The Tasmanian Greens today strongly welcomed the decision to renew State Government funding to Mission Australia’s U-Turn youth justice program.
Greens spokesperson on Police and Emergency Services Paul O’Halloran MP said he wrote to the Police Minister last week expressing serious concern over the cancellation of funding to the program.
“The Greens are extremely pleased to see the Minister is taking action to restore funding to what is an effective diversionary program for young offenders,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“U-Turn has had a really positive effect, and the evidence suggests that the percentage of young people go on to re-offend after completing the program is very low.”
“The tired old mantra of being ‘tough on crime’ leads to policies that are short-sighted, ineffective and costly.”
“We have to get smart on crime instead, and that’s exactly what the U-Turn program is all about.”
“Once you put a young person through the prison system, the chances are you will only create a hardened criminal who will go on to commit more serious crimes.”
“We need to work with our wayward young people and help build the self-confidence and skills that they need to get back on the right track.”
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Police & Emergency Services Spokesperson
