Thousands of families across Victoria are set to benefit from expanded cost-of-living support, with the Allan Labor Government announcing new funding in the 2025/26 Budget to help children stay connected to school and sport.
The measures include a $152.3 million boost to the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, increasing payments to $400 for eligible students from Term 1, 2026. Currently, students from families holding a Health Care or concession card receive $154 in primary school and $256 in secondary school. The uplift is aimed at reducing the financial strain on families grappling with rising costs, while ensuring children don’t miss out on key experiences like excursions, camps or school sports.
The expanded fund is expected to support around 200,000 students annually and builds on a decade-long initiative first introduced in 2015. Since then, over two million students have received assistance under the program. The funding can be pooled across siblings and used flexibly, helping families manage costs that often peak in particular school years.
The Budget also extends the Get Active Kids Voucher program for another two years, committing $15 million to deliver $200 vouchers to help cover the cost of club memberships, equipment, uniforms and registration fees. The program, which supports more than 70 sports and over 2,100 activity providers, has already distributed nearly 190,000 vouchers since it began in 2020.
Vouchers are available to children from eligible families, offering practical help in easing cost barriers to participation. Government data shows 22 per cent of children who accessed the program joined a local club for the first time, while more than half of families said their children would have missed out on sport without the support.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the measures are part of the Government’s broader focus on easing day-to-day costs. “We’re focused on what matters most – real help with cost of living for families, and real support for every child,” she said.
“The cost of camps, sports, excursions and activities add up. We’re making sure no kid misses out, because every child deserves every chance to learn and play alongside their classmates.”
Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ben Carroll echoed the point. “For many students, a school camp or an excursion is the highlight of the year,” he said. “We’re putting more money back in the pockets of Victorian families and making sure all students have the chance to take part.”
Community Sport Minister Ros Spence added that families had clearly backed the voucher program. “Families tell us that without these vouchers their kids would have missed out on playing the sport they love,” she said. “We’re funding them for another two years, because cost should never keep kids on the sidelines.”
Member for Footscray Katie Hall said she had seen first-hand how the initiatives support children and clubs alike. “This program helps thousands of kids play the sports they love and attend the camp or excursion they’ll never forget.”
The announcement comes at a time when household budgets are under pressure from rising food, housing, and transport costs. While modest in scope, these education and sport initiatives are likely to make a meaningful difference to the many families juggling multiple expenses during the school year.
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