FUTURE BONNER STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO LODGE THEIR CLAIM NOW

Bonner locals who are planning to study or start an Australian Apprenticeship in 2019 should plan ahead and lodge their claim for Youth Allowance or Austudy now.

Youth Allowance is designed to provide financial assistance for eligible school leavers who wish to complete further study or training, while Austudy is available to eligible students and apprentices aged 25 or older.

Prospective students can submit a claim for Youth Allowance or Austudy up to 13 weeks before the start of their course or apprenticeship.

Minister for Human Services and Digital Transformation Michael Keenan encouraged students to apply early to avoid the last minute rush which occurs every year.

“As we get closer to the start of the new semester my Department usually sees an influx of claims, but prospective students can apply now to avoid the late rush and get a response in as little as 1 or 2 days,” Minister Keenan said.

“We have been working very hard to upgrade our digital services, making it easier for students to claim and manage their payments online, when and where it suits them.”

Federal Member for Bonner said the upgraded digital system improves the whole application experience and ensures students can spend more time focusing on their study.

“The online claim system tailors questions based on individual circumstances, which cuts processing times and streamlines the entire process for young Australians so they can focus more time on preparing for the next important chapter in their life”.

“The Coalition is committed to ensuring Australian students have the support they need to pursue their passion, whether that is at university or through an apprenticeship program, so I really encourage every local student who is eligible to get in early and apply now.”

Last year around 240,000 Australians applied for Austudy or Youth Allowance, with one third of these claims received in the first two months of the year.

Anyone who is interested in submitting a claim can do so online using their myGov account.

For more information you can visit humanservices.gov.au/students.

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MORE HOME CARE, MORE SUPPORT FOR BONNER SENIORS

Senior Australians living in Bonner will receive more support, thanks to a half-billion dollar aged care funding boost by the Liberal National Government, including the release of 10,000 high-level home care packages within weeks.

“Our Government will also ease the cost of living for local seniors receiving home care, by reducing the daily maximum fees payable by up to $400 a year,” said Bonner MP Ross Vasta.

“We understand local people’s preference is to receive aged care services in their own homes and to live independently for as long as possible.

“The home care expansion is on top of the extra 20,000 packages funded in the past year, which combined will result in a record 40 per cent increase in the people receiving home care packages.”

The maximum basic daily fees payable for home care in Bonner will be reduced by $400 a year for Level One packages, $200 a year for Level Two packages and $100 a year for Level Three packages.

“Our Government will top up payments to providers on behalf of local seniors, to ensure there are no reductions in levels of service,” said Mr Vasta.

The $287 million release of additional high-level packages is supported by another important initiative to improve services for senior Australians receiving residential aged care.

“We are investing $98 million to fund increased payments for GPs to treat patients in local aged care homes,” said Mr Vasta.

“We recognise the important role local doctors play in supporting the health and care of people in residential care.

“Our Government is also investing more in providers who support senior Australians living in rural and remote areas and people from homeless backgrounds.

“These providers face unique circumstances and cost pressures and we want to ensure their sustainability.”

The Viability Supplement for eligible residential aged care providers including Bonner local provider Winnam Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation is to be increased by 30 per cent, through an investment of $101.9 million,

 

Currently, more than 550 services, accounting for around 13,500 residential care places, receive the Viability Supplement to offset higher care costs in regional areas.

The Homeless Supplement will also be increased by 30 per cent, through a $9.3 million funding injection. Currently, 42 residential services receive the homeless supplement on behalf of more than 1,700 residents.

“Our Government is determined to continue improving aged care at every opportunity, to help ensure local senior Australians receive the care they want and deserve, where and when they need it,” said Mr Vasta.

“We have invested and extra $1 billion a year in aged care services since 2013 and are continuing our record investment, through the 2018-19 Budget’s $5 billion boost over the next four years.

“Even as the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety goes about its important work, our reform agenda will continue at full pace.”

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CARINDALE COUGARS LEAP FOR JOY OVER FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT

Families in Bonner will have greater access to sporting facilities thanks to an announcement made today by Federal MP Ross Vasta and the Minister for Health Greg Hunt.

Mr Vasta was joined by the Minister today to officially award Carindale Cougars and the Belmont State School with $98,151 that he secured for the local families, under the Federal Government’s Community Sport Infrastructure Grants Program.

Mr Vasta said the funding will enable the Carindale Cougars to install lighting and perform much needed upgrades to the field located at Belmont State School.

“When I first met with the Cougars admin staff and they explained their project I immediately knew this was something that I needed to get behind.

“This lighting and upgrades will allow the club to train in the evenings and hold night games, in addition to this it Belmont state school students will also benefit from the funding by having access to a better sporting facility.”

“This club is passionate about its players and Carindale community and their recent acknowledgment by the Brisbane Lions as Community Club of the Year is testament to that.

