More than $1.4 million in annual savings for local families is on the chopping block with the Labor government continuing to sit on the fence about the future of the Active Kids Voucher program.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said 14,371 vouchers were created in the Tamworth electorate in 2022, meaning thousands of local families had more money in their pockets without having to sacrifice their child’s weekend sport.

“I know how important the Active Kids voucher program has been for our families, helping keep kids on the sporting field throughout a cost-of-living crisis,” Mr Anderson said.

“Thousands of kids will be having fun on the sporting field this weekend thanks to these vouchers and the hustle and bustle of a day our on the sporting field must continue.

“We have asked the government to commit to continuing these vouchers, but so far, we’ve heard nothing from the government.

“What’s most disappointing about their stance, is that they don’t seem to recognise the negative impact these cuts would have on our volunteer-run sporting clubs.

“Soccer clubs alone in Tamworth have benefitted from more than $160,000 worth of vouchers. Taking that injection of funding away from these clubs would be devastating.

“Ultimately, the cost would have to be met by those who can least afford it right now – young families, many of whom have a mortgage.

“Those families simply can’t afford the additional cost right now and I’m concerned that kids will just miss out.”

Mr Anderson is asking community members to join the fight to save the vouchers, by signing the SAVE ACTIVE KIDS petition.