Helen Coonan (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts) Share this | Hansard source

It is certainly the case that this government takes very seriously the need for children to be engaged in an after school program. It is important for not only their general physical wellbeing but also their mental wellbeing. There is no doubt that the government will continue to organise and arrange for children to have access to after school programs. As to how the program is further augmented, that is a matter that I will ask Senator Kemp about and I will provide you with more particulars.

Together with arrangements relating to this government’s concerns about junk food and children’s healthy lifestyles, the extent to which we can ensure that after school programs give children the ability to engage in sport and activities that will continue to ensure that they have a very full and comprehensive program of physical education and involvement is something that we will very much augment and take on board.