12th May 2022
Early Intervention Program to help skill at-risk youth
Federal Herbert MP Phillip Thompson has committed to a further early intervention program for at-risk youth if the Coalition is re-elected.
Mr Thompson said In-Step Industry would receive $1.29M in Federal Government funding to run its Brighter Days program, helping 12-17 year-olds to build life and vocational skills and divert them from offending.
“One of the most effective ways to help young people thrive is to get them into jobs, and giving those young people who are most at-risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system a head start to be able to do that is a good thing,” Mr Thompson said.
“The Brighter Days program will help participants learn skills for life, giving them an opportunity to have a meaningful and productive future.”
In-Step Industry General Manager Dean Wilson said the project would expand on the well-known organisation’s current activities.
“We’ve been running programs like this in Townsville since we started in 1995, and we’ve seen lots of people go on to see success,” Mr Wilson said.
“The Brighter Days program will discourage at-risk youth from engaging with the criminal justice system and facilitate education and employment through strengthening their relationships, enhancing skill development and building participation to encourage youth to make healthier life choices.”
Mr Thompson said the commitment was in addition to two previously-announced early intervention programs funded by the Federal Government, and a new commitment made for Queensland Youth Connection’s Get Connected program.
“We still need to see the State Government legislate to bring back breach of bail as an offence, and tougher penalties for bad behaviour.
“I look forward to hearing Labor’s Herbert candidate’s plan to address the biggest issue of concern to locals.”
ENDS