The Liberal Government was very pleased yesterday to confirm our commitment of $2 million over four years for an intervention program for young offenders who have committed motor vehicle related offences.
Labor have got it dead wrong, yet again, in claiming the program has been axed. We have committed funding for the program right through the forward estimates. This is money that Labor didn't have in their last budget.
The program has now been operating for over 10 years and there is no doubt there is room for improvement to ensure that it represents the best value for money possible. The program will have a renewed focus on 18-25 year olds to deliver even better outcomes for a target group where there is a well-recognised gap in current service delivery.
Mission Australia will continue to operate U-Turn in its current form through to June this year and an improved program will be put in place after that.
Mission Australia has done a fantastic job running U-Turn to date and they continue to work closely with the Government as the program is improved and put to tender for future years.