Sports Australia has developed a Return to Sport Toolkit to provide community sporting clubs and associations with a clear path to competition as COVID-19 restrictions ease.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the suite of practical resources, provided by Sport Australia, focused on giving grassroots organisations a road map for the safe return to sport at all levels.

“The Toolkit encourages clubs and associations at every level to document their own COVID-19 Safety Plan and appoint a COVID Safety Co-ordinator to implement and oversee it,” Mr Vasta said.

“As part of the toolkit, checklists provide practical and progressive steps such as relevant government and national sporting organisation approvals, facility management, training behaviours, hygiene protocols and appropriate communication with members.”

Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck said the Return to Sport Toolkit was a comprehensive checklist that complemented the National Principles for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation Activities, endorsed by the National Cabinet on May 1.

“Sporting clubs and organisations across Australia will play an enormous part in getting the nation back on track as we recover from the impact of COVID-19,” Minister Colbeck said.

“The Sport Australia toolkit provides the resources and guidance local clubs need to ensure a streamlined process, with the safe return of competition relying on a responsible rollout where everybody follows advice and takes precautions.”

The National Principles along with the Australian Institute of Sport’s framework will be used to guide the staged return of activity as efforts to stop the spread of the virus continue.

The States and Territories will be responsible for sport and recreation resumption decisions, both at the professional and community level and will determine progression through the phases, taking account of local epidemiology, risk mitigation strategies and public health capability.

Sport Australia’s Return to Sport Toolkit can be found here.

The AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment can be found here.

National Reconciliation Week 2020 is an invitation to all Australians to celebrate and deepen the bonds with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said it was an opportunity for our local community to think about what reconciliation meant to them and what practical steps they could take to build trust, mutual respect and opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

“The week commences May 27, marking the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and concludes with the anniversary of the High Court’s Mabo decision on June 3 – both significant milestones in our shared history that had profound impacts on our nation,” Mr Vasta said.

“I also encourage all Australians to take part in the National Acknowledgement of Country at midday today when we join Indigenous Australians across the nation and post a video of an acknowledgement of the country you are on with the hashtags #InThisTogether2020 and #NRW2020.

“An Acknowledgement of Country is an opportunity for anyone to show respect for our Traditional Owners.

“Our community is on Quandamooka land and residents can find out more about the land they are on, plus how to conduct an appropriate Acknowledgement of Country at the National Reconciliation website.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt AM MP said each year, National Reconciliation Week draws attention to the ongoing efforts to walk together with a shared purpose, and to build a stronger future for all Australians.

“This year’s theme, In This Together, resonates in new ways in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and reminds us we all share this land and rely on each other to build a better future,” Minister Wyatt said.

“While we are unfortunately not able to celebrate with gatherings this year due to COVID-19, there are many events happening online that people can get involved with.

“From film screenings and book recommendations to panel discussions and streamed concerts, there are opportunities for people to learn about our history, engage with Indigenous culture and reflect on what it means to be in this together.”

Visit reconciliation.org.au or indigenous.gov.au to find out more.

Investing in low emissions technologies to strengthen our economy and support jobs and businesses is a Morrison Government priority as we navigate the road to recovery from COVID-19.

The government has released the Technology Investment Roadmap discussion paper to bring a strategic and system-wide view on future investments in low emissions technologies.

With an opportunity to develop new industries and jobs, investing in new and emerging low-emission technologies is a win for the economy and a win for the environment.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Technology Investment Roadmap was the next step in the Morrison Government’s technology not taxes approach to reducing emissions.

“We are focused on putting Australia at the forefront of research and development and maintaining our strong track record of reducing global emissions,” Mr Vasta said.

“Emissions are lower today than when we were elected in 2013 and deploying the right technology when and where it is needed will allow Australia to capture new opportunities to reduce emissions even further.

“Real action on technology, not taxes, is the pathway to further remissions reduction here and around the world.”

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said there was enormous potential in technologies like hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, soil carbon sequestration, biofuels, resources and energy exports to reduce emissions while strengthening our economy.

“This is about developing technologies to support jobs growth and this is also about ensuring mums and dads and small businesses are paying a fair cost for energy, and not imposing taxes on them,” Minister Taylor said.

“At its core, this is about technology not taxes.

