Opportunities for Brimbank’s young people could be reduced with the axing of two important youth initiatives by the federal government.
Brimbank Melton Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN) executive officer Graeme Brown said funding cuts to the Partnership Broker Program, which fosters partnerships between training providers and the community to provide job “pathways” for young people, would create an “environment of isolation”.
Brimbank Melton LLEN, based in Caroline Springs, is also facing an uncertain future, with no funding allocated beyond this year. The program had a $70,534 surplus in 2013.
“[Funding cuts] will provide an environment of isolation and limit positive outcomes for young people who are either disadvantaged of disengaged from education and training,” Mr Brown said. “There now appears to be little or no support for the most vulnerable.
“Beyond December 31, we’re not sure what will happen. The board will have to make a decision if it [Brimbank Melton LLEN] continues or morphs into another service delivery. We have four employees here who face redundancy.”
He said the cutbacks were concerning with youth unemployment up to 22 per cent in some areas of Brimbank.
“The most recent data I have is that the average Brimbank youth unemployment is at about 14 per cent, with some suburbs between 15 and 22 per cent.”
Youth Connections assists young people who have left school, or are at risk of leaving school, to continue with their education. This program has been axed, and 10 jobs will be lost.
Mr Brown said there was a “serious shortage” of entry-level jobs for early school leavers.
Liberal senator Scott Ryan said the government was committing to new programs to assist young people find employment Liberal senator Scott Ryan said the government was committing to new programs to assist young people find employment, including the Job Services Australia program Disability Employment Services and the Indigenous Employment Program.
“We are also restoring Work for the Dole for people on unemployment benefits,” he said.
