$73.1 MILLION IN PROJECTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Young people across NSW will benefit from a funding injection of more than $73.1 million handed down in the Iemma Government's 2007/08 Budget, Minister for Youth Linda Burney said today.

"The 2007/08 Budget aims to help build stronger communities by encouraging young people to develop stronger links with their local communities," Ms Burney said.

"Programs such as Better Futures aim to help young people reach their full potential, and there can be no better investment than that."

2007/08 budget highlights for youth include:

• $3.6 million for Better Futures which aims to keep young people aged 9-18 connected to education, their communities and families as they progress to adulthood.
• $21.0 million for 282 existing community youth projects
• $3.1 million for the Aboriginal Child, Youth and Family Strategy which provides a wide range of support programs for Aboriginal children and young people from birth to 18 years, and supports local community planning and initiatives
• $43.1 million for 166 existing youth accommodation projects such as youth refuges, under the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP)
• $1.2 million for 12 Getting It Together Scheme projects which provide specialised services for young people who are unable or unwilling to access conventional services
• $1.1 million for the Youth Drug and Alcohol Court which provides case management, brokerage and supported accommodation for young offenders

Ms Burney said the NSW Government will also continue to support Youth Week and the NSW Youth Advisory Council.

"National Youth Week is the largest single celebration of young people on the Australian calendar, and it's all about the sharing of young talent and ideas," she said.

"Meanwhile, the NSW Youth Advisory Council serves a critical role as the key advisory body to the Government on issues which affect young people across the State.

"Together with the funding of more than $73.1 million in special programs for young people, these activities aim to ensure that the Iemma Government delivers for young people across NSW."