Morrison Government commits record $9 billion to social security safety net

The Morrison Government is enhancing the social security safety net by increasing support for unemployed Australians while strengthening their obligations to search for work.

From March the Coalition Government will progressively introduce a series of permanent measures to ensure that job seekers have the best opportunity to secure employment as our nation continues to recover from the economic challenges of COVID-19.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the plan for working age payments was fair and sustainable – for both unemployed people and taxpayers who fund the support.

“Welfare is a safety net, not a wage supplement. We want to get the balance right between providing support for people and incentives to work,” the Prime Minister said.

“The actions we have taken this year successfully cushioned us against the impact of the pandemic and mean that we no longer need to rely on the emergency supports which have sustained us over the past 12 months.

“Now is the time to set our nation up for the future and build on our successes which will see Australians once again emerge stronger, safer and together.”

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Senator Michaelia Cash said the changes to mutual obligations would provide better support for job seekers in their search for work.

“We know that most job seekers are doing the right thing and trying to find employment, however, a small minority are actively trying to game the system The new employer reporting line will be set up from April to help ensure those doing the wrong thing are identified,” Minister Cash said.

“Job seekers who have been unemployed for at least six months will also be required to participate in an activity, such as a short training course or Work for the Dole, in addition to their job search activities.”

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the Government has stood side-by-side all Australians during the pandemic and would continue to do so through permanent changes to strengthen our income support system.

“Since April 2020 our comprehensive payment system will help to deliver more than $33 billion in emergency income support payments including the Coronavirus Supplement and four economic support payments, the last of which will start flowing to our pensioners from next week,” Minister Ruston said.

“Our Government has always made sure that the rate of income support payments has kept pace with the cost living through twice yearly indexation but this announcement marks the first real increase in the rate of unemployment benefits in more than 25 years.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the $9 billion commitment was the single biggest year on year increase to the rate of unemployment benefits since 1986 and will assist locals in Bonner to find work.

“As the economic recovery continues it is vital we get the balance right in supporting unemployed Australians while at the same time incentivising them to find work,” Mr Vasta said.

“We are enhancing our safety net to assist more people into employment because we know the best form of welfare is a job.”

The series of new permanent measures include:

  • permanently increasing the rate of working-age payments by $50 a fortnight from 1 April 2021, benefiting 1.95 million Australians;
  • permanently increasing the income-free earnings to $150 per fortnight for JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance (other) from 1 April 2021;
  • temporarily extending the waiver of the Ordinary Waiting Period for certain payments for a further three months to 30 June 2021;
  • temporarily extending the expanded eligibility criteria for JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance (other) for those required to self-isolate or care for others as a result of COVID-19 to 30 June 2021.

There will also be changes to the Mutual Obligation Scheme:

  • job seekers will be required to search for a minimum of 15 jobs a month from early April, increasing to 20 jobs per month from 1 July;
  • an employer reporting line will be established to refer Jobseekers who are not genuine about their job search or decline the offer of a job;
  • some job seekers will be required to participate in work for the dole after six months;
  • job seekers can choose to participate in an approved intensive short course instead of participating in work for the dole;
  • job seekers return to compulsory face-to-face services with Jobactive providers;
  • increased auditing of job applications to ensure job seekers are making genuine applications.

For more information about the changes, visit http://www.dese.gov.au/covid-19/job-seekers

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Get ready for your vaccination: link your digital government services

The Morrison Government is encouraging all residents in Bonner to get ready for their COVID-19 vaccination by linking their digital government services, particularly their myGov and Medicare accounts.

The call to link digital services follows the announcement that the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) will be the record for all vaccinations for Australians and that record will form the basis of the vaccination certificate that all Australians will be able to use, including visa holders.

The AIR has undergone significant upgrades in preparation for COVID-19 vaccine rollout. The AIR already allows you to see your recorded immunisations through myGov or the Medicare Express Plus app through an ‘Immunisation history statement’.

Almost 5.6 million immunisation history statements were securely accessed by individuals over the past financial year. Your immunisation history statement will record your COVID-19 vaccinations.

Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert encouraged all Australians to link their myGov and Medicare online services today to ensure they can access proof they have had a COVID-19 vaccination, quickly and easily.

“The Morrison Government is getting on with the vaccine rollout so we’re asking Australians to be vaccination-ready and link their digital services today,” Minister Robert said.

“Services Australia has been putting in the work to ensure government services are simple, respectful, transparent and helpful – so we have supercharged myGov and we have state-of-the art cybersecurity in place to protect the Australian Immunisation Register.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said linking your myGov and Medicare digital accounts was a simple step you could take right now to help you and your family be ready for a vaccinated Australia.

