If elected, the Coalition promises it would give $937,000 from the Safer Communities Fund to Boys to the Bush so they can expand their outreach to areas in the Western Plains, including Cobar, Nyngan, Condobolin, Narromine, Bourke, Coonamble, and Gunnedah.  

Boys to the Bush (or Back Track) is a not-for-profit charity focused on intervention methods for at-risk boys aged between 10 and 17. They offer a range of programs for young people, such as MENtoring, (which allows young people to have one-on-one mentorship with a positive male role model), bush camps, and a school program.  

Nationals candidate for the seat of Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, said the program was a direct response to concerns within the community about safety.  

“I’ve heard firsthand from my own community of Gunnedah but also residents across the electorate of Parkes, safety is a high priority, and we’re responding with practical measures to help."  

The funding promise is part of the Coalition's plan to tackle youth crime in regional NSW. Their strategy on youth crime will also include stricter bail laws for repeat youth offenders, and mandatory electronic monitoring and enforced curfews as part of bail conditions.  

Greens candidate for Parkes, Ngemba woman Trish Frail, says the Greens are focused on prevention of crimes and supporting families and communities within the region.  

"We [the Greens] would do everything to try and prevent the crime rate rising out in the bush. When it comes to the young people that are inflicting this crime, we need to look at how they need help. Why do they need help? Why are these kids slipping through the cracks? 

"I've also been broken into. They've broken into my shop twice, and they've recently broken into my house. So I know what it's like.  

"I will work very strongly in making sure these issues get addressed, and parents get support and guidance. We want to work with the parents and the community so the children can get proper outcomes and not just thrown in jail."  

Greens Candidate Trish Frail (centre).

Nathan Fell, Labor candidate for Parkes, did not specify if Labor would fund Boys to the Bush if re-elected. However he highlighted the community-prevention programs his party has already implemented while being in government.  

"I think Youth Crime needs to be addressed. These kids often come from disadvantaged homes and families, without the supports they need to foster growth," said Mr. Fell.  

"I know the Albanese Labor Government is delivering significant investments to reduce youth crime and strengthen community safety for all Australians, investing over $40 million in programs designed to stop young people getting involved in crime in the first place, such as the U25-GO program and the Youth Empowerment Program."  

Labour Candidate for Parkes Nathan Fell.

U25-GO is a community safety grant program that provides $13.57 million in funding to peak state and territory bodies of the Police Citizens Youth Club, Blue Light Organisations, and other eligible organisations that focus on crime prevention for at-risk under 25 year olds.  

Eligible organisations can apply for grants between $500,000 and $2,000,000 to support activities that encourage education, work-readiness, and community engagement, while keeping youth away from drug-use, criminal activity, and other anti-social behaviour.  

Similar to U25-GO, the Youth Empowerment Program is another funding program that provides $28.3 million to 35 organisations across Australia to support at-risk young people aged between 10 and 17.  

Mr. Fell also noted that the Albanese Labor Government delivered the landmark National Justice Reinvestment Program, which aims to help Indigenous communities to develop programs that reduce First Nations peoples' contact with the criminal justice system, including police, courts and prisons.