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House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2016-03-23 Daily Xml
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MoneySmart Rookie Program

Mr GEE (Napier) (14:27): My question is to the Minister for Youth. How is the government assisting young South Australians to learn about budgeting and money matters?

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:27): Can I thank the member for his question. I am pleased to inform the house that the state government is providing new funding to help young people learn about budgeting and money matters. We know that, for young people, being able to manage money effectively is an essential skill to not just find safe housing but to keep their home. Young people on low incomes are at high risk of unstable housing and homelessness.

The government is providing $100,000 to community organisations to deliver the MoneySmart Rookie program as part of the 2016 Connected to YOUth strategy. I am pleased to announce that, from today, organisations can apply for one-off grant amounts of $500 per young person registered to complete the MoneySmart Rookie program. Applications will now close on 20 April 2016. I particularly encourage organisations in regional and remote areas to apply. As part of this program, young people will learn about credit cards, managing debt, the financial pitfalls of mobile phones and what to consider when buying their first car or when living out of home.

The MoneySmart Rookie is one of a number of programs being delivered by this government to help young people navigate the transition from school to the workforce. I am also excited to see Connected to YOUth's young entrepreneur Be a Job Maker approach take shape. This year, the government is looking into what start-up opportunities are available in South Australia, enabling young South Australians to develop their entrepreneurial spirit. I look forward to updating members in this place at a later date about this program, and other programs that this government delivers to ensure that all young South Australians get the best opportunities in our changing economy.

The government will continue to engage with young people in our community through youth forums, both at metro and during the country cabinet, the Your Say website and social media, as young South Australians must be engaged with—they are the future of our economy and the future of our state. As the Minister for Youth, I have been really delighted at the attendance at the youth forums I have held—I think I have held almost a dozen, both in regional and metro areas—and an opportunity to talk to people about what is of interest to them, what is happening well, and what they are interested in in the future.

I look forward to all members encouraging their electorates to have people participate in this MoneySmart Rookie program. It is really important that people understand, if there is easy access to credit, what that means for them, can they pay, and the capacity to pay.

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