21,000 Bonner Residents to Receive Energy Assistance Payment
The Turnbull Government is following through with its election commitment to deliver affordable living for all Australians.
The government has announced tougher regulations for the Gas sector giving Aussies priority to the supply and plans to strengthen the Australian regulator, alongside delivering the energy assistance payment to millions of Australians.
More than 20,000 people in Bonner are amongst the 3.8 million nationally who will benefit from a one-off payment of up to $75 to help with energy costs.
The Energy Assistance Payment will be provided to anyone on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Parenting Payment Single as well as Veterans and their partners who receive the Service Pension, Income Support Supplement and relevant compensation payments.
A total of 21,355 people in Bonner will benefit from this measure including:
· 15,127 recipients of the Age Pension
· 3,414 recipients of the Disability Support Pension and
· 1,138 recipients of Parenting Payment Single.
· 1,676 recipients of veteran’s payments.
The one-off payment is $75 for singles and $62.50 for each pensioner in a couple will be automatically paid to eligible recipients over the next two weeks.
Local MP Ross Vasta said this one-off payment was delivered as part of a package securing significant reform through the Senate.
“In securing the passage of the company tax cuts, helping small and medium sized businesses employing 6.5 million people, the Government also committed to providing these one-off payments.”
The payment will not be taxed, will not be treated as income for tax purposes and does not count as income for social security purposes.
Mr Vasta said “this package is great news for people of the Bonner electorate, not only are we delivering this Energy Assistance Payment but we have also approved the reinstatement of thousands of Pensioner Concession Cards.”
Approximately 733 part-pensioners will have their Pensioner Concession Card reinstated.
“As a result of the much needed reforms to part pension on January 1 this year some former part-pensioners in Bonner lost access to some state and local government concessions.
“We have listened to the community and I personally campaigned for the reinstatement of this concession and I’m delighted that these people will have their card reinstated and be able to access the same benefits they enjoyed previously through the Pensioner Concession Card.”
The Pensioner Concession Card will be automatically provided to eligible former part-pensioners in October.
Further information is available at: www.humanservices.gov.au/energyassist
20 MILLION TREES GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING PROJECTS
Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta today invited community groups, organisations and individuals to start their own tree planting projects by applying for grants under Round Three of the 20 Million Trees Program.
“Up to $6 million is now available for grants between $20,000 and $100,000 for tree planting projects that will put back threatened bushland and support threatened species,” Mr Vasta said.
“This is a great opportunity for people in our community who are committed to looking after our local environment and improving our green spaces. These green spaces connect communities to the environment and improve the liveability of our towns and cities.”
“I encourage interested parties to apply for projects that will provide valuable benefits to the environment and our local community.”
The 20 Million Trees Grant Guidelines: Round Three are now available and applications close on 15 August 2017.
The Coalition Government’s 20 Million Trees Program will see 20 million trees planted across Australia by 2020. Under previous 20 Million Trees funding rounds, Landcare groups and community projects across Australia have planted three million trees. With 13.4 million trees already contracted for planting, today’s announcement will ensure that the 20 million trees election commitment target is met.
The 20 Million Trees initiative is an important part of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.
More information is available at www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees.
Moreton Bay College Spirit Triumphs in the Face of Adversity
Moreton Bay College has shared an intimate moment with the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon. Julie Bishop and Bonner MP Ross Vasta this week following the tragic death of former Moreton Bay Girl Sara Zelenak.
Mr Vasta invited Minister Bishop to personally address the college’s senior students and speak to them about the recent events encouraging the students to find the strength to continue living their lives to the fullest.
Minister Bishop told the students that one of the most difficult parts of her role is answering an embassy call and discovering there has been an accident, natural disaster, or terrorist attack and there are Australians involved.
“My first thought is always about the family and friends. The hardest part is speaking to the family. We provide all the support we can as a government but how can you ever put yourself in the shoes of someone in that circumstance?
Minister Bishop said “breadth of mind, depth of heart is the Moreton Bay College school motto and it is no doubt present here within your community. In this tragedy we need to remember this motto, as Sara herself did. In her final moments we know that she rushed to the aid of others in order to help and that is how we should all be living our lives thinking of how we can help others and make each day better.”
The students were also given the opportunity to have an intimate Q&A session with the Minister; five students took up the opportunity asking a number of questions focusing on the role, responsibilities and difficulties facing women in Parliament.
Minister Bishop said “in my role there are challenges, many very tough but my time as a lawyer has taught me not to pass judgement on others and their circumstances, and to be strong. It also made me more appreciative of the opportunities I have had. Every day when I wake up I think what can I do to make today better, and you should too.”
Mr Vasta said it was a true honor to host Minister Bishop at Moreton Bay College.
“This recent event is a devastating blow for our region, but it will only bring this community closer together, and I hope each and every one of you will not be disheartened by this event but in fact encouraged to continue living your lives in the spirit of Sara.
“The school motto should be embodied in every aspect of each of your lives. As Minister Bishop has explained life is not without obstacles and battles but if you believe that you can do something, you can. Don’t ever let anyone else define what you can and can’t do.”