Construction is soon to be underway for Wynnum Ladybug’s $1.8 million netball court upgrade for as part of the Morrison Government Community Development grant.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the freestanding courts would make the sport more accessible for everyone.

“We want to encourage all Australians to participate in a sport and be more active and healthy,” Mr Vasta said.

“I was proud to get this grant on behalf of the Ladybugs as part of our commitment to see communities prosper and grow.

“The Morrison government wants to ensure sporting clubs have the best resources available to help our rising sport stars.”

Wynnum Ladybugs President Leah Webb said the upgraded facilities would benefit the club’s growing membership.

“We’ve gone from 190 members last year to 240 this year which means we really need our own space,” Ms Webb said.

“When we get a home base with the facilities we need, the girls won’t have to travel elsewhere for a tournament.

“We’re building a community for kids sport and this upgrade will help facilitate that.”

Wynnum Ladybugs team sign on has commenced for the season. For more information visit www.facebook.com/wynnumnetball/

More than 50 local seniors learned about how to avoid common scams online after attending Ross Vasta’s Safer Internet Forum for Seniors at the Mt Gravatt Bowls Club last Friday.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the free forum included presentations from Queensland Police and the Office of Fair Trading to shed light on the latest scams and frauds catching out internet users.

“As the online world gets craftier with their scams and ripping off more Australians every day, it’s important we remain informed of their latest fraudulent attempts, especially for older Australians who aren’t often used to using the internet,” Mr Vasta said.

“I was very pleased to be able to put this event together to help our seniors and give them access to some great information and resources.”

Forum attendee Joan Rowlands said the presentation was entertaining as well as informative.

“Ross’s presentation on cyber security was very, very interesting and we need more politicians like him,” Ms Rowland said.

Holland Park Officer In Charge Senior Sergeant Kylie Doyle said the presentation informed the audience on how to be better protected online and trust your gut instinct.

“If something doesn’t feel right it usually isn’t, so make sure you seek assistance if you’re feeling uncertain,” Sgt Doyle said.

“Keeping the community safe online by learning online protective behaviours is the best way the police can ensure online safety.”

Mr Vasta thanked the Mount Gravatt Bowls Club for supplying the venue and the LNP State candidate for Mansfield Janet Wishart for her support.

Australians will now be reunited with the superannuation they are owed but have not yet been paid after the Morrison Government this week passed new legislation to encourage employers to do the right thing.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the government had implemented a one-off amnesty for historical underpayment of superannuation to incentivize employers to come forward and do the right thing by their employees.

“This policy will reunite hardworking Australians with their super by offering employers amnesty to come forward, admit the error and pay any unpaid super in full,” Mr Vasta said.

“The amnesty will make it easier for workers to secure the super they are owed by not hitting employers with the penalties usually associated with late payment.”

Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Technology Senator Jane Hume said they anticipate at least $160 million of super will be paid to Australian workers who would otherwise miss out.

“Since the one-off amnesty was originally announced back in 2018, over 7000 employers have already come forward to voluntarily disclose historical unpaid super,” Assistant Minister Hume said.

“We estimate an additional 7000 employers will come forward in the next six months before the amnesty ends. Employers will not be off the hook.”

To use the amnesty, employers must still pay all super owed to their employees, including the high rate of interest.

If employers do not take advantage of the amnesty, they will now face significantly higher penalties when they are caught – in general, a minimum 100 per cent penalty on top of the SG shortfall they owe, and up to 200 per cent for the most serious cases.

In addition, throughout the amnesty period the ATO will still continue its usual audit and enforcement activity against employers for historical obligations they do not own up to voluntarily.

The Amnesty will expire six months after the day the Bill receives Royal Assent.

The amnesty complements recent changes to the superannuation system to improve the visibility employees have over their superannuation.

“We encourage employers to check they don’t owe outstanding super – and if they do, to take advantage of this once-only opportunity to set things right before much tougher penalties apply,” Assistant Minister Hume said.

“Together, these measures reflect the Morrison Government’s ongoing commitment to reuniting Australians with lost and unpaid super.”

Improvements to the My Aged Care website have been made to provide easier access to the online portal for older Australians.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the My Aged Care website and it’s helpline were key resources for delivering care to those who need it most.

“The helpline has a strong record of answering calls quickly with unanswered calls dropping below two per cent in 2019-2020,” Mr Vasta said.

“With improvements to our helpline and online portal, we’re now exploring opportunities for further face-to-face support.”

Minister for Aged Care Richard Colbeck MP said the department was also exploring new support opportunities so there was no wrong door to access aged care services.

“In 2018-19, over 440,000 face-to-face assessments were completed to support older Australians, so we’re exploring opportunities for further face-to-face support to be provided through a wider range of community organisations,” Minister Colbeck said.

“Elderly and senior Australians deserve the highest possible standards and practices when it comes to delivering care and offering families’ peace of mind.“We will continue to implement changes and remain focused as the important work of the Royal Commission continues and anticipate its final recommendations on November 12.”

For more information visit www.myagedcare.gov.au

The Morrison Government has launched a new education campaign targeted at parents of young children to help boost low vaccination rates.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said although almost 95 percent of five-year-old children were vaccinated in Australia, there were areas where the immunisation rate was too low.

“The ‘Get the Facts about Immunisation’ campaign will help parents access evidence-based information to support their decision making about childhood vaccinations,” Mr Vasta said.

“The science is proven and the medical experts’ advice is absolute – vaccinations save and protect lives and are essential to a healthy society.

