families who are eligible for the Family Tax Benefit Part A.

The vouchers will be issued twice a year at the start of terms 1 and 3.

Originally published as Active Kids voucher program cut back in latest NSW budget