New youth ‘boot camp’ promised by CLP, will cost $5 million over 2 years

A NEW youth ‘boot camp’ worth $5 million over two years would be built in by the Country Liberal Party if they take government in August

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro says the CLP will build a $5 million youth boot camp if elected. Picture: Glenn Campbell

A NEW youth “boot camp” worth $5 million over two years would be built in Alice Springs by the Country Liberal Party if they take government in August.

Called “Sentenced to Skill”, the purpose-built facility would serve as an “alternative sentencing option for courts dealing with youths who commit offences”.

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Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said the facility made “sense” in place with high youth crime rates like Alice Springs.

“It makes sense to have a pathway for youths who are on the wrong track to acquire new skills and set them on a positive path to adulthood, rather than detention,” she said.

According to the CLP the boot camp would include:

• Vocational Education and Training and/or work experience to give youth skills for a better future

• Secure residential facilities

• Long term programs

• Strong assessment and monitoring

• Appropriate drug and alcohol programs

• Family support

• Post-release pathways

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The CLP said the “Sentenced to a Skill” boot camp’s location would be determined through extensive community and stakeholder consultation in Alice Springs.

Registered Training Organisations and Aboriginal Organisations will be sought to operate the training and therapeutic aspects of the camp, supported by Corrections.