PREMIER Chris Minns will today announce another $23 million in targeted funding to address youth crime and improve community safety across regional New South Wales.

The funding package includes $12 million to continue place-based responses in Moree and expand responses in Tamworth and Kempsey, with a further $6.3 million to go towards intensive bail supervision and support.

The completion of the Moree Bail Accommodation Service is near, says the state government, with a site for the Bail Accommodation Program in Moree secured.

Youth Justice is due to take possession of the property next month, with increased bail support and after-hours services in Moree have increased while this work continues.

Five caseworkers – continuation of one based in Moree, and an additional two in Tamworth and two in Kempsey – will support young people on bail to prevent persistent offending and better understand their legal orders.

The government says the new investment focuses on two key priorities: breaking the cycle of reoffending among young people on bail and preventing at-risk youth from entering the justice system in the first place.

Premier Chris Minns said the  package is about giving local people the tools they need to turn things around for their young people.

“These are complex issues that won’t be solved overnight, but we are in this for the long haul,” Mr Minns said.

“What we don’t want to see is young people wrapped up in the justice system again and again, which is why this package is a balance of intervention, prevention and wrap-around support measures.”

NSW Minister for Police, Yasmin Catley said NSW Police is working day in, day out to address youth crime and steer kids towards making better choices.

“They are doing everything the police can do,” she said.

“We know we can’t arrest our way out of this, which is why the Government is working to help break the cycle by implementing targeted diversionary programs and addressing the root drivers of this offending.

“I’ve visited regional towns right across New South Wales and the message is clear – everyone wants to feel safe in their community and for kids to have the best possible chance at a good life.”

NSW Minister for Youth Justice Jihad Dib said serious offending needs to have consequences.

“But this government also wants to support young people to fulfil their potential – this means supporting their families and communities as well, often at a local level,” Mr Dib said.

“This funding package reflects how we are working to help young people not to commit a crime in the first place, by funding locally based programs co-developed with local people, that can make a real difference by offering viable alternative pathways within communities.”

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said the NSW Government is investing in measures to reduce crime and the drivers of crime.

“We have already undertaken significant legislative reform to help keep our communities safe,” Mr Daley said.

“This includes targeting ‘post-and-boast’ offenders, strengthening knife laws, and raising the bail threshold for young people accused of repeat car theft and break and enter offences.

“But we know there is more to do, which is why we’re continuing to consider a review of doli incapax which presumes children under 14 cannot be held criminally responsible.”