1/7/2005
A new five-point plan to manage school leavers' celebrations State-wide was released today by Community Safety Minister Michelle Roberts.
Mrs Roberts said more than 10,000 school leavers were expected to celebrate later this year and it was important that regional communities were supported to manage those numbers.
"While our Government recognises that school leavers should be able to enjoy themselves and let off steam, they must do so in a way which respects the communities they are visiting," she said.
"The overwhelming majority of leavers behave in a responsible manner. However, large groups of young people in one location at the one time can be very difficult to manage and can impact severely on community well-being.
"The Gallop Government is committed to protecting our unique lifestyle and making our communities safer and this new plan is designed to cater for everyone's needs."
The five-point plan would provide:
- a focus on rights and responsibilities;
- improved safety through robust policing and harm minimisation;
- active support to regional communities to manage visiting school leavers;
- better co-ordination between Government and non-Government agencies; and
- research into improved ways to manage large groups of young people.
"By putting a co-ordinated strategy in place we can provide communities with the support, resources and advice to improve safety and better manage school leaver festivities," Mrs Roberts said.
"The Government's new school leaver program will focus on the responsibilities of young people to celebrate in a manner which does not impinge on the rights of others, and which also looks after the well-being and safety of their mates."
The Minister said the strategy would also include a 'safe partying' education program for schools, a robust police presence in key locations and appropriate health and first aid support during leavers' celebrations.
Other tactics include road patrols targeting known danger zones during the school leaver period, crackdowns on identity fraud, and support for volunteers at school leaver events.
Minister's office: 9213 6600
