Ms SPENCE (Yuroke—Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Youth) (13:25): I rise today to update the house on the Andrews Labor government’s commitment to supporting the community sport and recreation sector. Just last week I announced $10 million for a fourth round of the community sport sector COVID-19 survival package, building on the $40 million already provided through the first three rounds of the program. This package will provide a lifeline for more than 6000 clubs—not 200 but over 6000 clubs. In this fourth round, clubs can receive a grant of $1500 and local leagues and associations $2500. We do not want anything to stand in the way of Victorians returning to sport and recreation when the health advice allows, which is why last week we announced a further $9 million for the Together More Active program. Through round 2 we will improve equity, diversity and inclusion in community sport, and organisations sharing in this funding include Outdoors Victoria, Aquatics & Recreation Victoria, GippSport and the Australian Camps Association.

Along with our announcement of the continuation of the successful country football and netball program, our government announced $23 million for the community sports sector last week alone—not $10 million but $23 million. Taken together with our sporting club grants and Victoria’s first Get Active Kids voucher program, this government has a proven track record when it comes to supporting community sport throughout this pandemic. I extend my biggest thanks to clubs, teams, leagues and associations across Victoria for helping communities to stay connected and keeping the spirit of community sport alive throughout this difficult period. Thank you for continuing to work with us at every step and for everything you are doing to ensure that when community sport returns, it will not only survive but thrive.