C’MON FEDS – SUPPORT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE

A highly-successful program for at-risk young people across Queensland stands to lose the vital services of youth workers due to discontinued funding from the Federal LNP Government.

Project Booyah helps at-risk young people develop the skills and confidence they need to turn their lives around.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said the Palaszczuk Government recognises the success of Project Booyah and its great work in helping young people get their lives back on track.

In the 2016-17 financial year, the Queensland Government approved funds of $7.4 million over five years and $1.9 million a year ongoing, to deliver Project Booyah in nine areas across Queensland.

Speaking in Townsville Minister Ryan said, “It’s a fantastic program that’s working well here in north Queensland.”

The Minister was joined by local MPs who also support the program.

Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said, “Many young people tell me they’ve successfully completed the program and have either gone back to school or gained new skills through vocational training.”

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said Project Booyah has won international awards and he can’t understand why the Federal Government won’t support it.

“Some young people have found a job through the lessons they’ve learnt by being part of Project Booyah. It doesn’t get much better than that”, Mr Stewart said.

The PCYC received approximately $720,000 from the Federal Government over two years to fund youth workers for Project Booyah through the Commonwealth Safer Streets funding initiative.

Aaron Harper the Member for Thuringowa lamented the Federal Government’s refusal to continue that financial support.

 “Sadly, the Federal Budget did not deliver any further funding for this initiative and at the end of June this year, those youth workers will lose their jobs.

Minister Ryan called on the LNP in Queensland to stand up for Queensland youth and send a strong message to their LNP colleagues in Canberra to fund this program.

ENDS

Media contact: Phil Willmington 0411 535 180