Angus Taylor (Hume, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government's Sporting Schools initiative is a great new program encouraging primary school children to be more active. I try to fit a lot of sport into my week—usually a daily bike ride, often a run or a swim, and I am grateful that I formed this habit early on. With the digital age upon us about 77 per cent of our kids are now spending their spare time on computers and in front of the TV—only half are involved in sport. The trend does not bode well for the future, because as we know the value of sport is wide-reaching: connecting with the community, developing friendships, learning lifelong skills and getting fit and active.

Sporting Schools is about providing activities before, during and after school hours. It is a great way to encourage children to participate and exercise. Primary schools are encouraged to register on the Sporting Schools website as the first step. Funding applications can then be lodged online for equipment, coaching staff and other resources. I encourage as many Hume primary schools as possible to register for the government's Sporting Schools program. You will need to apply before the close of business on Friday 26 June to benefit from funding opportunities this year. I am delighted to see many of the smaller schools across Hume have already applied, including Greenethorpe, Woodstock, Laggan, Murrumburrah, Caragebal, Binalong, Dalton, Koorawatha, Maimuru, Oakdale and Tallong, as well as others.