MATTERS OF INTEREST

DISADVANTAGED YOUTH PROGRAMS

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:30): It seems that footballers and sportsmen are getting more media attention for all the wrong reasons these days, so I wish to balance this in talking about a joint venture between the state and federal governments and how footballers—and, in this case, some of the mighty Port Adelaide Power players—are joining together to help the most vulnerable people: young homeless, disadvantaged youth. I have no doubt that this matter of interest will, through the auspices of our most diligent and responsible media, help restore some reason to the reports of recent days.

I turn to the broad initiative that launched this venture, reflecting how ideas from overseas can help solve common problems. On 21 May 2008 the Premier announced a combined federal and state government effort to provide funding for the construction of units and apartments for the homeless, based on an idea pioneered in New York and brought to Adelaide by Rosanne Haggerty, one of the state's Thinkers in Residence. The growth and success of this initiative alone demonstrates the value of the cross-fertilisation of ideas as the catalyst and inspiration for social improvement.

In practical terms the $5.6 million federal Common Ground Project, comprising $2.8 million each from this state government and the federal government, in addition to two projects—the $11 million already provided for 100 apartments for homeless and low income earners in Adelaide, and the $9.5 million SA Foyer Plus housing project in Adelaide—is but part of the federal $150 million broader 'A Place to Call Home' initiative.

Common Ground Adelaide Limited, a partnership between government and business leaders, has seen the construction of 38 units in the Franklin Street bus station, while the Sands and McDougall project on Light Square will see the building of 60 units due for completion by mid-year. It is the SA Foyer Plus project, and specifically the Ladder Foyer project, that I wish to discuss. SA Foyer Plus is based on a supportive housing model used in England and France and is specifically designed for breaking the cycle of youth homelessness.

Ladder Foyer 2008, an offshoot, launched on 29 October 2008 by the federal housing minister (Hon. Tanya Plibersek), state Minister for Housing (Hon. Jennifer Rankine), Commissioner for Social Inclusion (Monsignor David Cappo), and AFL Players' Association Chief Executive Officer (Brendan Gale), will see in its first project the renovation of a derelict hotel at the Black Diamond Corner in the heart of Port Adelaide, providing 23 single, self-contained apartments at stage 1 for the young homeless.

The site will also include support, employment and training opportunities for young people. The association with the AFL, through its players' association, will see past and present AFL players, including past and present Power players, together with prominent women athletes, working with and mentoring the young residents to improve their lot. In addition, Ladder Foyer will engage these young people with community and business groups in a range of social, cultural and sporting activities as a further platform for stability and development.

The fact that every night there are over 100,000 homeless young people in South Australia is alarming, and underlines the importance of governments, sporting bodies, sportsmen and sportswomen, business and community leaders and NGOs working collaboratively to resolve this worrying situation. The commitment and endorsement by the AFL Chief Executive Officer (Mr Andrew Demetriou) are most welcome, and the opportunity for AFL players to play their role is reflected in the comments by Mr Gale when he said:

AFL players are well aware of the privileged position they enjoy in our society and more than ever are keen to offer a helping hand to those in a less fortunate position than themselves. This initiative is yet another example of this.

I endorse these remarks and congratulate and wish well all the participants in these fine initiatives, and I hope the recent negative publicity can be put in a more balanced perspective through these projects.

Time expired.