The Liberal Government is committed to encouraging an active lifestyle, particularly among our children.
Events such as the School Sport Australia 12 Years and Under National Hockey Championships, which I officially opened in Hobart today, play an important role in highlighting the benefits of physical activity and participation.
More than 200 children from across Australia are competing in Tasmania this week, and a further 100 coaches, umpires and officials are also traveling to our state.
It is this Government's target to ensure Tasmania has the healthiest population in Australia by 2025. Participation in events such as the National Hockey Championships will help to achieve this.
This is why the Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff and I have asked for an urgent review of the decision taken by the former Labor Green Government to cease affiliation with School Sports Australia.
We want to ensure the best interests of school students is at the forefront of any decision to cease funding.
It is important to note that the decision was taken in January, under the watch of the former education minister and former sports minister, Michelle O'Byrne, which makes Ms O'Byrne's criticism of the decision all the more breath-taking.
While I understand that the decision to discontinue the funding was made with the support of all stakeholders, and following a trial, we will hold further discussions between the parties to comprehensively review the decision to make sure that we get the best outcome possible for Tasmanian students.