A re-elected majority Rockliff Liberal Government will expand the eligibility criteria for Ticket to Play, provide additional funding to Reclink Australia, and trial a new Ticket to Wellbeing program for older Tasmanians.
Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, said that under the Liberals' 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, Tasmanians young and old will have access to more social and sporting opportunities than ever before.
"Our Ticket to Play program is something that I am incredibly proud of - I hear regularly about the genuine difference that this has made to the lives of so many young Tasmanians," Premier Rockliff said.
"That is why I cannot be happier to announce that we will not only expand this program with an extra 2,500 vouchers, but also pilot a brand new Ticket to Wellbeing for eligible older Tasmanians.
"This new program will also offer two vouchers worth up to $100 each and will be available to those listed on a Services Australia Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card.
"Given the roaring success of Ticket to Play, the positive impact Ticket to Wellbeing is set to make for older Tasmanians simply cannot be understated."
Minister for Sport and Recreation, Nic Street, said that access to sports and community activities can be life changing which is why the Liberals have reaffirmed their support for Reclink Australia.
"On top of our commitment to expand our Ticket to Play program and pilot the brand now Ticket to Wellbeing, we're throwing our continued support behind Reclink Australia," Minister Street said.
"Reclink Australia engages with the most at-risk and disadvantaged within our community, putting them on a pathway to success via evidence-based, innovative community sports and active recreation programs.
"With the cost-of-living increasing under continued interest rate hikes, we want to ensure that no Tasmanian, young or old, misses out on an opportunity to be active and connected within their community."
A re-elected majority Rockliff Liberal Government will:
- expand the eligibility criteria for Ticket to Play by including children of people who received the Family Tax Benefit Part A Supplement in the previous financial year, delivering extra 2500 vouchers;
- trial a two-year $1 million Tasmanian-first Ticket to Wellbeing program for the health and wellbeing of older Tasmanians; and
- provide an additional $150,000 per annum over the next two years to support Reclink Australia which provides evidence-based, innovative community sports and active recreation programs. They engage some of the most at-risk and disadvantaged community members, including those experiencing poor mental health, drug, alcohol, and gambling harm, domestic/intimate partner violence, homelessness, long-term unemployment, social isolation, and socio-economic disadvantage.