“I’m proud to work alongside them and I can’t wait to see the kids out on the field next year taking full advantage of the brand new additions to the grounds,” Mr Vasta said.

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FEDERAL BUDGET SET TO RETURN TO SURPLUS

This week’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook confirms the strength of the Australian economy and that the budget will return to surplus.

Returning the budget to surplus is part of the Liberal National Government’s plan to keep the economy strong and guarantee the essential services people in Bonner rely on.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said we have made real progress in strengthening the Australian economy; it’s because of this good fiscal management that the people of Bonner can trust that their vital services are guaranteed under the Morrison Government.

“We are on track for a budget surplus in 2019-20, our unemployment rate has fallen to five per cent and welfare dependency is at its lowest rate in over 25 years.”

The underlying cash balance is forecast in MYEFO to improve from a deficit of $5.2 billion in 2018-19 to a surplus of $4.1 billion in 2019-20.

The surpluses are forecast to increase year-on-year to $12.5 billion in 2020-21 and $19 billion in 2021-22.

“A stronger economy is the key to delivering better essential services in Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“It means we can continue delivering record funding for schools, hospitals and infrastructure.

“It also means tax relief for hard working Australians and small and family businesses.”

The Liberal National Government’s plan for a stronger economy is: tax relief to encourage and reward working Australians; backing small business to create more jobs; fixing the budget; guaranteeing funding for schools, hospitals and other essential services; and keeping Australians safe.

Next year’s budget will be the first surplus budget since the last year of the Howard Government. It’s been 30 years since Labor delivered a surplus and now we are cleaning up their mess.

 

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$185 MILLION FOR DEMENTIA AND AGEING MEDICAL RESEARCH

The Liberal National Government will support our older Australians and our ageing population in Bonner with a $185 million medical research package focused on ageing, aged care and dementia.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the 10-year Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission will be funded through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and its focus will include:

  • Dementia (diagnosis, treatment and prevention)
  • Fall prevention and avoidable hospitalisations
  • Assistive technology to support independence

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said in Australia, there are an estimated 420,000 people living with dementia.

“There is currently no cure and existing medications only treat symptoms, without halting or reversing the underlying neurodegeneration,” Minister Hunt said.

“Without a medical breakthrough, the number of Australians living with dementia is expected to increase to almost 1.1 million by 2056.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the need for investment in research to develop new treatments and to improve dementia care is evident.

“We’re committed to ensuring Australians of all ages in the local area have access to the support they need to face life’s challenges,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our Government is able to provide unprecedented levels of support to health and medical research because of our strong economic management.”

“The MRFF is an endowment fund, which will mature at $20 billion, providing a sustainable source of funding for vital medical research.”

“It is the single largest boost in health and medical research funding in Australia’s history.”

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FEDERAL FUNDING SECURED TO EXPAND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FACILITY

Bonner students and locals will benefit from greater access to environmental education thanks to a grant received from Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta.

Mr Vasta advocated and secured $2,800 for the Bulimba Creek Catchment Group as part of the Federal Government’s $22.5 million Stronger Communities Programme.

Mr Vasta said this funding will enable the group to expand its existing outdoor classroom and facilities and enable greater education opportunities within the Bonner community.

“Wayne Cameron and the team at B4C take such pride in local bush regeneration and providing education to locals and schools they’re a very valuable part of this community and I’m proud to advocate on their behalf to continue this work,” said Mr Vasta.

B4C Catchment Manager Wayne Cameron said this funding will enable B4C to construct and erect 15 fauna nest boxes (hollow log homes) on poles to expand its education program.

“The community will benefit from being able to see and learn more about the local environment and the fauna that live within it, it will also enable us to inspire others through hands-on activities, and empower locals to consider what they can do for the local environment.

“The project will bring together school communities, local bush care groups and local residents in the area for positive and practical learning and environmental outcomes through education projects and activities such as this one,” Mr Cameron said.

The nesting boxes are expected to be finished and erected by March 2019.

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AUSTRALIAN AID GRANT AWARDED TO WORLD HOPE INTERNATIONAL IN BONNER

The new Australian Aid: Friendship Grants program is bringing a new and diverse group of community partners from across Australia into the aid program, strengthening connections between Australian communities and communities in the Indo-Pacific.

It is in Australia’s interests to support economic growth and stability in the Indo-Pacific through our development assistance. Strong relationships between Australian communities and communities in our region are an effective way to promote inclusive development, human security and prosperity.

I am pleased to congratulate World Hope International from Bonner on receiving an Australian Aid: Friendship Grant.

The Friendship Grant will help World Hope International to use mushroom grow houses in Cambodia to grow mushrooms year round in a climate-controlled space.

Friendship Grants were awarded to 46 community organisations from across Australia so they can expand or enhance their existing international development activities in 15 countries in our region, including through new projects.

Recipients were selected through a merit-based selection process from a competitive and impressive field of more than 200 applications.

