Youth Voices in Parliament: Sofia’s Speech

Thursday 15 October 2026

It’s Youth Voice in Parliament Week, and today I rise to deliver a speech which was written by a young person in my electorate, Sofia, on sports participation and cost of living.

Sofia writes:

There are few things Australians love more than sport.

Sport keeps us active and healthy.

It helps us make friends.

It teaches teamwork, confidence and how to be part of a community.

But not every child gets the chance to play.

For many families, the cost of sport is becoming too high.

Registration can cost $100 or more.

Then there are uniforms, shoes and equipment on top of that.

I don’t think a child should miss out because their family cannot afford it.

My idea is a $100 Fit Kids Voucher for every Australian child under 18.

It would help pay the registration fee for one organised sport each year.

It could also work alongside the support already offered by state governments.

The federal voucher could help cover registration, while state vouchers could help families with the remaining costs, such as equipment, uniforms or extra fees.

That means governments would be working together towards the same goal: getting more kids involved in sport.

My hope is simple.

No child should have to watch from the sidelines because sport costs too much.

Every Australian kid deserves the chance to get active, join a team and get in the game.

It’s an excellent Speech.

Well done Sofia!

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