Federal Member for Hunter, Joel Fitzgibbon is calling on the Abbott Government to extend funding for the Active After-School Communities (AASC) program beyond 2014.
“The program is very successful in our community, and the Government must commit to keeping the program running in its current format – without Government meddling,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“Currently there are 32 schools in Hunter electorate that take part in the AASC program.” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
This program is engaging local kids in sport by providing a positive, safe and fun experience in their after school time between 3.00pm and 5.30 pm.
The former Labor Government provided over $39.4 million for the program to run until December 2014.
“I am calling on Tony Abbott to extend funding beyond this year.”
“It will not be good enough if the AASC is another victim of the Abbott Government’s twisted priorities.”
“Local kids in the Hunter electorate don’t deserve to have this program ripped away from them just so the Prime Minister can pay for his expensive and unfair Paid Parental Leave Scheme.”
“The staff from the Australian Sports Commission provide an amazing service to our communities and our children will suffer without their direct input.”
The AASC program is a national initiative that provides primary school children with access to free sport and other structured physical activity programs in the after school timeslot.
The AASC is managed by the Australian Sports Commission and is currently funded until 31 December 2014.
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