“It means reducing emissions, not reducing jobs and the economy and it is an approach based on rigour, confidence, optimism, and Australian ingenuity not ideology.

“The alternative is to sign up to long term targets without a clear plan, an approach that will penalise energy-intensive industries and reduce economic activity.”

The Roadmap goals will be developed in consultation with industry, researchers and the financial sector, with progress reported through an annual Low Emissions Technology Statement.

The Roadmap will be a cornerstone of Australia’s Long Term Emissions Reduction Strategy, to be released ahead of COP26.

The Government has already made substantial investments in clean energy technology, with more than $10 billion invested in more than 670 clean energy projects with a total project value in excess of $35 billion.

To contribute to this important national conversation or learn more about the Roadmap process, visit https://consult.industry.gov.au/climate-change/technology-investment-roadmap/.

Written submissions are open until Sunday 21 June 2020.

Brisbane City Council will be supported as part of the Morrison Government’s $1.8 billion boost for road and community projects to local governments across Australia.

The investment will support local jobs and businesses and boost local economies struggling under the effects of COVID-19.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the package included the establishment of a new $500 million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and brought forward $1.3 billion of the 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant payment.

Under the Financial Assistance Grant program Brisbane City Council, the local government body in Bonner, will receive $11,710,003.

Mr Vasta said accelerating local infrastructure projects was important for supporting jobs and the local economy in Bonner.

“Every single job we support now makes a huge difference to our local community as we navigate out of the coronavirus pandemic,” Mr Vasta said.

“Not only will this package support local jobs and industries in construction and surveyancing, it will also improve our local roads and deliver much needed community projects.

“I will be working closely with Brisbane City Council to make sure projects get underway to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”

The new program is based on the successful Roads to Recovery program and will enable local councils to deliver priority projects with a focus on upgrades and maintenance to local roads and community infrastructure.

As well as delivering new bridges, roads, street lighting and rest areas, a broad range of community infrastructure projects will be eligible including new or upgraded bicycle and walking paths, community facilities, picnic shelters and barbeque facilities at parks.

For more information visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/lrci

Bonner’s small business owners are invited to a virtual Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event on Thursday, May 28 with Ross Vasta MP and special guest Senator Michaelia Cash.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the event was a great way to support Cancer Council Queensland’s (CCQ) biggest annual fundraiser.

“The event is also an opportunity for small businesses in my electorate to connect with the Minister for Small and Family Business to discuss the post-COVID road to recovery,” Mr Vasta said.

“We want to connect with these business owners, many of whom have benefited from our JobKeeper and other stimulus measures, and discuss the best way we can help them bounce back as restrictions ease and our economy gets moving again.”

Minister for Employment, Skills and Small and Family Business Senator Michaelia Cash said she had been working with Mr Vasta during the pandemic to assist many small businesses in the region and help them navigate support measures.

“Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is the perfect opportunity to grab a cuppa, jump online and join Ross and I in a Zoom event to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on your business and the road to recovery,” Senator Cash said.

“Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea events are always well attended by the community, so it’s great we can use the opportunity to come together online, support this great cause and touch base with the small family businesses in Bonner.”

Interested small businesses can register for the virtual Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea in Bonner at www.rossvasta.com.au

Spaces are limited. For more information call Mr Vasta on (07) 3893 3488.

To donate, visit https://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/ROSSVASTAMP/ross-vasta-federal-member-for-bonner–small-business-morning-tea

The Morrison Government will invest $48.8 million in Queensland-based, world-leading health and medical research projects to improve the lives of all Australians.

Our Government will strengthen Australians’ health through research to prevent illness and deliver better health care as we recover and restore our nation in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 27 new projects in Queensland will receive funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), with a further two grants to be funded through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Priority Round.

Funding will support research in the areas of:

• Cancer – $15 million
• Cardiovascular Disease – $0.6 million
• Mental health – $1.8 million
• Indigenous – $2 million
• Infectious diseases – $12.2 million

Of the grants funded, a total of $12.2 million will go towards eight new research projects in infectious diseases – a significant strength of Australia’s research sector.

Whilst applications for this grant round closed in 2019, prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, infectious disease research into influenza and pneumonia may contribute to our understanding of COVID-19 and translate into new treatment strategies and trials.

The funding comes as part of the Government’s almost $400 million investment into health and medical research across the nation.