Round 2 of Australian Aid: Friendship Grants will open in 2019.

Further information about Australian Aid: Friendship Grants and the full list of successful applicants from Round 1 is available on the Friendship Grants page of the DFAT website (www.dfat.gov.au/FriendshipGrants).

 

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BONNER CONTINUES TO BENEFIT FROM JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER PROJECT

In a win for Bonner, the first two F-35A Joint Strike Fighters to be based permanently in Australia have arrived at RAAF Base Williamtown.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the project has created significant opportunities for local businesses to get involved in a global supply chain.

“Businesses such as Ferra Engineering are already benefiting from this project, undertaking work such as T25 Complex Machining, Mr Vasta said.

“Australian industry is making a crucial contribution to JSF production globally, with more than 50 Australian companies directly sharing in $1.2 billion in production contracts and supporting more than 2,400 jobs across Australia”

“Australian companies have not just contributed to our own aircraft but have manufactured parts that will be fitted to every F-35 Joint Strike Fighter in production globally.”

The Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP, said there will be even more opportunity for Australian industry in Bonner as F-35 production rates increase and in the sustainment of the aircraft.

“Australian Industry will have the opportunity to maintain not only our own planes but also those from around the region, such as Japan and South Korea,” Minister Ciobo said.

The Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP said the $17 billion Joint Strike Fighter project will be a game-changer for the Australian Defence Force.

“The Joint Strike Fighter is the largest acquisition in the history of the Royal Australian Air Force, and is a key part of the Government’s $200 billion build up in Defence capability,” Minister Pyne said.

“We are acquiring 72 of the most advanced, multi-role stealth fighters in the world. They will deliver next generation capability benefits and provide a major boost to our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities,” Minister Pyne said.

 

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Backing Queensland’s Bait Prawn Industry

The Liberal National Government is supporting jobs in the Queensland bait prawn industry as it works to recover from an outbreak of white spot syndrome virus. 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said $5 million over three years will be shared among local organisations including those in Bonner to help keep our country free of the virus. 

The funding will also be used to educate commercial and recreational fishers on the risk of not using commercial bait. 

“The bait prawn industry plays an import role here in Queensland and we want to make sure these businesses survive and keep employing locals,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. 

“We want to help get rid of this virus so fisherman down the coast here can get back to business as usual.” 

Queensland’s continuing efforts to control and contain the disease mean uncooked prawns, including those used for bait, are unable to be moved outside of the affected area until they are treated. 

Industry, Science and Technology Minister Karen Andrews said the Queensland bait prawn industry is experiencing significant losses in revenue, affecting the livelihoods of Australian fisherman, both in Queensland and interstate. 

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta agreed and said the white spot outbreak area extends from Caloundra through the Bayside to the NSW border and west to Ipswich where the greasyback prawn is found

“This is a common bait for recreational fishers, and the Coalition is helping to stamp this virus out so that we can support our local fishing industry and small businesses in Bonner,” said Mr Vasta. 

The white spot syndrome virus is a highly contagious infection that affects crustaceans, such as prawns, crabs and yabbies. 

There is no impact to human health, so Australians are encouraged to support the local seafood industry, particularly over the Christmas period, by continuing to buy and eat Australian seafood.

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HEALTH CARE FUNDING TO BETTER SERVICES FOR PATIENTS IN BONNER

The Liberal National Government will improve the health and care of patients in Bonner with a guaranteed $1.25 billion boost to health services.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said that this will provide more doctors, more nurses and more services in every state and territory.

“This is the tangible benefit of strong economy and it’s why we are so committed to keeping our economy strong,” Mr Vasta said.

“The $1.25 billion Community Health and Hospitals Program will fund projects and services in every state and territory, supporting patient care while reducing pressure on community and hospital services.”

Under the program, our Government will partner with communities like Bonner, states and territories, health and hospital services and research institutions to provide additional funding in four key areas:

  • Specialist hospital services such as cancer treatment, rural health and hospital infrastructure
  • Drug and alcohol treatment
  • Preventive, primary and chronic disease management
  • Mental health

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the new program will complement the Coalition’s record investment in public hospitals.

“Our funding for public hospitals across Australia will more than double under the Coalition from $13.3 billion in 2012–13 to $28.7 billion in 2024–25.”

“This is record public hospital funding delivering more doctors, more nurses and more services.”

“Our new five year National Health Reform Agreement will deliver more than $30 billion in additional public hospital funding from 2020–21 to 2024–25, taking overall funding during this period to $130.2 billion.”

“Three Liberal and three Labor states have already signed up to the new agreement.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said that a strong economy enables the Liberal and Nationals’ Government to invest in even more doctors, nurses and public hospital services – benefitting patients across Australia.

“This is further supported by the record investment in Medicare, provision of medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to make them affordable for patients, and the breakthrough medical science occurring through the Medical Research Future Fund,” Mr Vasta said.

[Ends]

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