Joint media release with the Hon Jason Wood MP
The Morrison Government continues to stamp out crime and improve community safety right around Australia, with a significant $50 million investment in the highly successful Safer Communities Fund.
Since 2016, investments through the Safer Communities Fund have ensured local schools, councils, community groups, religious institutions and others have the funding they need for programs that reduce crime and violence, decrease anti-social behaviour, and make communities safer and more secure.
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said the Morrison Government’s significant investment in the Safer Communities Fund was an important pillar of the Government’s overarching approch to crime and justice.
“This $50 million expansion of the Safer Communities Fund brings total investment through the program to $315 million,” Minister Andrews said.
“Australians can trust the Morrison Government on national security and crime prevention – we’ve increased the Australian Federal Police’s budget to $1.7 billion, and we’ve given law enforcement agenciesimportant new powers to go after the criminal gangs and online networks targeting Australia.
“Empowering local communities is just as important however, and that’s why the Safer Communities Fund is so critical – investment is provided directly to local communities, who known best how to addresses the local challenges they may be facing.
“No two communities are the same, and no two solutions will be either – but by empowering local groups to make a real difference in their community, we’re helping to keep everyone safe and secure.”
The Safer Communities Fund invests in a range of programs to ensure that everyone can go about their lives free from violence, harassment and anti-social behaviour, examples include:
- Curtin University in Western Australia – receiving almost $1.5 million to design and deliver new evidence-based strategies to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and reoffending.
- Tanentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation in Alice Springs – a service delivery agency receiving $1.2 million to provide 50 Worker Cadetships for indigenous youth.
- Migration Information Centre Limited in Victoria – receiving more than $500,000 to keep young people connected to their families and cultures.
“Our $50 million expansion of the program will secure the long-term future of the Safer Communities Fund, and empower many more institutions and groups to make a positive difference in their local communities,” Minister Andrews said.
Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood said the Safer Communities Fund had been expanded in response to overwhelming demand from the community.
“It’s fantastic that we now have an extra $50 million to support organisations with demonstrated experience in helping marginalised youth build resilience, strengthen community connections and hone their job readiness skills,” Assistant Minister Wood said.
“These community organisations do vital work in helping get young people on the right track. We know that some young people engage in activities or have negative experiences that leave them at risk of joining gangs, committing serious crimes and disengaging from the wider community.
“The Safer Communitiesfund ensures young people can get the support and assistance they need. I thank and congratulate all the grant recipients for their ongoing work, which we are proud to support. It’s all about creating a stronger, safer community.”
More information about the Safer Communities Fund is available on the
Department of Home Affairs website.
