Older Australians Encouraged to Move it, not Lose it!

Older Australian’s are a vibrant part of our community. Now the Liberal and National Government is calling on sporting and community organisations to develop sporting programs targeted at the over 65s.

The Move It Aus – Better Ageing grants program has been launched today by Federal Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie, enabling national sporting organisations, along with non-government and local government organisations to apply for grants up to $2 million to deliver programs to Australians over 65.

Ross Vasta is encouraging all local organisations in Bonner to apply for funding for a national $22.9million program aimed at getting older Aussies active.

“We know Australia’s population is ageing and we know how important physical activity is to combat chronic disease and keep our seniors happier and healthier,” Ross Vasta said. “I encourage eligible organisations to build on existing programs or devise new initiatives that will improve the lives of older Australians in Bonner.

It’s so important for our older Aussies to be connected socially in our community and this is a great chance to either start some physical activity or continue to Move It.

“It might be anything from a swimming or aqua program group to organised sporting competition; the key is making sport and activity suitable to those over 65.

“Bayside United in Wynnum have lead the charge with its Walking Football competition aimed at getting older locals in the bayside active. I’m hopeful that this program will encourage more organisations to follow suit.

“The Liberal National Government wants older Australians to have the opportunities and sporting programs that young Australians have in abundance. This mean they are getting out of the house, being active and enjoying sport within their community.

“It’s not only about health and fitness, sport creates community and social cohesion that prevents older people feeling isolated. Studies have shown that older people actively pursue recreation and sport when they can access a program that suits their physical and mental needs,” Mr Vasta said.

The program will be managed by Sport Australia, the Australian Government’s leading agency for sport and physical activity.

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Investing in Bonner’s students

Ross Vasta has encouraged students, researchers and professionals in Bonner to apply for a share of up to $119 million in funding as part of the Morrison Government’s new Endeavour Leadership Program.

Ross Vasta said applications for the program were now open.

“The program offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for students in Bonner to study or conduct research at leading institutions in Australia and around the world,” Ross Vasta said.

“Our economy depends on ensuring our students, academics and researchers become world leaders in their field – this investment will give them the skills to achieve that.

“Successful applicants will join more than 200 Endeavour recipients over the past four years who have lived and studied in Bonner.

“I encourage all eligible people in Bonner to apply for the program to expand their horizons and gain insights and skills to help them become the next generation of leaders.”

It is expected around 2,500 people will take part this year, with grants starting at $2,500.

The program is open to undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational education and training students, as well as higher education providers and registered training organisations.

It brings together the Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships and the Endeavour Mobility Grants.

For more information or to apply, visit the Department of Education and Training’s website at http://internationaleducation.gov.au/endeavour Applications close Thursday 15 November 2018.

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Fostering Integration Grants to Help Migrants Succeed

Ross Vasta Federal Member for Bonner says not-for-profit organisations in the area can now apply for $5 million worth of grants to help migrants better integrate into Australian life.

The Commonwealth Government’s Fostering Integration Grant Program will support the delivery of one-off projects and new or expanded initiatives that encourage economic and social participation of new arrivals, including activities that promote employment and participation in the broader community.

Ross Vasta said the grants will help not-for-profit organisations deliver programs and activities that give migrants the best chance of succeeding in Australia.

“One of the things that make us uniquely Australian is the support we provide to one another. Our comradery and desire to ‘help our mates’ is something I see demonstrated by community groups and organisations not only in my electorate of Bonner but right across Australia.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman said the Government’s grants acknowledge the important role of community and not for profit groups.

“Activities may include anything from helping migrants to undertake valuable work experience in order to succeed in the workforce or opportunities to practice English in their local community to helping migrants better understand Australian values and civics.”

Not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of between $10,000 and $50,000 for activities lasting up to 12 months. Applications close on 9 November 2018.

For more information and to apply for the Fostering Integration Grant Program,

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ADJOURNMENT: WYNNUM AND MANLY DISTRICT MEALS ON WHEELS

Last month I spoke about one of the extraordinary volunteers in my electorate, Irene Edwards. Earlier this year Irene received a Medal of the Order of Australia for her volunteer work at Wynnum Manly Meals on Wheels and other local organisations.

Today I want to talk about her husband Ken Edwards, also OAM. Ken is the President of the Wynnum Manly Meals on Wheels. Thanks to Ken’s efforts and other Meals on Wheels volunteers, and the support of the community, construction on the brand new Wynnum Manly Meals on Wheels kitchen and community centre at Wakerley has begun. It’s been a decades-long journey for Ken and the others. It’s a great story I wanted to share, one that others can take inspiration from.

