The Crisafulli Government has announced a new initiative aimed at combating youth crime in Mount Isa, Queensland, with the launch of an early intervention program called the Kickstarter. This program is part of a broader commitment by the government to address crime and enhance community safety through proactive support for vulnerable youth.
The Brodie Germaine Fitness Aboriginal Corporation will receive $280,000 to implement the 18-month Kickstarter program, which focuses on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. Activities will include camping trips, group sessions, mentoring, and family engagement. The program, led by cultural leaders and trained mentors, aims to strengthen cultural identity, promote emotional regulation, and foster positive relationships while re-engaging participants with education and employment opportunities.
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support, Laura Gerber, emphasized the importance of early intervention in creating safer communities. “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 criticized the previous government for neglecting investment in effective programs over the past decade, which contributed to an increase in youth offenders and a cycle of repeat criminal behavior.
Following the announcement, Sean Dillon, Assistant Minister for Western Queensland, expressed his support for the funding. “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,” Dillon said. He highlighted that the Kickstarter program would equip young people with the tools necessary to make better life choices.
Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae also welcomed the initiative, underscoring the significance of tailored early intervention programs. “It’s important we invest in early intervention programs that are tailored towards the young people in our community,” Mayor MacRae remarked. She stressed that providing support and guidance to at-risk youth is crucial in breaking the cycle of crime and ensuring they remain on a positive path.
The Kickstarter program is a key component of the Crisafulli Government’s broader strategy, which includes a total investment of $50 million aimed at delivering Gold Standard Early Intervention initiatives. This approach seeks to address what the government describes as Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis, which they claim has led to a generation of serious repeat offenders.
As the program begins, stakeholders remain hopeful that this initiative will make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people in Mount Isa, providing them with opportunities to thrive and contribute positively to their communities. The success of this program could set a precedent for similar initiatives across Queensland and beyond.