As part of this funding, QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research will be provided with $2.7 million for research to better understand the genetic basis of breast cancer risk and outcome in the general population, with the aim of reducing breast cancer incidence and mortality.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the research would greatly improve our understanding of the genetics of breast cancer.

“Be it a mother or grandmother, sister or daughter, aunt or friend, many families across Australia know of someone who has battled or sadly lost their lives to breast cancer,” Mr Vasta said.

“This research can not only help us better understand the genetics of breast cancer but use that knowledge to assist in primary and secondary prevention.”

In addition, the University of Queensland will receive $1.4 million for research into chronic disease prevention and management.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt MP said the medical research funding was further evidence of the Morrison Government’s commitment to strengthening Australians’ health and well-being.

“Medical research plays a vital role in our national health system,”Mr Hunt said.

“Australian researchers continue to innovate, even during these almost unprecedented times and this $48.8 million investment in Queensland will continue the proud Australian tradition of medical discovery and translation into better health for all.”

While this round was closed for submissions last year, we are currently in the process of awarding $42 million for COVID research through the MRFF.

Medical research is one of the core elements of the Australian Government’s $104 billion Long Term National Health Plan. This vital investment across the broad health spectrum will continue the proud Australian tradition of discovery and translation for the better health for all.

A full list of grant recipients is available on NHMRC’s website: www.nhmrc.gov.au.

Funding under the NHMRC & MRFF will be provided to the following institutions:

• Griffith University
• QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
• Queensland University of Technology
• University of Queensland

Sailability Bayside volunteers will be able to undergo first aid and resuscitation training thanks to a $2880 Morrison Government grant as part of National Volunteer week.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said Sailability was one of 16 successful volunteer grant recipients in his electorate.

“Volunteers give their time and skills to support others and I am so pleased we have been able to provide a funding injection to support these great community organisatons,” Mr Vasta said.

Volunteer grant recipients include:

• Fort Lytton Historical Association – $5000
• Fort Lytton Motocross Club – $5000
• Wynnum Manly Arts Council – $4500
• Waterloo Bay Leisure Centre – $3050
• Sailability Bayside – $2880
• Safe by the Bay – $2800
• Rosie’s Youth Mission – $2000
• Wynnum Manly Employment Training – $1600
• Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club – $5000
• Global Care Group (Citipoint Church) – $5000
• Paws and Brooks Nature Sanctuary – $4990
• Belmont Saints Basketball Club – $3300
• Mt Gravatt Meals on Wheels – $5000
• Lions Club of Brisbane Macgregor – $4830
• South Brisbane Eagles Hockey Club – $4780
• South Western Metro Basketball – $4740

Mr Vasta said the funding would go a long way to support organisations and their volunteers through what has been a difficult year.

“Volunteers play an integral role in communities and as we start to recover from this global pandemic, this funding will help deliver services and support to those who need it most,” Mr Vasta said.

“From helping cover the cost of travel expenses for Fort Lytton Historical Association volunteers, to Safe by the Bay volunteers washing clothes and printing documents for people living rough, this funding is making a difference.

“The contribution volunteers make to our local community is vital and as part of National Volunteer Week, I would like to say thank you.”

Tingalpa manufacturing company Crystalaid has received a $100,000 Morrison Government grant through the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF) to help them adopt new technology to make their processes more efficient.

The MMF grant will be used to purchase an automated Printed Circuit Board Cleaner as well as some minor building extensions to house the new technology.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Morrison Government’s MMF grants came at an important time for the local manufacturing sector.

“The Morrison Government is committed to Australian manufacturing and supporting small businesses like Crystalaid in my electorate of Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“This investment will not only strengthen this business and create jobs, it will provide a much needed confidence boost as we face this unprecedented pandemic.”

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said 200 projects were supported through the MMF program and were expected to create around 2,600 Australian jobs.

“We established the MMF before the coronavirus pandemic to help small and medium sized manufacturers invest in capital equipment and new technologies to transform and upgrade their manufacturing operations,” Minister Andrews said.

“Now as we face the coronavirus pandemic and look to come out the other side stronger, this investment will be more critical than ever as we prepare Australian manufacturing beyond COVID-19 and the challenges of today.”

For more information on the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund visit www.business.gov.au/MMF