Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications and the Arts) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Stoker, for the question. Colleagues, it's a fact that the good economic management and good budget management of this government means that we can continue to provide the essential services that Australians depend on. Last week, for example, the government announced it had committed $35 million over the next five years to support 10 demonstration communities across Australia. Under the Stronger Places, Stronger People initiative, we will support community led efforts to provide a better future for kids. Following early successes with this place based initiative in Logan, the government is facilitating Stronger Places, Stronger People in 10 demonstration communities across Australia, including Logan, with the support of other funders and sectors who also believe that a strong local community provides the best opportunities to grow strong environments to support kids.

The goal of this program is to test the impact of this community led, resourced and supported approach in a range of communities, and to assess the difference that it can make to the futures of kids and families living in areas that experience high levels of disadvantage. This investment, which, I should point out, is in addition to the government's funding for programs and services in these communities, will be targeted towards the local community plan of action and the priorities identified by local leaders from 1 July 2019. The funding includes up to $3.75 million over five years for the Queensland community of Logan. These community led, place based initiatives involve governments working together with leaders, families, philanthropists and researchers to support and lead change. Children in Logan are already benefitting from this approach, and we look forward to seeing the results of these trials.