Media Release by The Hon Sussan Ley MP

Youth set to benefit from 2005-06 Budget Measures

The Howard Government has further confirmed its support for youth by providing $22.6 million in funding for two Australia-wide programmes, which will assist young people in the transition to becoming adults.

Parliamentary Secretary for Children and Youth Affairs, Ms Sussan Ley MP, today announced the funding as part of the Howard Government’s 2005-06 Budget.

“The Mentor Marketplace Programme, funded to the tune of $12 million over the next four years, will continue its great work through service providers Australia-wide, helping young people who need assistance in staying connected to family, community, education, training and the workplace,” Ms Ley said.

“The funding will enable up to 12 existing Mentor Marketplace projects to continue and provides for up to another 15 new mentoring projects.

“Mentor Marketplace is part of the Howard Government’s response to the Prime Minister’s Youth Pathways Action Plan Taskforce Report, Footprints to the Future.

“It is often a difficult transition between youth and adulthood and to aid with this step we have further extended and expanded the eligibility criteria for the Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA).

“TILA assists young people to move from state supported care to independent living and we have funded it, over the next four years, at a cost of $10.6 million.

“Young people aged between 15 and 25 years who have left, or are leaving care will be eligible for up to $1 000 in goods or services through non-government organisations.

“The one-off TILA allowance will alleviate some of the strain associated with accessing private accommodation, education and/or employment.

“The Howard Government continues to support young people taking that all important step into adulthood and, through projects such as Mentor Marketplace and allowances such as TILA, is able to offer tangible support to more and more young Australians,” Ms Ley said.

Related information
Budget 2005-06 – Family and Community Services Portfolio