Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has welcomed a $23 million package to tackle youth crime, announced in Tamworth yesterday by Premier Chris Minns after months of advocacy from the local community.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the community had been calling for more support from the government, and this funding is a start.
“Our communities have a right to feel safe in our homes, but for many people, that right has been taken from them by serious and brazen offenders,” Mr Anderson said.
“That’s why I’ve been pushing hard for more resources for local police including 24-hour policing in Gunnedah and a division of PolAir in Tamworth, tougher laws and consequences for actions, and more funding for diversionary programs that keep at-risk young people away from a life of crime.
Tamworth will be one of three regional centres to receive funding as part of the $12 million continuation and expansion of place-based responses to youth offending. Another $6.3 million will go toward intensive bail supervision and support for young people. This will include two additional caseworkers based in Tamworth to help young people comply with bail conditions and connect to positive supports. A further $5 million will establish a new Community Safety Investment Fund, which will back innovative, local initiatives that prevent or respond to youth offending, strengthen families, and build safer communities.
“I acknowledge the funding announcement to get on top of crime, but I want to see measurable outcomes from the $12 million “placed based response”.
“There are a number of programs that need funding, and the community needs to know which of these programs will get a share of the funding announced.
“Will this funding mean council can buy the boarding kennels in Tamworth to set up a youth program? Will the Fresh Footprints program receive additional funding? Will Centacare’s “keep on track” program get extra funding?
“The Government needs to ensure that any funding program will make a difference, go beyond the 9-5, and help turn young people away from a life of crime.”
Mr Anderson said he would keep pushing for greater investment in police resources and changes to the justice system to prioritise community safety.
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