One Nation candidate Mark Latham slams police program that paid for 'at risk' Indigenous youths 'involved in a string of car thefts and robberies' to travel to watch a NRL game in Melbourne and stay in luxury hotel
- Police program that took four offenders on trip to Melbourne has been slammed
- Four youths were allegedly involved in car thefts and robberies in Sydney's west
- They were driven to the Indigenous All Stars rugby league game in February
- During their stay they were put up in the four star Sky High apartments
Four youths allegedly involved in a string of brazen car thefts and robberies were handed tickets to a football game in Melbourne last month as part of a police program.
The boys were put up in a four-star hotel after being driven from Sydney to Melbourne for the Indigenous All Stars rugby league match in February, according to 7News.
Former Labor party leader, Mark Latham, slammed the police diversion program on Monday, calling it a misallocation of resources.
'This is state government policy for steal a car, ram raid a shop, steal the contents, and win a free trip to the footy in Melbourne,' Mr Latham said.
Four youths allegedly involved in a string of brazen car thefts (pictured) and robberies were handed tickets to a football game in Melbourne last month as part of a police program
The four teens stayed in the Sky High apartments during their three-day trip, and trained with the teams.
The group had reportedly been involved in a series of luxury car thefts, which they allegedly used to ram raid shops in Mt Druitt, Sydney, according to the publication.
NSW Police have defended the program, saying that it is one of a number that provide valuable opportunities for at risk youth.
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'Community engagement programs create alternate pathways and goals for Aboriginal youth, diverting them away from criminal activity,' a NSW Police spokesperson told the Daily Mail.
'The young people were selected in recognition of their commitment, conduct, teamwork, attendance and attitude. The diversion program is voluntarily attended.'
Councilor Brad Bunting of Blacktown City Council said 'programs getting youths out and about and contributing to the community rather than throwing them into jail' are much needed.
The offenders were put up in a luxury four star hotel after being driven from Sydney to Melbourne for the Indigenous All Stars rugby league match in February (pictured)
However, Mr Latham, who is currently campaigning for a seat in the NSW upper house with One Nation, said the outreach programs are misguided.
'If people think they're going to close down crime by rewarding criminals, no matter their age, no matter their race, it's just wrong-headed thinking,' he said.
The funding for the trip was reportedly provided by an Aboriginal Strategic Direction steering committee grant.
Aboriginal Strategic Direction is a policy organised and implemented by NSW Police aimed at reducing over-representation of Indigenous people in the justice system.
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