“Skipping or delaying vaccinations puts children and those around them at risk of catching serious diseases.  “It’s important children receive their vaccine on time, every time, for the best protection.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged five years are above the National Immunisation Target at 96.87 percent as a direct result of a micro-targeting advertising campaign.

“I am confident this campaign will boost immunisation rates across the country to the national target of 95 percent,” Mr Vasta said.

The eight week campaign will run nationally on television for the first time, supported by a range of online channels.

For more information visit immunisation coverage rates

The Australian Academy of Martial Arts (AAMA) officially opened their new training facility doors to showcase the new and improved dojo.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he was so pleased to be able to support this much deserved upgrade with $185,000 Morrison Government grant to enhance the club’s training facility.

“Through the Community Development grant we were able to contribute $185,000 to the enhancement of AMMA and help them continue the 47 year legacy they’ve established in the community,” Mr Vasta said.

AAMA President Lyndon Kurth said the welcome upgrade ensured their sporting club would continue its impactful future on young people in the region.

“This new Dojo will ensure the sustainable future of our volunteer operated club whilst also offering affordable karate tuition fees for families,” Mr Kurth said.

“Our classes are more than self-defense but rather about enhancing the mind, body and spirit through excellence in karate.

“It’s also a great inclusive sport for women and children.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government’s investment in community infrastructure would provide long term benefits to the Mt Gravatt region.

“This investment will contribute to people feeling more socially connected and building self-esteem, particularly among vulnerable youth and provide positive health benefits,” Mr McCormack said.

The Morrison Government has invested $20 million as part of round 8 of the Cooperative Research Centres Project (CRC-Ps) to help businesses reduce their plastic waste, boost recycling initiatives and build a sustainable environment through job creating projects.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said these projects are driving Australia’s waste-recycling industry forward.

“There are nine projects in this round which will see Australia reduce its plastic waste and boost plastic recycling,” Mr Vasta said.

“By working with the waste and recycling industries, we believe the CRC-P grants will help foster innovative ideas that will help boost and strengthen our environment and economy.

“We have seen $289 million committed to CRC-Ps since 2016 as part of the Morrison Government’s commitment to strengthening Australian industry and create 1.25 million jobs in the next five years.”

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews MP said the projects showed the great economic opportunities in waste recycling.

“Not only are these new projects ensuring Australia’s environmentally sustainable future, they are also creating further opportunities for new jobs,” Minister Andrews said.

“This funding will support Australian businesses and researches as they forge new markets to limit the use of plastics and create recycled products.”

Applications for Round 9 of the CRC-P grants open February 13. For more information visit www.business.gov.au/crc-p

Construction has started on Bayside United Football Club’s new female amenities, referee facilities and parent’s room thanks to the Morrison Government’s Community Development Grant.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he was proud to deliver the $580,000 in Federal funding to greatly benefit women in sport in his electorate.

“This development tells the 140 plus women and girls who play for Bayside United FC there is space for you to grow and develop your skills as an athlete or referee,” Mr Vasta said.

“Female players should not be getting ready for a game behind a tree because there are no facilities to accommodate them.

“We want women and girls to keep playing sport and feel included by their local club, which is why I am glad to help make this possible.”

Bayside United Football Club President Greg Pascall said this renovation was a valuable step in the right direction.

“We have our returning female team back again and they’re looking forward to having a private cubicle,” Mr Pascall said.

“Because of renovated facilities, we’ve had an additional 20 new players sign up this season.”

Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck said The Australian Sports Commission’s 2017 report Women and Girls Participation found that women are less active than men in sport-related activities.

“Every Australian should be able to undertake the exercise they need and want in a safe, fun and inclusive way through sport,” Minister Colbeck said.

“The Government is working hard to increase opportunities for women in sport by investing in sporting groups to build equal and adequate representation for females.”

A dedicated mental health hotline and email service has been established to support international students impacted by Coronavirus.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the call centre would provide support for students with loved ones back home and more information about the virus.

“Our message to students is that you’re not alone and the Australian community is here to support you,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Government will continue to work closely with universities to make student’s transitioning back into Australia as seamless as possible once travel resumes.

“Students in China who hold a student visa and are currently affected by the travel restrictions can be assured their visa remains valid.”

Minister for Education Dan Tehan said international students studying in Australia could access the same health and medical services as any other Australian.

“These established crisis centres offer bilingual language support and can refer students to counselling services in languages other than English,” Minister Tehan said.

“If students choose to study a little more online, their highly regarded Australian world-class university degree will also remain valid.”

Students can call 1300 981 621 from 8am to 8pm AEDST Monday to Friday or email international.student@dse.gov.au to get the help and support they need.

Parents are being reminded to double check their child’s immunisation schedule is up-to-date as the school year commences for 2020.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said it was easy for parents to forget in the chaos of the New Year but it was important to protect their children.

“Many childcare providers and schools require children to be up to date with their immunisations, to protect them for harmful diseases and infections,” Mr Vasta said.

Minister for Education Dan Tehan MP said children’s health should be the priority of every parent.

“Parents who don’t immunise their children are putting their own kids at risk as well as other people’s children,” Minister Tehan said.

“Immunisation is the safest way to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.”

Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert MP said by checking their Medicare account online, parents could see if their child’s immunisations were up-to-date as some Centrelink payments require it.

“You can download a copy of your child’s Immunisation History Statement if you need to provide evidence to enrol,” Minister Robert said.

For more information about immunisation requirements for family payments visit: http://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/immunisation.