By Bonny Burrows
Young people from Australian backgrounds are “much more” highly represented in local crime statistics than those from African or Afghani descent, according to Cardinia Shire Council, which however noted migrant crime is on the rise.
Despite a Federal Government focus on tackling crime by targeting migrants – as highlighted in its Inquiry into Migrant Settlement Outcomes- Cardinia Shire Council manager of community strengthening Stephen Sparrow told the Gazette locally Australian youth figured prominently in crime.
“Taking a broader view of young people in Cardinia Shire shows those from Australian backgrounds are much more highly represented in crime statistics than those from any other cultural background,” Mr Sparrow said.
But council supports the national push to tackle migrant youth gang crime and believes more could be done to engage African or Afghani youth locally.
In its submission to the inquiry, council said “the number of Sudanese young people aged between 10 to 17 years who are allegedly committing crimes was greater than Sudanese adults aged 18 years and over”.
“As in a number of municipalities across Melbourne, Cardinia Shire is experiencing an increase in criminal activity from young people from African backgrounds,” council’s submission read.
Instead of detention, Mr Sparrow told the Gazette council was keen to tackle this by supporting young people to “participate in sporting and recreational activities that foster productive involvement in community life”.
A local sporting program could see government support young people from a migrant or refugee background participate in club sport at just $500 a year in comparison to $498,400 annually to keep a juvenile in detention, council stated.
This data was submitted to the migrant inquiry, with council arguing “the young person participating in the sporting activity would have increased their physical health and self-esteem and potentially have a sense of achievement, life satisfaction and improved academic performance”.
“The young person in juvenile detention will suffer negative impacts on their mental and physical wellbeing, their education and future employment prospects,” Cardinia’s submission stated.
Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre’s Brian Oates agreed sporting opportunities would help engage migrant youths, but said more community sporting facilities were needed.
“The Afghani community is meeting in backyards, garages and people’s houses,” Mr Oates said.
“We can’t have a Sudanese soccer club or social gathering because all the halls and facilities are booked out.”
Member for La Trobe Jason Wood has also signalled support for increased sporting and recreational opportunities for refugee and migrant youths, with plans for a local reference group comprising community members from the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire.
