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

The new COVIDsafe app to help keep you, your family and your community safe from further spread of coronavirus through early notification of possible exposure is now available to download.

The COVIDSafe app is just one of the tools used to help protect the health of the community by quickly alerting people who may be at risk of having contact with the virus.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the use of the app would help to move more quickly to reduce restrictions than would otherwise be possible.

“Without the assistance of technology, finding people who may have been exposed to the virus relies on people being able to recall who they have been around and knowing the details of every individual they have been in close contact with,” Mr Vasta said.

“In many cases, we don’t know the names and contact details of those we’ve been in close contact with – for example, at the supermarket or on the train.

“The COVIDSafe app uses technology to make this process faster and more accurate and has been developed to ensure your information and privacy is strictly protected.”

Collection and use of information from the app is consent based and consistent with the Privacy Act and Australian Privacy Principles.

To further strengthen the app’s privacy arrangements the Health Minister made a Determination under the Biosecurity Act to protect people’s privacy and restrict access to app data to state and territory health authorities for contact tracing.

Under that Determination, it will be a criminal offence to use any app data in any other way. It will also be a criminal offence for someone to be refused to enter a premises, participate in an event or receive a service for failing to use the app.

At the end of the Australian pandemic, users will be prompted to delete the app from their phone.

This will delete all app information on a person’s phone. The information contained on the highly secure information storage system will also be destroyed at the end of the pandemic.

While COVIDSafe app use is voluntary, all Australians are encouraged to download COVIDSafe app to help ensure we can effectively protect Australians and ensure we can quickly respond to any new cases of COVID-19.

For more information on the COVIDSafe app, please visit: https://www.covidsafe.gov.au/help-topics.html

To download the COVIDSafe app for your iPhone please visit: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/covidsafe/id1509242894

To download the COVIDSafe app for your android device please visit: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.gov.health.covidsafe

Australians can honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans and serving Defence personnel on ANZAC Day from home this year by watching the nationally broadcast Dawn Service from the Australian War Memorial and participating in the RSL’s #lightupthedawn campaign.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said while ANZAC Day would be different this year, with no community commemorative services or marches, we would do all we can to honour and commemorate the sacrifice of our Anzacs and thank all those who have served and continue to serve Australia in our defence forces.

“ANZAC Day is a sacred day for all Australians,” the Prime Minister said.

“It is an important time to remember the sacrifices of those who have gone before us, those who have laid down their lives or suffered great hardship to protect Australians’ way of life.

“This year, we will not be gathering at the local cenotaph, or attending gunfire breakfasts at the local RSL, or gathering together to bow our heads in silence and listen to the bugles at dawn.

“But we will still remember the sacrifice of those who gave so much for us at Gallipoli and on many fronts, as we ourselves give what we can to protect Australian lives while we face this terrible virus.”

This year, a Dawn Service will be broadcast across Australia from the Australian War Memorial.

The Australian Wall Memorial is the home of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the Roll of Honour which contains the names of the 102,000 servicemen and women who have given their lives for Australia.

In keeping with the national commitment to social distancing, this will be a service without crowds.

The Prime Minister will deliver the commemorative address at the Australian War Memorial’s Dawn Service alongside dignitaries representing Australia, New Zealand, the Returned and Services League, and veterans.

There will be a ceremonial piper, didgeridoo player and bugler among other traditional elements, supplied by the Australian Defence Force.

RSL State and Territory branches are also urging Australians to show their Anzac spirit at home by safely participating in a private dawn service at their own home.

The RSL’s #lightupthedawn campaign year asks Australians to stand in their driveway, balcony or living room, with a torch or candle, immediately following in the televised dawn service, to remember all those who have served and sacrificed.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said Australians were at their best when they come together to support one another and while we couldn’t physically gather to commemorate the service and sacrifice of our Defence personnel, we could show them our respect.

“Whether it’s a solitary driveway tribute, baking Anzac biscuits, a small ceremony with your household, sharing a message for our service personnel, or watching the televised service from the Australian War Memorial on the morning of 25 April, I encourage everyone to pause, reflect and say a simple ‘thank you for your service’,” Mr Chester said.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said his office had some Australian hand waving flags to help share in the ANZAC spirit.

“If you’re taking part in #lightupthedawn, contact my office for some hand waving flags to share in the ANZAC spirit with your neighbours,” Mr Vasta said.

