A western suburbs MP has backed calls for an increase in outreach youth workers in disadvantaged suburbs in the west.
In State Parliament last week, Bernie Finn called on Youth Affairs Minister Jenny Mikakos to provide more youth workers to tackle growing homelessness and drug dependence in the region.
His appeal followed a tour of Footscray, Braybrook and Sunshine with 20th Man Youth Fund founder Les Twentyman.
Star Weekly last week reported the visit highlighted the toll being taken on young people in the area by methamphetamine.
“It is quite horrific to see what [ice] is doing to young people and their families,” Mr Finn said. “Les Twentyman is more than capable of turning these young people’s lives around, but he needs help; there’s no doubt about that.”
A spokesman for Ms Mikakos said the 20th Man Youth Fund received $217,465 in this year’s budget to employ two youth workers across Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley until June, 2018.
He said the government’s $45.5 million Ice Action Plan included more than $3.2 million over four years for western suburbs programs including rehabilitation.
On Monday, Ms Mikakos launched a new survey seeking ideas and feedback on issues important to young people across Victoria.
Details: www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au
