The Australian Government will spend US$46m over the next 3 years in the Safer Streets Programme, announced Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Minister for Justice Michael Keenan. The funds, provided in the Budget, will be used towards projects such as surveillance cameras and improved street lighting in public areas a
The Australian Government will spend US$46m over the next 3 years in the Safer Streets Programme, announced Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Minister for Justice Michael Keenan.
The funds, provided in the Budget, will be used towards projects such as surveillance cameras and improved street lighting in public areas and local entertainment precincts.
The 3-year Safer Streets Programme delivers on the Coalition's election commitment. It is part of the Government's Economic Action Strategy to build a strong, prosperous economy and a safe, secure Australia.
The government will spend $18.5m in the first year and $13.8m annually for the next 2 years, to address crime and anti-social behavior hot-spots.
Safer Streets is funded through the proceeds of crime. The previous Labor government had frozen these funds so it could be used to improve its Budget bottom line instead of funding the fight against crime.
Local governments and community groups were asked to identify priority hot-spots for addressing crime and anti-social behaviour. A total of 150 individual projects have been accepted and will be provided funding in the 2014-15 financial year.
The Safer Streets Programme means more security to reduce street crime and violence, which will in turn improve community safety. All Australians have the right to feel safe and secure and this programme will help achieve that.