Joint media release with the Hon Jason Wood MP
The Morrison Government is improving community safety in the Northern Territory and assisting at-risk youth by delivering an extra $50 million under round six of the highly-successful Safer Communities Fund.
More than $1.2 million in extra funding has been allocated to Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation, a major service delivery agency in Alice Springs offering services and programs for Indigenous Australians living in central Australia.
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said closing the gap and lowering rates of crime, anti-social behaviour and youth incarceration were key priorities for the Morrison Government.
"Territorians deserve to feel safe and at-risk youth deserve the chance to achieve their full potential," Minister Andrews said.
"The Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation is already doing great work in service to local communities, but this funding will ensure youth have additional support in the form of youth worker cadetships.
"The Morrison Government is backing community-led solutions to crime - ensuring everyone can go about their lives free from violence, harassment and anti-social behaviour."
The funding will provide access to youth support programs, including youth worker cadetships for 50 young Indigenous Australians in 26 remote Northern Territory communities and town camps, contributing to:
- activities in remote communities to enhance youth participation in the community, such as sport;
- paid vocational skills training, providing employment experience and training in services;
- creating role models for other young people within the community; and,
- increased outreach between youth and justice agencies.
Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood said Safer Communities Fund was in response to overwhelming demand from the community and will support organisations with demonstrated experience in helping marginalised youth, to build resilience, strengthen community connections and job readiness skills.
"These community organisations do vital work in helping get young people on the right track. We know that some young people engage in activities or have negative experiences that leave them at risk of joining gangs, committing serious crimes and disengaging from the wider community," Assistant Minister Wood said.
"The challenges we've faced over the last two years as a result of the pandemic have only added to the sense of social isolation and disconnection that some young people feel."
"This program ensures young people can get the support and assistance they need. I thank and congratulate the local grant recipients for their ongoing work, which we are proud to support. It's all about creating a stronger, safer community."
The funding will be delivered under the latest round of the Safer Communities Fund which has invested more than $265 million and provided over 720 grants directly to local communities to deliver grass roots crime prevention initiatives since 2016.