“This is something you can do right now to get your family vaccination-ready, it will be really helpful once you’ve had the vaccine and will mean you can easily access your vaccine certificate through the Australian Immunisation Register at the touch of a button,” Mr Vasta said.

“Do not forget, if you already have your Medicare account linked in myGov, make sure you check your contact details are up to date.”

Data from Services Australia indicates there are currently 19.7 million active myGov Accounts with 9.9 million linked to Medicare.

Since 30 June 2020, on average 150,000 new myGov accounts have been created and linked to a member service each month and 92,000 myGov accounts have been linked to Medicare each month.

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Extension planned for Minnippi Parklands’ bikeway

An extension of the Minnippi Parklands bikeway is one of 41 projects to benefit from a $40 million Morrison Government funding injection into infrastructure upgrades across the Brisbane region.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the funding had been delivered to Brisbane City Council through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grants.

“This funding will support a year’s worth of employment and support to local businesses and industries around Brisbane,” Mr Vasta said.

“I am very pleased my electorate of Bonner will benefit from this funding injection, with construction of a bikeway through Minnippi Parklands.

“The project will cost around $3.7 million and connect Wynnum Road and Creek Road through the existing bushland reserve.”

Mr Vasta said construction would get underway in mid-2021 and be completed by the end of the year.

“This new bikeway will be up and running by the summer school holidays so it will get plenty of use,” Mr Vasta said.

“Thanks to the Morrison Government, Brisbane City Council will be able to deliver a diverse range of projects across the city, including this project in my electorate of Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“These local projects will put money into the pockets of local suppliers and residents, putting a much-needed economic boost to our region.”

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Commemorative grants open

A new year means the opening of the 2021-22 Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, with applications now welcome from organisations in Bonner.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the program was entering its 25th year and had already supported thousands of projects nationally, including in Bonner.

“It gives me great pleasure to let the community know that applications for the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program are now open, as I have seen first-hand the amazing work that results from this grant funding,” Mr Vasta said.

“My electorate of Bonner has a rich military history and each year this community does what it can to ensure we remember those who served and their efforts in defending our nation and its allies.

“This grant has supported some great local projects including the installation of the Armistice Centenary War Memorial at Belmont Shooting Complex, which now allows them to host ANZAC services.

“Commemoration is at the heart of our community, something we see on display each Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, and I encourage organisations to apply for funding through the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.”

Mr Vasta said 2020 had an unexpected impact on our community due to the coronavirus.

“So, as we enter into the 2021–22 grant funding year, let’s make sure that we use the support provided by the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program to carry on the commemorations legacy.”

The Grant Opportunity Guidelines have also been revised for 2021–22, which includes more information around coronavirus support and new opening and closing dates.

For more information, including access to the lasted guidelines and information on how to apply, visit the Community Grants Hub.

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Call for new Local Drug Action Teams in Bonner

Community Organisations in Bonner are invited to form a partnership to tackle drugs and alcohol, with funding from the Morrison Government.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said applications were open for registration of new Local Drug Action Teams (LDATs) to prevent and minimize harm from ice, alcohol and other drugs.

“Alcohol and other drugs, including ice or crystal methamphetamine, are issues for communities, not just for individuals,” Mr Vasta said.

“Community action is effective because many of the factors influencing drug-related harm can only be targeted at the community level, like social connections, education and a sense of belonging.”

This recruitment round aims to approve 40 new LDATs, with $10,000 in initial funding to support prevention and health promotion activities.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said the program was an important prevention initiative, targeting a broad range of alcohol and drug related issues.

“There are currently 238 local teams doing great work in all states and territories, who in partnership with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation are developing Community Action Plans to target their local needs.

“The LDAT program has received more than $29 million since it began in 2016 and our Government has already committed more than $800 million over four years to reduce the impact of drug and alcohol misuse on individuals, families and communities.”

As part of this investment, the government has also provided $6 million to implement a range of activities, including additional enhanced online and telephone drug and alcohol information and treatment support services to assist the Australian community during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications for new LDATs are available on the LDAT Community Hub and close Friday, March 5. The hub contains extensive information about the program and how to apply and prepare a strong application.

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Letter to Minister

Letter to Minister Bailey

Wednesday, 17 February 2020 – Requesting the Port of Brisbane Strategic Rail Access Study be publicly released.

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4BC interview with Neil Breen

Interview with Neil Breen 4BC – Tuesday, February 16 2021

Potential inland rail solution to connect Port of Brisbane to Inland Rail at Acacia Ridge.

Listen to the full interview below.

