The Queensland Government is offering $1 million in funding for the provision of new bail support services to assist young offenders living in the state’s Fraser Coast region.
Youth Justice Minister Leanne Linard late yesterday announced the opening of a tender process to organisations interested in providing supervision for children on youth justice orders, in towns such as Hervey Bay and Maryborough.
“The service will focus on greater supervision for young people on youth justice orders to ensure they meet their bail requirements,” Ms Linard said.
“This is all about tackling the underlying issues that can cause some young people to commit crimes, and to stop an escalation in their offending.
“The service which will commence in early December (2022) … will deliver a mix of individual case management and outreach activities for young people on bail.
“The support will be different for every young person and every family. It can include getting them back into education or training or connecting them to services to address the underlying issues that contribute to offending such as housing, health, drug and substance misuse.”
The Fraser Coast Region is the local government area covering the Wide Bay-Burnett region, about 250 kilometres north of Brisbane and home to more than 100,000 people.
Ms Linard, in a statement obtained by QLS Proctor, said the funding was made available after lobbying by local state MP Adrian Tantari for assistance to help tackle youth offending in the region.
Mr Tantari, the current Member for Hervey Bay, said a call for tenders from non-government organisations in the Fraser region was currently open and closed 10am, 4 October 2022.
“The introduction of the bail support service is in line with the government’s overall Youth Justice Strategy, which recognises the importance of breaking the cycle of crime for young people,” Mr Tantari said.
“Young people who offend must be held accountable for their actions, and where necessary this includes being detained. There also needs to be support in place to break the cycle of offending.
“Bail support services are just one element of our strategy, which includes tough bail laws, early intervention services to prevent criminal behaviour, and a range of programs and support to help young people address their offending.”
Ms Linard said all Queenslanders deserved to feel safe.
“We are continuing to take whatever steps are necessary to reduce youth crime and break the cycle of offending. We know the community wants us to do more and we are answering that call,” she said.
To apply or submit a tender, visit the Queensland Government QTenders website.
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