$50m boost for community safety around Australia

The Safer Communities Fund will receive an extra $50 million to enable new programs that help reduce crime, violence, and anti-social behaviour.

Federal Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood said the fund’s expansion was due to overwhelming demand from the community.

“[The] extra $50 million [will] support organisations with demonstrated experience in helping marginalised youth build resilience, strengthen community connections and hone their job readiness skills,” Mr Wood said.

Funding provided under the Safer Communities Fund can be used by local councils and community organisations to install prevention infrastructure solutions (such as CCTV and lighting) and security infrastructure such as screens and fencing.

The fund has disbursed over $215 million since 2016-17.