 

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Funding supports women leaders in sport

More women will reach their leadership potential with the Australian Government investing an additional $3.4 million over four years for the highly regarded Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) program.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said more than 25,000 women across the country had benefited from the initiative since it started in 2002.

“WLIS is helping improve outcomes for Australian women in areas including job creation, workforce participation and leadership,” Mr Vasta said.

The WLIS program is managed by Sport Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), under a partnership with the Office for Women.

In February, Sport Australia opened grant applications for the WLIS Development Grants and Leadership Workshops, which will provide:

  • Individuals with a grant up to the value of $10,000 to support their professional development,
  • Organisations with a grant up to the value of $20,000 to provide professional development courses to employees, and
  • Opportunities for individuals to undertake online WLIS Leadership Workshops.

Mr Vasta said the WLIS grants would provide women in Australian sport with the opportunity to gain new skills, knowledge and qualifications to progress their leadership journey.

“This program is playing a key role in developing our next female leaders across the industry and ultimately what we want to see is a more balanced workforce that is more representative of our diverse sporting community,” Mr Vasta said.

Eligibility criteria and information on how to apply for the WLIS Development Grants and Leadership Workshops can be found here.

Applications close March 17.

The Program is funded under the Government’s Women’s Leadership and Development Program (WLDP).

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Sunday Mail – OP-ED Inland Rail Missing Link campaign

Over the past 18 months I have been quietly sharing my nation-building infrastructure vision for Bonner –Tunnel Vision.

With an aim to think big in a time when we need to boost our economy, create jobs and create projects that meet the Prime Minister’s Infrastructure Vision for Australia, this ticks all the boxes.

While I have been sharing this vision on the quiet so far in my electorate, my advocacy has been unabating in Canberra. Tunnel Vision provides an alternative, win-win solution to the problems currently facing the Port of Brisbane – Inland Rail connection.

The Inland Rail project – currently under construction – will connect Melbourne to Brisbane; however, current plans have it terminating at Acacia Ridge in Brisbane’s southern suburbs.

This means freight earmarked for the Port of Brisbane must be trucked in on existing roads unless a dedicated Inland Rail link is constructed.

Located in the northern part of the Bonner electorate, Port of Brisbane currently sees more than 98 per cent of freight trucked in by road.

In 2018, this equated to more than four million trucks and is forecast to increase to more than 13 million trucks by 2050.

Building a dedicated rail connection to the Port of Brisbane is estimated to take up to 2.4 million trucks off Brisbane’s roads by 2035.

The Coalition Government allocated $20 million to develop a concept plan to connect the Port of Brisbane to the Inland Rail via a new rail connection as currently, any freight rail is sharing existing passenger rail.

Tunnel Vision proposes to go a step further on this concept and deliver a dedicated rail connection via an underground tunnel.

By taking the rail connection underground, we will not only take pressure off the region’s roads and existing rail networks which are already at capacity, we can deliver better social and environmental means of transporting freight out of Brisbane and across the east coast of Australia.

From reduced air pollution, less greenhouse gas emissions, less noise pollution, less water pollution as a result of run-off from roads, and reducing heavy truck movements, we can improve the amenity and liveability of Brisbane’s southern and bayside suburbs.

A joint Federal and State Government Port of Brisbane Strategic Rail Access Study into this rail connection has been completed and I have been privy to its outcome, however it has not yet been publicly released by the Queensland Government.

This study has been sitting in a draw of a Queensland Government MP, to the detriment of our community. Holding up this study’s release resulted in the Senate Inquiry into Inland Rail being unaware of its existence until I spoke personally with Senator Susan McDonald.

Indeed, our government had been working towards a solution to connect the port and rail, which has currently been politicised as a “planning failure” by the Federal opposition.

I am heartened by the outcome of this study, and I am working with the Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher to have it publicly released by the State so we can progress Tunnel Vision.

This project also has the full support of Queensland’s MP’s and Senators who have earmarked it under our Team Queensland infrastructure priorities to the Prime Minister.

I believe a dedicated underground rail connection is a viable solution to the traffic chaos we would see if there is nothing done to deliver a dedicated connection between the Port of Brisbane and Inland Rail.

With an underground rail connection, we will take 13 million trucks of south east Queensland roads, which will not only ease congestion issues, but prevent heavy deterioration of these roads.

The project is estimated to create 1200 new jobs per year between now and 2045 through both construction and operational phases, and reduce emissions from freight as well as pollution from coal transport.

An added benefit would see Port of Brisbane operating amongst World’s Best Practice for freight transport and create a faster route to transport goods between Brisbane and Melbourne.

The benefits of Tunnel Vision are extensive, and I am very pleased to be able to share this vision with you.

Ross Vasta

Federal Member for Bonner

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