The Crisafulli Government has launched a new early intervention initiative aimed at tackling youth crime in Mount Isa. Announced on March 15, 2024, the program is part of a broader strategy to break the cycle of crime and enhance community safety across Queensland. The funding of $280,000 has been awarded to the Brodie Germaine Fitness Aboriginal Corporation to implement an 18-month Kickstarter program focused on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.
This program will offer a range of activities, including camping trips, group sessions, mentoring, and family engagement. Led by local Elders, cultural leaders, and trained mentors, it aims to strengthen cultural identity, promote emotional regulation, and encourage positive relationships. Additionally, it seeks to re-engage youth with educational and employment opportunities, providing a constructive path away from criminal behavior.
According to Laura Gerber, the Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support, effective early intervention programs are crucial for reducing crime rates and supporting vulnerable youth. “We are investing in early intervention because we know it’s a critical step to prevent young people from falling into a life of crime,” Minister Gerber stated. She emphasized that the new program represents a significant shift from previous strategies, highlighting the failures of the past decade under the Labor government that allowed youth crime to escalate.
The Kickstarter program is part of a larger $50 million initiative aimed at addressing what the Crisafulli Government has termed a “Youth Crime Crisis.” This broader strategy is a component of the $115 million plan to implement what officials describe as “Gold Standard Early Intervention” measures intended to restore safety in communities throughout Queensland.
In support of the initiative, Sean Dillon, the Assistant Minister for Western Queensland, expressed optimism about the program’s potential to foster positive change. “For 10 years, I’ve watched our communities suffer under Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis and this funding is vital to restoring safety to Western Queensland,” he remarked. He highlighted the importance of providing young people with the necessary tools to make better choices and avoid a life of crime.
Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae also welcomed the funding, stressing the need for tailored early intervention initiatives. “It’s important we invest in early intervention programs that are tailored towards the young people in our community,” Mayor MacRae noted. She pointed out that providing support and guidance to at-risk youth is essential in breaking the cycle of crime and ensuring they remain engaged in positive activities.
As the Crisafulli Government moves forward with this early intervention program, it aims to create a safer environment for residents of Mount Isa while addressing the underlying issues that contribute to youth crime. The collaboration between local organizations and government authorities is a critical step in fostering community resilience and promoting a brighter future for the region’s youth.
