Ben Morton (Tangney, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Local Sporting Champions grant is extremely popular in Tangney and appreciated by my local community, so popular that each round in is oversubscribed. Last round we saw 53 applications for 22 grants. The Australian Sports Commission is reviewing the Local Sporting Champions grant, and I have made a submission asking for this important program to be expanded and for fair consideration of athletes that fly longer distances to compete.

I like the examples of the young sports men and women travelling from Attadale or Riverton in my electorate on long flights to Canberra for the nationals, when kids coming from Sydney might be able to drive with family or catch the $64 return bus. A fairer consideration may come in the form of additional grants or grants greater than the current $500 grant. Any unsubscribed grants at the conclusion of each round might also be pooled. Unsuccessful applicants Australia-wide could also, on merit, access additional grants outside their electorate.

I have included feedback from Tangney sporting clubs who received the grant and those who have, sadly, missed out. Our young athletes train so hard, applying their effort to reach their full potential in their chosen sport. We cannot let the costs of travel and equipment be a barrier to those trying to achieve their dreams. Extending the Local Sporting Champions grant program and a fairer distribution of grants that better factors in the distance of travel to the competition will get more young competitors involved in sport and will help them to achieve their full potential.