The Northern Territory government recently announced its decision to cut funding for youth hubs in Aboriginal town camps in Alice Springs, citing their ineffectiveness in tackling youth crime. These hubs, operated by the Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation as part of a pilot program since 2021, have come under scrutiny for alleged governance issues and failure to deliver services adequately.
The government plans to redirect the funds previously allocated to these youth hubs to areas where they believe they can make a more significant impact. Specifically, the focus will shift towards supporting initiatives like youth outreach and re-engagement teams to address the ongoing challenges of youth crime in the outback town.
Critics have raised concerns about the lack of clear accountability and effectiveness in how the funding is utilized. Calls have been made for a more targeted approach that addresses root causes such as housing and food security, which are seen as essential elements in combating anti-social behavior among young people in these communities.
As the government reshapes its strategy to tackle youth crime in Alice Springs, there is a growing emphasis on ensuring that every dollar invested is accounted for and that efforts are focused on addressing the underlying issues that contribute to social challenges in the region.