At today's Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) hearing, it was revealed that the Allan Labor Government has spent a staggering $750,000 on a new government website funded from the Youth Budget whilst at the same time slashing vital youth programs.
This year's youth budget delivered a $600,000 cut from 'Investing early in young Victorians' - a program that supported disadvantaged youth. Funding has also been cut from the Richmond Youth Hub; it provides support services to young people.
This is money that could have gone to at-risk youth programs, mental health services, or regional youth support. Instead, it's been funnelled into a website that offers just five vague topics, with no meaningful content or practical support for young people.
The site contains no mental health resources, no referral pathways, and no clear explanation of which youth groups it aims to support. It's a digital shell; expensive, empty, and out of touch.
At a time when one in four young Victorians are at risk of developing a mental health disorder, Labor's solution is to build a website with no substance.
Shadow Minister for Youth, David Southwick said: "Why is the Minister spending three quarters of a million dollars on a website?"
"This is a complete waste of taxpayer money that should have gone to programs that address the real issues facing young people."
This latest revelation is yet another example of Labor than can't manage money, are more focused on optics than outcomes, and Victorians are paying the price.
