• A Mettam Liberal Government will extend the increased $500 KidSport vouchers for 2025-26.
• WA Liberals will again allow KidSport vouchers to be used for Scouts and Girl Guides WA.
• The SilverSport program will be returned under the Liberals.
A Future Mettam Liberal Government will extend the increased $500 KidSport voucher through the 2025-26 financial year, while allowing it to be once again used for Scouts and Girl Guides and will reinstate the SilverSport program to assist seniors in accessing sport, fitness, and recreation programs.
“WA Labor has a track record of cutting KidSport, impacting West Australian kids’ ability to participate in organisations like Scouts and Girl Guides,” said Libby Mettam, WA Liberal Leader.
“Unlike Labor, the WA Liberals are committed to KidSport, which is why we are maintaining the current $500 voucher for another year and broadening eligibility for the long term.
“In the middle of WA Labor’s cost of living crisis, KidSport is an essential, targeted cost of living payment to help WA parents keep their kids in sport, or other active recreational activity.
“WA Labor’s decision to strip KidSport from kids participating in active recreational activities like Scouts and Girl Guides was unfair and meanspirited – any kind of activity that has a focus on active recreation should be encouraged, which is why we will reinstate Scouts and Girl Guides WA as a ‘KidSport Approved Club.’
“This is a commonsense solution to get more West Australian kids active during a cost-of-living crisis.”
In 2017, WA Labor changed the rules for KidSport eligibility which negatively affected Scouts and Girl Guides WA, despite the fact both organisations give participants benefits including physical activity through bushwalking, abseiling, and canoeing.
“A Mettam Liberal Government will also bring back the SilverSport program to help seniors access sport and recreation in their communities,” said Ms Mettam.
“WA Labor has created a cost-of-living crisis across our state, with seniors bearing the brunt.
“Reinstating a SilverSport trial will help support the physical health and mental wellbeing of older West Australians.”
Shadow Minister for Seniors and Ageing Donna Faragher said the $3 million investment over two years would provide financial assistance to eligible seniors who wish to take part in an approved sport or physical activity.
Under the WA Liberals’ plan, the two-year trial would be statewide and open to eligible seniors with either a health care or pensioner concession card. It would then be assessed after this period to determine effectiveness and uptake.
“Eligible participants would receive up to $250 towards equipment, uniforms, and fees, including fees for participation in strength and balance programs,” said Mrs Faragher.
“This is targeted cost-of-living relief and is designed to reduce financial barriers that may impact the ability of seniors to participate in activities that encourage them to stay fit, active, and involved in their local community.
“To ensure SilverSport is most effective, a Mettam Liberal Government will work closely with the Council of the Ageing WA (COTA WA) to develop the program.
“COTA WA already accredits and provides training to 47 providers across the state to deliver the evidence-based strength and balance program, ‘Strength for Life’ – we are committed to building on that success by encouraging more Western Australian seniors to keep healthy and active and increasing their participation in community activities.”
The announcement was welcomed by the Candidate for Kalamunda, Adam Hort.
“WA is a proud sporting state, and with a strong scouting presence in Kalamunda, I know this will make a huge difference for local families,” said Mr Hort.
“Seniors are also doing it tough during this cost-of-living crisis, so anything to make it easier for them to keep active and social will have benefits well beyond the investment.
“Our Building a Better Future blueprint makes improving our health care system a key priority, and this is another way we are committed to doing that.”
