- The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its election commitment with a new Crime Prevention School in Townsville to make Queensland safer.
- Silver Lining Foundation will expand its existing academy to help re-engage at-risk youth and prevent the next generation of youth offenders.
- The school will help at-risk youth in grades 7-12 who have fallen out of mainstream schooling and re-engage them in education and the community.
- It is one of four new Crime Prevention Schools delivered by the Crisafulli Government to fight Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis and make Queensland safer.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment, announcing Silver Lining Foundation will expand its existing academy to deliver a Crime Prevention School in Townsville to make Queensland safer.
The school is one of several new early intervention measures the Crisafulli Government is delivering to prevent the next generation of serious repeat offenders after crime skyrocketed during Labor’s decade of decline.
The school will provide tailored education to at-risk young people in grades 7-12 who are disengaged from mainstream schooling to prevent them from falling into a life of crime.
Students will receive education, mentoring and hands-on learning opportunities across a range of industries including automotive training, engineering, construction and rural operations, to equip them with the practical skills needed to get them back on track.
Silver Lining Foundation was selected to deliver the school following an extensive procurement process and is expected to begin enrolling students later this year ahead of the 2027 school year, subject to national accreditation approvals.
The Crisafulli Government has invested $50 million over five years to deliver four new or expanded Crime Prevention Schools to stop crime before it starts.
Unlike Labor who plan to raise the age of criminal responsibility and wind back Adult Crime, Adult Time, every decision the Crisafulli Government makes is about delivering stronger laws and programs that reduce crime, with police data showing victim numbers dropped 9.6% statewide, compared to Labor’s last full financial year.
The Crisafulli Government has announced it will strengthen Labor’s weak bail laws, announcing it will expand Adult Crime, Adult Time by the end of the year to include automatic jail for offenders who commit serious offences while out on bail.
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the Townsville school would help turn young lives around and prevent the next generation of youth offenders.
“Townsville has been on the frontline of Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis, which is why the Crisafulli Government is delivering targeted early intervention to stop crime before it starts,” Minister Gerber said.
“If we can keep young people engaged in school, learning practical skills to help steer them towards a brighter path, we will prevent the next generation from becoming serious repeat offenders.
“Silver Lining Foundation has a proven track record of supporting at-risk youth and this funding will allow them to expand their reach and help more young people turn their lives away from crime.”
Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole said the Crime Prevention School was part of the Crisafulli Government’s plan to make Queensland safer.
“We promised to deliver strong laws to restore consequences for actions, but in the same breath, we promised we would deliver more early intervention to turn young lives away from crime and that’s exactly what this school will do,” Mrs Poole said.
Member for Thuringowa Natalie Marr said early intervention was key to turning the tide on Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis.
“While the former Labor Government spent a decade watching youth crime spiral with no real intervention, the Crisafulli Government is delivering real solutions to stop crime before it starts,” Ms Marr said.
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said the school would give at-risk youth a pathway out of crime and towards a brighter future.
“This school will give at-risk youth in Townsville the education, mentoring, and practical skills they need in a structured, supportive environment so they can build a positive future,” Mr Baillie said.
Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the Crime Prevention School delivered on a key election commitment to restore safety to the North Queensland community.
“We know education disengagement is a key driver of youth crime and if we can get more young people off our streets and in school, we will have fewer victims and safer communities,” Mr Chiesa said.
Silver Lining Foundation Australia Chairman Nigel Daisy said the organisation was proud to partner with the government to expand the Yallorin Yimba Silver Lining School to help get our young people back on track and create a safer, stronger future for Townsville.
“This is a massive win for Townsville families. We know mainstream schooling doesn’t fit every young person, and this funding allows us to expand a model that actually works for our young people,” Mr Daisy said.
“Keeping youth connected to education, culture, and their community is the most powerful crime prevention tool we have.”
