Report finds Queensland sports vouchers benefit high-income families
A report indicates that Queensland's sports voucher scheme disproportionately benefits wealthy families. Researchers contrasted this with the New South Wales model, which restricts eligibility to families receiving the family tax benefit.
First reported 12 hours ago · latest update 12 hours ago
Tarrant said by means-testing the program, the NSW government was able to save about half its cost, which gave it more “bang for buck”.
The Policy Institute Australia modelling is based on HILDA data sets, which show that higher-income families have more children eligible for the vouchers. Assuming full uptake, this means richer families can access more money from the government program.
The report also said Queensland had the highest ongoing concession spend of any jurisdiction because of its 50c public transport fare policy, which was made permanent in 2025.
A detailed analysis of Victorian travel patterns, showing the impact of discounts prompted by this year’s fuel crisis, found that higher income earners were more likely to use public transport. Tarrant said he would expect to see a similar trend in Queensland.
The institute gave the example of a retiree in Queensland with a $3 million home and $500,000 in super, who would be eligible for concessions on utilities as high as $616, including electricity, gas and water rebates.
Citations · 2 reports from 2 outlets
Tap a citation to read it above, right here on T.A.M.
Queensland’s sports vouchers offer more benefits to rich families: report
The researchers contrasted Queensland’s scheme with one in New South Wales, which is available only to families receiving the family tax benefit.
12 hours ago · Rosanna RyanQueensland’s sports vouchers offer more benefits to rich families: report
The researchers contrasted Queensland’s scheme with one in New South Wales, which is available only to families receiving the family tax benefit.
12 hours ago · Rosanna Ryan