The Morrison Government today secured the future of Youth Off The Streets’ schools for disadvantaged young people by guaranteeing its funding this year and next year.
The Government will also investigate the schools’ unique circumstances and seek to resolve their issues in the long-term.
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said Youth Off The Streets Founder and CEO Father Chris Riley was a great Australian and his charity was doing incredible work helping disadvantaged young Australians turn their lives around using the power of education.
"On Friday, Father Chris asked for a meeting to discuss how changes to disability funding were impacting his schools. We met today and I guaranteed the Morrison Government would provide funding surety this year and next year so Father Chris and his schools can continue their good work," Mr Tehan said.
"Beyond that we will look at Youth Off The Streets accessing the Government’s $1.2 billion Choice and Affordability Fund or other measures to address their unique circumstances.
"I have undertaken to look at issues unique to Father Chris’s schools, such as the disability loading classification for kids with psycho-social or trauma-related conditions and the reporting requirements when it comes to students where homelessness is a factor."
Father Chris Riley, CEO and Founder at Youth Off The Streets said: "We would like to thank Minister Dan Tehan for meeting with us today and we are happy that we were able to arrive at a successful outcome. We look forward to continuing to work with the Minister to ensure our young people continue receiving the specialist care they deserve.
"Young people deserve the opportunity to achieve their full potential, and we are happy that Minister Dan Tehan agrees with our view on this. We are relieved to have our repayment waived, and to receive continued support.
"We would like to thank the media for their support and for helping us arrive at a positive outcome today. Our young people will be happy to know that our nation is behind them, and that we support their education and hopes for the future."