Sydney (Tribune International, Labor Party Release, 2 Feb 2020): Labor is warning the Berejiklian Government could be putting the future of junior sport at risk by failing to provide guidelines for the resumption of adult sporting competitions.
Labor Shadow Minister for Sport Lynda Voltz said: “Today’s announcement that sport is coming back for people
aged under 18 doesn’t go far enough.
“Without adult competitions, under 18 sports aren’t financially viable for some codes including netball, hockey and soccer.
“That’s because adult sports financially supplement children’s competitions and provide the umpires and competition officials.“
In a letter to Gladys Berejiklian, Netball NSW warned it is facing a financial crisis exacerbated by “a major lack of guidance” from the NSW Government.
“NSW stands alone as the only state without a roadmap for the return of community sports or without financial assistance to grassroots and community sports,” Ms Voltz said.
“The Berejiklian Government must listen to sporting codes and provide a clear, staged plan to safely revive community sport in NSW.”
Labor Shadow Minister for Small Business Daniel Mookhey said: “The owners and operators of small businesses like gyms, pools, tattoo and massage parlours have had to fight the Berejiklian Government for the most basic scrap of information about when they can reopen.
“Many other NSW businesses need similar certainty. When can they resume trade?”
“Every other State and Territory has provided a clear roadmap for reopening business. The Berejiklian Government must work with health officials to provide NSW businesses guidelines to safely reopen their doors.”
