Special taskforce formed: Minister

Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said a Regional Managers Coordination Network met in Mackay yesterday (Thursday), establishing a special taskforce to investigate issues facing at-risk youth in the community.

“Along with staff from my own department, this multi-agency taskforce has local representatives from Education, Health, Child Safety, Police, Housing, the Commonwealth and the local council – showing just how serious the Bligh Government is in supporting the people of Mackay,” said the Minister.

“We have vulnerable youth and a community in pain, with families under pressure,” she said.

“The taskforce has wasted no time, holding its inaugural meeting late yesterday, working into the evening to develop its terms of reference and scope of investigations.

“I must urge members of the media to please exercise extreme caution in reporting these sensitive matters, with the privacy of young people to be respected - they are in really vulnerable place right now.

“The taskforce has agreed to start immediately on mapping existing services in the region to determine if there are any gaps or if there are special supports that need to put in place right now.

“The supports could range from accommodation, counselling, health, income support to employment.

“I want the taskforce to get on with its work without interruption and to report back to me in a fortnight, ensuring any urgent concerns are sent through, without delay.”

Ms Nelson-Carr additionally announced another $33,000 in funding to support the Youth Information and Referral Service which will help fund staffing.

“My department met the organisation again on Wednesday and identified we needed to do more to alleviate the financial pressure caused by having to fundraise, so that the service can focus on providing counselling and support.

“These workers are doing a terrific job.”

The extra $33,000 comes on top of annual funding from the Department of Communities of approximately $200,000.

Media contact: Minister’s Office 3235 4280