Tania Lawrence (Hasluck, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The member for La Trobe's motion usefully reminds us that we do need to recognise and celebrate the work done at the coalface by organisations in our electorates that work with young people. A little over a week ago, in Midland, I hosted the inaugural Hasluck Volunteer Awards. It was a celebration of volunteers, young and old. Many of the nominees work with young vulnerable people every day, and they are truly an inspiration. In my conversations with community leaders, I find there is strong consensus that if we didn't have these excellent services being provided to our young people then many of them would find themselves on a path towards trouble, rather than on the path that they are on, which is a supported one where they are flourishing.

This motion refers to the Safer Communities Fund, which was commenced under the former coalition government in 2016. The member for La Trobe has been here since 2013 and served prior also; he is fully aware of that program. Perhaps he had some input into the design. He certainly had some direct hands-on involvement in his capacity as the then assistant minister.

There are reports that the member for La Trobe was involved in the maladministration of the Safer Communities grants program. Of course, he wasn't the responsible minister—the buck stops with the member for Dickson, who somehow now finds himself the Leader of the Opposition—but the member for La Trobe was certainly caught up in it all. It was some of the worst press we've seen for a government. Here's the Sydney Morning Herald from 6 May 2021:

… key minister rejected department advice …

Assistant Minister Jason Wood handpicked the projects … and … cut funding to recipients that scored more highly in the Home Affairs department's analysis …

…   …   …

… Peter Dutton … diverted money from a previous funding round to help 53 handpicked projects …

Mr Wood … conceded the grants were not recommended by officials …

The article noted that about 80 projects had money shaved off them so that the member for La Trobe could send $3 million to projects not recommended by the department, at least two of which were, in fact, ineligible. In other words, the member ignored his own guidelines for eligibility.

We have the National Anti-Corruption Commission in operation. We have the new Administrative Review Tribunal without political appointments. We are cleaning up after the coalition forgot the importance of probity for a whole decade.

We create safer communities partly with funding grants to meritorious organisations, but we do that using a process that is fair, above board and not a disgraceful rort. The reason we need to do these things properly is that one of the ways we create safer communities is by leading. We provide a good example. I don't believe in trickle-down economics but I do believe in trickle-down leadership. If our politicians are rorting the system and undermining fairness and due process, it affects every other part of society and, yes, it does trickle down to the youth.

The Albanese Labor government has reformed the grants process so that when community groups apply for a grant they can apply knowing that they have the same chance as any other group and are having the same criteria applied. They will know that they will not have to guess that hidden criteria, like whether the member for Dickson or the member for La Trobe think that the application has some political use for their party.

I now come to the organisations that we celebrate today and recognise with grants, at times, because of their commitment to youth and their proven results. CLAN Midland champions early intervention to improve life opportunities for young people and provides programs and services designed to support and promote happy and healthy families, which creates stronger families and communities. Alnoor Community Language provides a safe and welcoming environment for young people to connect with their community and learn English and many other skills, particularly Arabic. They promote community engagement and encourage young people to reach their full potential. The Ellenbrook Vipers rugby club was well represented at the Hasluck Volunteers Awards night, too, with three club members nominated for awards. This is because their club members are dedicated to going above and beyond for their community. The coaches and club executives have created a supportive and caring community environment for the young people of Ellenbrook.

Koya Aboriginal Corporation has worked with young people in Midland and its surrounds since 2006, and focuses on engaging, developing, nurturing and supporting Aboriginal and vulnerable children and young people in order that they grow to thrive and succeed. The Swan City Youth Service provides activities, advice and a safe space of support for young people. The Darlington and Kalamunda scouts are creating marvellous memories for generations. Each and every one of these organisations in Hasluck— (Time expired)

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