Zali Steggall (Warringah, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Despite the rorting and controversy around the former government's Safer Communities Fund, there were still many worthy organisations that received funding. This is particularly the case where organisations were dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people to help them engage meaningfully with society, their schools and families. Two such organisations are active in Warringah and in the northern parts of Sydney. Youth Up Front has a history of over 40 years of helping young people contribute to society through a range of programs, with its successes including decreased substance abuse, reduced negative referrals at school and less truancy. StreetWork also undertakes critical work. Working with young people who have convictions, it has a mentoring program that has resulted in 82 per cent of participants not reoffending.

These organisations are now at risk of closure as a result of the current government ending funding and providing no alternative grant opportunities, including no opportunities under the Proceeds of Crime Act. I have approached the Treasurer and the Attorney-General for support in this respect and I'm waiting—and hoping—that the government will see the sense in supporting such important organisations and ensuring they have ongoing funding. We can't let young people down. We must keep programs like Youth Up Front and StreetWork going.

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