Economists question NSW’s growing number of voucher programs, saying the latest is about ‘retail politics’ not sound public policy
Asked about last week’s school vouchers, which are expected to cover things like uniforms and stationery, the Grattan Institute’s economic policy director, Brendan Coates, said it was “very strange” to be handing consumers more purchasing power when inflation was rising and the state was in record debt.
Subsequent programs have included Creative Kids vouchers, Before After School Care vouchers and First Lap swimming vouchers. The swimming vouchers were introduced in December, but fewer than 140,000 of 540,000 eligible families have used the scheme, according to data released to the Guardian just days before the first round was due to close. A second round will begin on 1 July.
He said the schemes were often hard to access for some multicultural communities and handing out cash, rather than vouchers, would have better take-up.“If you really wanted to target disadvantaged groups, I’d suggest a complicated voucher is far less efficient and far less equitable than a simple cash grant.”
“You’ve got that extra money in your pocket to spend on things like dinner or breakfast or other items to ensure that you have a good holiday,” he said. “The government’s various voucher programs have [been] well received by the community with satisfaction rates for both customers and providers well above 95%,” he said.Dine NSW – three $25 vouchers to be used on hospitality venues or for takeaway meals .Stay NSW – a $50 voucher towards accommodation at some businesses .
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