On 7 May 2020 we wrote to Federal Government to highlight the impact of COVID-19 on the Australian aquatic and recreation industry highlighting the needs of the industry and the measures we believe would ensure the success of the industry and a quick return of our facilities.
We have sent an additional letter on Monday 6th July 2020 as a follow up to 5 key Federal Government ministers.
- Prime Minister – The Hon Scott Morrison MP
- Treasurer – The Hon Josh Frydenberg MP
- Minister Youth and Sport – The Hon Richard Colbeck
- Minister Education – The Hon Daniel Tehan MP
- Minister Employment , Skills, Small and Family Business – The Hon Michaelia Cash
We are seeking a stimulus package to restart the aquatic & recreation industries looking at both staffing and patrons.
Recreation Restart package:
1. Direct subsidy arrangements to community aquatic and leisure facility operators to support the ongoing employment of our people.
2. Additional funding measures that may include:
• Providing direct to families, similar to the NSW “Active Kids Rebate” through $200 vouchers for parents, guardians and carers of school-enrolled children to use towards sport and active recreation costs each year.
• A grant-based fund to support industry operators to reopen and gain attendances (where the centre/site is experiencing 30% -100% less attendances compared to the same time last year).
• Implement an access program voucher (similar to the ‘Active Kids Rebate “program) for people on the JobSeeker/Youth Allowance/Single parents allowance schemes.
• A co-designed campaign with government to drive initiatives that get people back up and moving into centres, swim lessons, community wellbeing programs and outdoor education.
View the full letter attached below also with Reply letter from Prime Ministers Office (Aug 2020)
