Tenders open for new ‘On Country’ programs to tackle Cairns youth crime

On Country programs for young offenders in North Queensland are moving ahead with tenders open for the delivery of a new program for Cairns.

The trial of culture-based On Country programs was announced in March as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s five-point action plan to tackle youth crime.

Minister for Youth Di Farmer said $1.5 million had been committed over four years for the Cairns trial, which is expected to commence in July. 

On Country programs will target repeat offenders and be delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations.

“The Palaszczuk Government has listened closely to Cairns residents about what they believe is best for their communities and their young people,” said Member for Cairns Michael Healy. 

“Trials of On Country programs are a direct result of discussions with community leaders who want kids to be held accountable, to learn from their mistakes and contribute in a meaningful way to their communities,” he said.

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services and Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said the tender process was a welcome step towards getting the programs off the ground.

“The courts and police will be able to refer young people to spend up to eight weeks enrolled in a program that includes time spent ‘on country’ and under intensive supervision,” he said. 

Speaker and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said: “This program will give young offenders – especially those who have lost connection with their culture and communities – an immersive cultural experience led by Elders and community leaders.”

“Community safety is at the heart of everything we do and these new trials aim to reduce re-offending, re-connect young people with culture and get them back to school or into a job,” added Ms Farmer.”

In the 2019-20 budget, the Palaszczuk Government committed a record $332.5 million towards new programs to reduce youth crime. 

“Increased funding has led to a reduction in young offenders across the state, so now we are focusing attention on hard-core repeat offenders.

“Many of those young people require more intensive support to turn their lives around and that is what this trial of On Country programs is all about,” she said.

Media contact:  Jim Devine  3719 7336 / 0427 475 089