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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-05-16 Daily Xml
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Crime in Port Augusta

In reply to the Hon. S.L. GAME ().8 March 2023).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector):

I have visited Port Augusta on a number of occasions since coming to office just over one year ago, and had many discussions with community members.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is responsible for the Port Augusta Community Outreach program. I have therefore sought advice from the Minister for Human Services, who has advised that:

The Hon Nat Cook MP, Minister for Human Services, has had significant engagement with local Aboriginal leaders, ministers, members of parliament, local government, and community service providers in Port Augusta. Following this engagement, DHS established the Port Augusta Community Outreach program.

DHS received $1.2 million over four years to lead this program, that commenced in November 2022, and has been co-designed with the Port Augusta community and local leaders. The program supports locals and remote visitors in the region to address potential harm and antisocial behaviour.

The program consists of:

a 24/7 phone number to direct calls and concerns from service providers and community members.

Community outreach—providing a regular presence in known areas of concern.

Tenancy outreach—visiting houses that have reported complaints.

Return to Country program—supporting people to return to their home communities where appropriate.

Between November 2022 and 17 March 2023, DHS supported 319 people (including 65 minors) through the Return to Country program.

A multi-agency youth response continues to be a high priority to provide intensive support to children and young people engaging in antisocial behaviour, and to strengthen coordination.

The youth response includes:

Extended hours of the Port Augusta Youth Centre.

Extended hours of the youth bus.

Establish a community participation fund to support young people to engage in social activities.

Establish an intensive youth support group for multi-agency intensive case management.

A youth outreach service with workers in community after hours and on weekends, engaging and connecting with young people to ensure safety and wellbeing.

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