Disadvantaged Australians will receive more local support as the federal government attempts to use national funds to tackle individual communities’ needs.

The Commonwealth will spend almost $20 million over five years to establish Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment, which will help design and deliver programs that address issues like youth development, health, education, employment and youth justice.

The government will partner with local communities to develop solutions to these complex social issues.

The initiative is expected to help hundreds of communities and thousands of Australians within its first five years, and Treasurer Jim Chalmers believes this will have a profound impact.

“Too many kids in communities like mine are trapped in the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage,” he said.

“The best way to solve issues communities face is by listening to them, developing solutions led by local people.”

Similar programs in south-east Queensland and northern Tasmania have helped boost year 12 completion rates and reduce child vulnerability, respectively.

Dr Chalmers and Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth will announce the new body in Melbourne on Wednesday.

The Commonwealth’s funding for the initiative will be matched by five philanthropic partners – Minderoo Foundation, Paul Ramsay Foundation, the Ian Potter Foundation, the Bryan Foundation and the Dusseldorp Forum – bringing the total investment to $38.62 million.

 

Kat Wong
(Australian Associated Press)