“While we can’t join together to commemorate the service and sacrifice of our fallen soldiers, we can unite in our homes, knowing our neighbours and community are doing the same to remember them.”

The coverage of the commemorative service will take place at the Australian War Memorial on Anzac Day, 25 April 2020, with the ABC starting pre-service coverage from 5am AEST, with the service broadcast live from the Commemorative Area and Hall of Memory from 5.30am AEST.The event will not be open to the public but will be broadcast live across Australia and streamed online.

The ABC will make the broadcast available to other networks under a host broadcaster arrangement to enable people to mark Anzac Day safely and respectfully from home.

For more information and to obtain a flag, call Mr Vasta’s office on 3893 3488.

As COVID-19 has changed the way we work, train and study, the Morrison Government is working to deliver more training online.

The Government has today launched the improved and repurposed My Skills website which will now focus on online training for Australians looking to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The My Skills website has been tailored to offer more ways for Australians to improve their qualifications online.

Australians will now be able to search the increased online offerings of registered training organisations (RTOs) and vocational education and training (VET) options currently available to continue to train for the future.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said improving online learning through My Skills would provide an excellent opportunity for people in his electorate to study a whole range of course offerings from a wide range of training institutions from around the country.

“We’ve even opened the pathway for people to potentially learn from an institution or course that may not have been available to them before” Mr Vasta said.

“A VET qualification opens the door to so many job opportunities, and nationally recognised qualifications can be gained in a matter of months.”

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said the Morrison Government was focused on giving Australians more training and career opportunities during these challenging times.

“As more Australians stay at home, we want them to be able to make the most of this time by upskilling and preparing themselves for future opportunities,” Minister Cash said.

Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships, The Hon Steve Irons MP said RTOs had been working with the Government to offer more online courses for Australians.

“The increased delivery of online learning would improve flexibility, whilst providing another avenue for Australians to update their skills, or to re-train,” Assistant Minister Irons said.

My Skills is the national directory of VET organisations and courses — an Australian Government initiative to help consumers search and compare VET courses and training providers.

The launch of the improved and repurposed My Skills website complements the Morrison Government’s existing programmes to support Australian workers with the Skills Match Tool prominently featured on the website.

The Skills Match Tool provides intuitive career guidance for Australians looking to choose or change careers based on the user’s previous work experience and qualifications.

This includes providing information on a career’s likely income, whether the industry is in growth and what future pathways are available.

For more information visit www.myskills.gov.au

Vulnerable Australians are being urged to get free vaccinations against seasonal influenza under the National Immunisation Plan which now includes children aged between six months and five years.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vast MP said although the flu shot does not protect against COVID-19, the impact of influenza could have a fatal result for those most at risk.

“If left unprotected, the flu can take between 100 and1000 lives per year,” Mr Vasta said.

“With over 13,000 vulnerable aged pensioners in Bonner, it is important no one misses out on this vital vaccination.

“From May 1, 2020 all aged care workers and visitors must be vaccinated against seasonal influenza to enter an aged care facility and everyone aged six months and over should continue to be vaccinated against influenza this year, and every year, to protect themselves and others in the community.”

Minister for Health Greg Hunt MP said the Morrison Government had taken extra measures to ensure Australians most at risk of contracting influenza were a priority.

“The Australian Government has invested more than $80 million to provide more free vaccines under the National Immunisation Program in 2020 than ever before,” Minister Hunt said.

“In total over 13.5 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccines have been secured for the National Immunisation Program and the private market in 2020.

“This includes over 4 million doses of Fluad Quad® for those aged 65 years and older which is enough to vaccinate close to 100 per cent of the cohort.”

Vaccinating against the flu will reduce the risk of a very dangerous double-up of flu and coronavirus—both diseases affecting the respiratory system.

“The actions we take to slow the spread of COVID-19 can also stop the spread of influenza and other viruses,” Minister Hunt said.

“Every one of us has a responsibility to contribute to this effort by practising good hygiene, social distancing, understanding how and when to self-isolate and following the Government’s directions on public gatherings and workplaces.”

The National Immunisation Program provides free vaccines to those most at risk, including

• Pregnant women
• All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People aged six months and older
• People aged 65 years and older
• People aged six months and older with certain medical risk factors and;
• All children aged between six months and five years.

More information on the flu is available at https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/immunisation-services/flu-influenza-immunisation-service

For more information on COVID-19 and the Government’s response at www.health.gov.au