I’m proud to support an outstanding organisation like Meals on Wheels. I think we all know someone Meals on Wheels has helped, whether it’s themselves or an aged, frail or disabled relative or friend. I very much support efforts to improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable members of our society; the Coalition government’s announcement of the aged care royal commission this week was very welcome.

But getting back to Meals on Wheels, the volunteers at Wynnum Manly have made such a huge difference at the local level. I turned the first sod at the new Wakerley site last Friday. Let me tell you, seeing the happiness on Ken’s face and how excited everyone was, it really made me proud to have secured them $300,000 in federal funding at the last election to fit out and equip their new facility. As well as a $20,000 Stronger Communities grant they used to purchase new kitchen equipment.

I also have to commend Brisbane City Council and my colleague Councillor Ryan Murphy for making the site available for lease to the Meals on Wheels.

These are significant investments from government. But compare it to everything the local community’s put toward getting the new Meals on Wheels facility up and running. Since 1995, they’ve fundraised tirelessly to make their new and improved home a reality. Together they’ve raised $2.8 million. What an achievement!

In Ken’s words, it’s been a very hard, dogged slug for this length of time. The hard work and perseverance from everyone involved has been such an inspiration. And I’m glad to say the benefits will flow on to the whole community.

The centre’s state-of-the-art commercial kitchen will allow the Meals on Wheels volunteers to cook, prepare and deliver more hot meals to more homes in the community. That means more people that will receive help to stay independent and remain in their own homes for longer. The fully-equipped kitchen will also ensure the Meals on Wheels can prepare meals to their usual high standards.

But that’s not all. The centre will also have many other features that local groups will be able to use for seminars, public meetings, training workshops, and other community events and activities.

There’ll be a community meeting room available for hire that can hold up to 150 people. Training spaces will be available, as well as a board room with a complete audio visual fit out, volunteer facilities, a veranda café, and a separate community kitchen.

Sporting spaces will also be available to sports groups in the area. Brisbane City Council is planning to build netball courts behind the new facility. These will be complemented by a canteen, dressing room and toilets underneath the new facility.

I’m so proud to be part of this government that recognises the importance of investing in vital community infrastructure projects like this. The new Meals on Wheels centre will help those in the community who need it most. It’s brought the community together, and when it’s completed it will serve to strengthen community ties. And it will also provide a boost to the local economy by creating dozens of construction jobs.

I can’t wait to see the completed kitchen and community centre and join everyone on opening day. I have to thank Ken and the rest of the Meals on Wheels volunteers, and everyone who donated to this worthy project, for their unwavering dedication. Thanks to your efforts the bayside community will benefit from this fantastic facility for years to come.

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Nominate a Mobile Phone Black Spot Today

The Coalition Government has re-opened the Mobile Black Spot Program’s Database of Reported Black Spot Locations for new nominations from state and local governments, and Federal Members of Parliament.

Residents in Bonner are strongly encouraged to nominate mobile phone black spot locations in their area to help inform the rollout of the next round of the Coalition’s $220 million Mobile Black Spot Program.

Minister for Regional Services, Senator Bridget McKenzie, today invited Federal Members of Parliament and local councils to make submissions on behalf of their constituents to the national mobile black spot database.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the database is open for four weeks and called for all residents to contact their office today to nominate any mobile black spot areas.

“I strongly encourage residents in Bonner to contact my office as soon as possible to nominate any mobile phone black spots in our community,” Federal Member for Bonner said.

“Earlier this year in Round Three of the Mobile Black Spot Program I was pleased to have been able to advocate on behalf of the community and secure upgrades for Belmont, Burbank, Gumdale, and Moreton Island.”

“This presents a real opportunity for locals to have their say on problem mobile black spots and encourage mobile operators to invest in our area through the Program.”

“The nominations will support round 4 of the program which will look to provide new or improved mobile coverage in areas where there are clear economic and social benefits,”

“Round 4 will also look to target medical, educational and emergency services facilities, as well as along key transport routes and in towns that experience seasonal demand due to tourism.”

The Coalition will invest $25 million to deliver round 4 of the program and will soon call for applications from carriers to be selected through a competitive process. The Coalition is also calling for nominations from state and territory governments.

