Coalition Pledges New Social Policy Funding
26 June 2016 at 1:04 pm
Just one week out from the federal election the Coalition has pledged a range of new social policy funding including a $48 million injection to a Not for Profit education program and new spending on mental health.
Source: ABC News/24
Malcolm Turnbull announced the policies at the Coalition’s formal campaign launch in Sydney on Sunday.
The prime minister outlined a $192 million policy which includes 10 new primary health network sites, with four to focus on suicide prevention including eight new suicide prevention service trials to four existing sites.
Malcolm Turnbull said funding for youth mental health services, through Headspace, would be guaranteed.
The Coalition pledged extra support to disadvantaged families to help pay for children’s schoolbooks and uniforms, through a $48 million injection to the Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.
The Coalition said it would also invest $31million in programs to encourage more girls and women to study and work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Source: ABC News/24
“It’s vital that we do all we can to ensure that all Australians, especially young Australians, are not left behind. That’s why the Coalition will deliver a record $73.6 billion over the next four years for all Australian schools,” Turnbull said.
“It is a strong and fully-funded commitment to our children and their future and today I can announce an additional $48 million for scholarships under the Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.
“This will help disadvantaged students complete Year 12 and transition to work or further education and training.”
The Smith Family is a national, independent children’s education charity.
The Not for Profit said that 24,000 extra students would benefit from the new funding promised by the Coalition.
“The Coalition’s commitment of $48 million to support a proven Smith Family educational program is an investment in the futures of thousands of disadvantaged children and young people across Australia,” CEO of The Smith Family, Dr Lisa O’Brien said.
“This funding would enable The Smith Family to offer our educational support program to an additional 24,000 disadvantaged children living in communities across Australia and improve their educational outcomes.”
Dr O’Brien said the program was currently providing 34,000 highly-disadvantaged children with targeted educational assistance throughout their school years and was having a significantly positive impact on their educational outcomes.
The Coalition also pledged a $200 million regional jobs and investment package to provide business innovation grants, as well as skills and training programs.
