Mr BONSON - 2002-05-22
Earlier today, the minister participated in the launch of the AFL Kick Start Program. Is the minister able to provide details of the program, and what are the key outcomes that are anticipated from the implementation of the program?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Millner for his question. At lunch time today we had a terrific event on the lawns between Parliament House and Government House. It was attended by a number of former AFL stars, including the 1967 Brownlow Medallist, Dr Ross Smith, and the 1990 Best and Fairest winner at the West Coast Eagles, Chris Lewis. Also there was former Kangaroo star Gary Dhurrkay.
Of course, we had a good crop of future rising stars from the Northern Territory Thunder Squad. Those in attendance were the captain for this weekend, Jason Roe, Gideon Pangiraminni, Sam Jenner and Warren Berto. We also had a group of children from Daly River participating in the launch. We were there to launch a more expanded and comprehensive AFL Kick Start Program for the Northern Territory, a program which will focus less on talent identification and more on grass roots participation. Importantly, Kick Start will be used to deliver important messages to young people in remote communities about the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.
I am pleased that this program is being supported by a tripartite agreement between the AFL, ATSIC and the Northern Territory government. The AFL and ATSIC have both committed $200 000 to the program, and our government has made an initial commitment of $150 000 with an in-principle commitment to source another $50 000 in the new financial year. On behalf of the AFLNT, I presented to Chris Lewis a $50 000 cheque that, with ongoing in kind support, we will be delivering through our network of community sport and recreation officers throughout the Northern Territory.
This is a terrific program. When it was evaluated in the Kimberley region last year there were a number of benefits identified. Of course, it gives a great opportunity for kids to be involved in healthy, positive activities and the chance to learn new skills. But it also contributes to higher levels of skilled attendance and academic development, less vandalism, substance abuse and antisocial behaviour and increases self esteem, confidence and community cohesion.
Our support for those in the Kick Start program is a clear demonstration of our commitment to be providing sport and recreation opportunities at all levels. I should add that the government has said to the AFL that we recognise that the delivery model developed for Kick Start is very effective and for that reason we want to see the model used to support the delivery over an expanded range of sports. Football is very popular in the community but we need to be expanding the choices available by bringing other sports such as athletics, basketball, softball and others into the program. Today was a good start towards achieving that goal and we will look forward to working with …
Mr Reed: Just table the answer.
Mr Baldwin: Hand over the written answer.
Mr AH KIT: It is nice to get – I will pick up on the interjections from the member for Daly and also the member for Katherine, the former Treasurer, former Deputy Chief Minister and the former Police, Fire and Emergency Services minister. I noticed him today in this Question Time, and he sat there with his back to the Gallery because he was the one responsible. Now we see him interjecting because he feels that it is time for him to be smart.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, would you get on with the answer to the question.
Mr AH KIT: Well, I am trying to get to the conclusion of my answer, but Madam Speaker, the rude interjections do not allow me to do that. But it is interesting that the Chief Minister is asking these important questions of my colleague ..
Madam SPEAKER: Just answer the question you have thank you.
Mr AH KIT: Today was a good start towards achieving that goal and we look forward to working with the AFL and ATSIC to build on an even more expanded program.
Members: Hear, hear!
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Millner for his question. At lunch time today we had a terrific event on the lawns between Parliament House and Government House. It was attended by a number of former AFL stars, including the 1967 Brownlow Medallist, Dr Ross Smith, and the 1990 Best and Fairest winner at the West Coast Eagles, Chris Lewis. Also there was former Kangaroo star Gary Dhurrkay.
Of course, we had a good crop of future rising stars from the Northern Territory Thunder Squad. Those in attendance were the captain for this weekend, Jason Roe, Gideon Pangiraminni, Sam Jenner and Warren Berto. We also had a group of children from Daly River participating in the launch. We were there to launch a more expanded and comprehensive AFL Kick Start Program for the Northern Territory, a program which will focus less on talent identification and more on grass roots participation. Importantly, Kick Start will be used to deliver important messages to young people in remote communities about the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.
I am pleased that this program is being supported by a tripartite agreement between the AFL, ATSIC and the Northern Territory government. The AFL and ATSIC have both committed $200 000 to the program, and our government has made an initial commitment of $150 000 with an in-principle commitment to source another $50 000 in the new financial year. On behalf of the AFLNT, I presented to Chris Lewis a $50 000 cheque that, with ongoing in kind support, we will be delivering through our network of community sport and recreation officers throughout the Northern Territory.
This is a terrific program. When it was evaluated in the Kimberley region last year there were a number of benefits identified. Of course, it gives a great opportunity for kids to be involved in healthy, positive activities and the chance to learn new skills. But it also contributes to higher levels of skilled attendance and academic development, less vandalism, substance abuse and antisocial behaviour and increases self esteem, confidence and community cohesion.
Our support for those in the Kick Start program is a clear demonstration of our commitment to be providing sport and recreation opportunities at all levels. I should add that the government has said to the AFL that we recognise that the delivery model developed for Kick Start is very effective and for that reason we want to see the model used to support the delivery over an expanded range of sports. Football is very popular in the community but we need to be expanding the choices available by bringing other sports such as athletics, basketball, softball and others into the program. Today was a good start towards achieving that goal and we will look forward to working with …
Mr Reed: Just table the answer.
Mr Baldwin: Hand over the written answer.
Mr AH KIT: It is nice to get – I will pick up on the interjections from the member for Daly and also the member for Katherine, the former Treasurer, former Deputy Chief Minister and the former Police, Fire and Emergency Services minister. I noticed him today in this Question Time, and he sat there with his back to the Gallery because he was the one responsible. Now we see him interjecting because he feels that it is time for him to be smart.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, would you get on with the answer to the question.
Mr AH KIT: Well, I am trying to get to the conclusion of my answer, but Madam Speaker, the rude interjections do not allow me to do that. But it is interesting that the Chief Minister is asking these important questions of my colleague ..
Madam SPEAKER: Just answer the question you have thank you.
Mr AH KIT: Today was a good start towards achieving that goal and we look forward to working with the AFL and ATSIC to build on an even more expanded program.
Members: Hear, hear!
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016