For more information on the program visit: www.communications.gov.au/mbsp

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BACKING LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES TO INVEST

Small businesses in Bonner are set to benefit from additional opportunities to invest in their business and replace or upgrade their assets, with legislation to extend the $20,000 instant asset write-off passing the Parliament.

The legislation delivers on the Coalition Government’s 2018-19 Budget announcement to extend the $20,000 write-off for a further 12 months to 30 June 2019.

Across Australia, there are more than three million small businesses with an annual turnover of less than $10 million that are eligible to access the write-off.

“Whether you’re a gardener purchasing a ride-on lawn mower, a café owner purchasing an industrial dishwasher or a courier purchasing a vehicle, I encourage small businesses in Bonner to take advantage of the $20,000 instant asset write-off – if they’re not already,” Mr Vasta said.

“By growing the ability of Bonner small businesses to invest, we grow their ability to employ more locals.”

In the 2015-16 Budget, the Coalition Government increased the immediate deductibility threshold from $1,000 to $20,000.

Backing small business – the engine room of our economy – is part of the Coalition Government’s plan for a stronger economy and more jobs.

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PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BUSINESS: ECONOMY

I rise to speak on the motion moved by the Member for Forde. And what a good motion it is—more good news for our economy and more jobs created under the Coalition government’s strong economic management. Since coming to government in 2013 we’ve created a million jobs and counting. Now with economic growth and jobs growth exceeding expectations, while this continues we can expect a lift in wages growth, in the words of the RBA Governor.

Jobs and wage growth are my constituents’ number one concern. What are we doing to create more jobs, they ask. Those who are putting in the hours at work, they’re still struggling to meet rising power prices and cost of living. So I’m pleased to tell them under the Coalition, unemployment is at its lowest rate since 2012. Last year we created over 400,000 jobs. Three quarters of these were full time jobs.

Compare that to the previous Labor government. They averaged less than 150,000 new jobs each year. And when they left office, unemployment was going up—they were losing full time jobs!

In my electorate the effects of our booming economy have been clear. I have to thank the Member for Forde for one project that has been a boon for local jobs. He started the fight for funding to upgrade the M1. It was great to work with him and my Queensland colleagues to secure $1 billion for these vital upgrades. Not only will these upgrades reduce peak hour congestion, getting people to work sooner and safer, they will also support up to 450 local jobs. A double win for the local economy!

Another jobs-generating, congestion-busting project that’s now underway in my electorate is the upgrade of the Green Camp Corridor. I’ve enjoyed seeing construction start on this much-needed project. And then there’s the $300 million Brisbane Metro project, which is now in the expression of interest phase. Another example of this government’s commitment to invest in vital infrastructure while creating local jobs.

There are many more small-scale projects in my electorate this government has invested in that will provide a boost for the local economy and local employment. I’m seeing the benefits firsthand and I fully support this motion and this government’s commitment to strong economic growth.

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$106 million boost to support older residents in Bonner with better care

The Morrison Government will significantly boost support for older Australians with an injection of $106 million to support better facilities, better care and better standards in aged care.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said, Australia’s tough new aged care cop – the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission – will receive a further $16 million to police quality, boost specialist response teams for complaints, audits and compliance and support consumers when failures occur.

“And we are taking action to introduce legislation into Parliament to establish the new Commission to address known failures in quality regulation for Australia’s aged care system.” Mr Vasta said.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said older Australians deserve our respect and they should receive the very best care available.

“The Morrison Government is committed to keeping Australians safe and this includes as they age.” Minister Hunt said.

Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Ken Wyatt said the overwhelming majority of aged care providers do the right thing but we recognise some have not been up to scratch.

“This funding boost builds on the $32.6 million we announced in May for the new Commission and means issues can be highlighted and dealt with quickly under one agency which reports directly to Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care.” Minister Wyatt said.

“Our message is clear – any organisation or person doing the wrong thing will be found. Sub-standard care will not be tolerated, including the option to shut down an operator doing the wrong thing.”

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said we will also bring forward $90 million to support aged care providers, with significant funding rolling out this financial year.

“$40 million will be available from today to support aged care services in regional, rural and remote locations to improve, maintain and expand their infrastructure – ensuring older Australians in these locations receive the same support as people in the cities.” Mr Vasta said.

“We will fund $50 million to support residential aged care providers and their staff to improve quality and standards of care across the sector. Funding will begin to flow next week.”

“This will support 2,700 aged care homes and 366,000 staff in new training as they transition to the new, strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards – to be enforced from 1 July 2019.”

Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Ken Wyatt said this will be the first upgrade of aged care standards in more than 20 years.

“Today we also release a new strategy to attract and retain more workers for the aged care sector, while also improving the quality of the care given. This will not only support the creation of new jobs but also ensure older Australians are better supported as the population ages.” Minister Wyatt said.

“We will also bring forward the appointment of a new Chief Clinical Adviser under the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner.”

“The Chief Clinical Adviser position will strengthen medical governance across the sector, providing advice to the Commission and education to the sector while improving the link between doctors and aged care professionals.”

“Already we have had extensive reviews in the aged care sector from the Tune and Carnell Review, and today we are pleased to again strengthen the sector and importantly improve support for Older Australians.”

The new Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will bring together the functions of the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency and the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner. From 1 January 2020, the Commission will take over the aged care regulatory functions of the Department of Health including provider approvals, quality and prudential compliance,
and compulsory reporting.

There will be no more silos – there will be instant and constant communication on compliance, risks and complaints. The Commission will further ensure there is nowhere to hide on quality care, building on the Government’s introduction of unannounced reaccreditation audits of aged care homes from 1 July 2018.

There are expected to be more than 500 unannounced reaccreditation audits this financial year, along with an additional 2,700 unannounced site visits by assessment teams.

Working with Australian families and aged care providers, we are absolutely committed to giving senior Australians the protection, support, care and respect they deserve.

This builds on our support in 2018-19 Budget where we boosted support of older Australians with a $5 billion package.

The Package gives older Australians more choices and greater flexibility, including:
• Boosting home care funding by $1.6 billion.
• Growing home care packages from around 87,000 now to 151,000 by 2021-22 – including a 34,000 increase in high-level packages.
• Allowing pensioners to earn more without reducing their pension;
• Greater flexibility to use home equity to increase retirement incomes.

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Locals Applaud Coalition Pension Age Decision

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that under the Coalition the pension age will remain at 67.

Federal Member Ross Vasta says this is great news for older people living in is electorate of Bonner.

“I’ve spoken to many of my constituents about this policy and every one of them has told me that they agree this is a good idea.”

Tingalpa resident Charles Bill says that he is very pleased that the Coalition has made this decision.

“As much as I would love to keep working into my older years, as a 65-year-old it’s challenging and often difficult to secure work.

“I would like to personally thank Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Ross Vasta for reducing the pension age back to 67,” Mr Bill says.

This decision builds on the Coalition Government’s measures to support older Australians including the decision to retain the energy supplement.
“In this year’s budget we announced a package of measures to help Australians to live longer, healthy and more active lives including the Pension Work Bonus and supporting older Australians to get access to the pension when they are running a business.

Ross Vasta says the Coalition is dedicated to doing the right thing by senior Australians.

“The Morrison Government believes in a fair go for those that have a go, and that’s why we’ve made a promise to protect older Australians from Bill Shorten’s tax grab, predicted to impact more than 800,000 people.”
Since the Coalition was elected, pensions have increased by $99.20 per fortnight for singles and by $149.40 per fortnight for couples combined.

Other measures include the Pension Loans Scheme, opened to all older Australians, including full rate pensioners and self-funded retirees, so they can boost their retirement income by up to $17,800 for a couple, without impacting on their eligibility for the pension or other benefits.

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NEW DEAL A STEAL FOR EAST BRISBANE MEALS ON WHEELS

Seniors in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs will be able to lead more independent lives thanks to a project to fit out and equip a modern commercial kitchen for the local Meals on Wheels branch.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals’ Government has committed $300,000 to make the project a reality.

“By investing in community infrastructure projects such as this one, we’re helping to support those in our community who are most in need, while also giving the local economy a welcome boost with this project expected to create dozens of construction jobs,” Mr McCormack said.
“Supporting vital community services like Meals on Wheels is just one example of how our regional development grants invest in the wellbeing of regional Australians.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta, who turned the first sod on the project today, said the new kitchen will be a game changer for Wynnum and Manly locals, who have raised $2.8 million towards the project.
“By providing a fully-equipped commercial kitchen we’re enabling the local Meals on Wheels chapter to prepare meals to their usual high standards,” Mr Vasta said.

“This investment will also support a wide range of community events and activities, as it includes a community meeting room, available on a user pays basis for a range of local groups and associations.”

The Liberal and Nationals’ Government is investing $300,000 in the project in addition to community contributions totalling $2.8 million.

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