Tuesday, 20 June 2023

 Martin CAMERON (Morwell) (14:44): (208) My constituency question is for the Treasurer, and the information I seek is on funding for Latrobe Youth Space. Latrobe Youth Space was opened in May 2021 and has developed a reputation as a place that provides wraparound support for young people in the valley between the ages of 12 and 25. In just two years the youth space has attracted more than 500 members, and this tells us two things: (1) there is a great need in the valley for youth support services and (2) Latrobe Youth Space is a trusted, safe space. Instead of it celebrating its second birthday last month, young people were devastated to learn that Latrobe Youth Space was no longer to be funded by the state government. Many constituents are rightly concerned about what this means for the youth space and its 500-plus members. The importance of youth space should not be underestimated. For some young people it is somewhere they can hang out; for others it is a space they feel safe, a place where they can shower and eat. Treasurer, we cannot afford to lose this community asset. Will you commit to supporting our young people by funding the Latrobe Youth Space or just sit idly by while 500 kids are pushed back onto the street?