Funding of $26,000 for Armadale Youth Accommodation Service

13/4/99
Youth Minister Mike Board has applauded the initiative of young people in the Armadale area in mounting a campaign to raise awareness of the need for services for young people at risk of homelessness.
The Minister praised their efforts today while presenting a funding cheque for $26,000 to the Armadale Youth Accommodation Service.
The money, provided by the State Government through the Lotteries Commission, will be used to purchase a van and trailer to provide transport for homeless young people in the area.
"I am pleased to see young people becoming involved in the provision of Government services at this level," Mr Board said.
"It proves what I have been saying for a long time - that young people should be encouraged to express their needs and should be entrusted with the responsibility of playing a role in the delivery of services and facilities to meet those needs."
The Minister specifically recognised the work of 16-year-old Justice Lokan, from whom he accepted a petition calling for greater funding for emergency youth accommodation.
He praised the efforts of Ms Lokan in collecting several thousand signatures in support of her petition.
"You have drawn on your own experience to motivate others to lend support to your campaign and have shown natural leadership skills," Mr Board said.
"Your efforts are a positive example to all young Western Australians that becoming involved in your community can produce positive outcomes for everybody."
Mr Board said he was happy to accept the petition on behalf of the Government and would discuss it with his Cabinet colleagues, particularly Family and Children's Services Minister Rhonda Parker, whose Ministry co-ordinates the provision of youth accommodation.
Mr Board said Mrs Parker had advised him that she had met last week with her Federal counterpart, Senator Jocelyn Newman, to discuss funding for emergency accommodation services in Western Australia, including services for youth.
Negotiations between the Commonwealth and State Governments in this area will continue over the coming months.
Mr Board said the Ministers had agreed on the need to put more resources into early intervention support for young people at risk of homelessness and their families.
Media Contact: Jody Robb 9222 9211