p>Abbott government cuts will see the shutdown of youth services in the Ballarat region leaving young people in the area without support.
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Abbott government cuts will see the shutdown of youth services in the Ballarat region leaving young people in the area without support.
Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King today criticised the Abbott Government for axing programs designed to get young people into jobs and study at a time when they need them most.
“With youth unemployment in Ballarat hovering around 17%, Tony Abbott has turned his back on young people in our community by closing programs that deliver real benefits by providing education and employment pathways to the future,” Ms King said.
“For five years, seven specialised staff at the Youth Connections centre have helped 350 young regional residents every year gain qualifications, engage with local opportunities and find employment. With these cuts they are gone.
“Through one-on-one case management, assisted learning programs and individual and integrated group activities Youth Connections has made a real difference to the lives of young people across the Ballarat region.
“Youth Connections will close for business by Christmas. Over the last five years more than 1400 young people have had their lives changed by this program, and over the next five years 1400 young people will be denied opportunities that could change theirs.
“The funding cut for Youth Connections is just another example of the Abbott government’s flawed ideology that will disadvantage young people, threatening to plunge them into poverty. With no help and no support, the Abbott government is leaving young people out in the cold.”