Young Victorians across Melbourne’s northern suburbs are set to pay the price of Labor’s mismanagement as a key youth service provider is on the brink of closure.
Since becoming operational in 2022 with the financial support of the former federal Coalition Government, the Innovation Youth Centre in Bundoora has supported more than 500 marginalised young people with a place to connect and engage in innovative youth programs.
The current federal Labor Government has failed to renew funding for the centre, and despite making multiple visits and spruiking the benefits of this centre, the Allan Government has also failed to step up and provide financial support.
As a consequence, the centre is now facing imminent closure – which would result in the loss of the only youth centre in the City of Whittlesea and deny hundreds of young Victorians access to a potentially life-changing service.
Shadow Minister for Youth, Sam Groth, said: “Labor cannot manage money and young Victorians are being punished as a consequence.
“This centre requires a modest amount of funding to keep its doors open. The Allan Government must now walk and talk and provide the Innovation Youth Centre the support it deserves.”
Member for North-Eastern Metropolitan Region, Richard Welch, said: “Colin Brooks, Lily D’Ambrosio, Bronwyn Halfpenny and Natalie Suyleman have all lined up with the Innovation Youth Centre for photo ops, but when it comes to supporting these kids, they have walked away, these kids have been abandoned.
“Labor had photo opportunities, but it is incredibly cruel and unfair to turn around and not support these vulnerable kids.”
