Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has welcomed the Morrison Government’s world-leading reforms to Australia’s defamation laws that will protect Australians and Australian businesses from online trolls, as well as significant legal liabilities.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Attorney-General Michaelia Cash announced urgent reforms that will both address the significant harm dealt by trolls, bots and bigots and respond to the High Court’s decision in the Voller case.

“Social media can too often be a cowards’ palace, where the anonymous can bully, harass and ruin lives without consequence,” the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison MP, said.

“We would not accept these faceless attacks in a school, at home, in the office, or on the street. And we must not stand for it online, on our devices and in our homes. The rules that exist in the real world, should exist online too.

“Anonymous trolls are on notice. You will be named, shamed and held to account for what you say.”

The Voller case made clear that Australians who maintain social media pages can be ‘publishers’ of defamatory comments made by others on social media—even if the page owner does not know about the comments.

“Since the High Court’s decision in the Voller case, it is clear that ordinary Australians are at risk of being held legally responsible for defamatory material posted by anonymous online trolls,” said Attorney-General Michaelia Cash.

“This is not fair and it is not right. Australians expect to be held accountable for their own actions, but shouldn’t be made to pay for the actions of others that they cannot control.”

The reforms will make clear that, in defamation law, Australians who operate or maintain a social media page are not ‘publishers’ of comments made by others.

The Prime Minister said these reforms will also empower Australians to ‘unmask’ online trolls who post defamatory comments anonymously.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Australian Government is committed to protecting Australians from online harms.

“These reforms are about ensuring that families and business across Bonner will be protected from harmful defamatory comments made by anonymous trolls online,” said Mr Vasta.

“Under the new powers, social media companies will be declared publishers and will be held liable for any defamatory remarks, unless they assist to identify anonymous trolls and resolve disputes.

“These will be among the strongest powers to tackle online trolls in the world. If we are going to be a world-leading digital economy, then it is critical Australians can trust the safety and security of the online world.”

The reforms will incentivise social media providers to put new pathways in place for victims to obtain the contact details of anonymous online trolls, which will assist in starting defamation proceedings.

Under a new complaints scheme, victims could complain to the social media provider about defamatory posts, and the social media provider could disclose the poster’s contact details with consent. Victims would also be able to apply for a new form of Federal Court order to unmask the identity of the anonymous poster. The new complaints scheme and court orders will be simple, accessible and affordable.

To incentivise platforms, social media providers will be deemed to be ‘publishers’ of defamatory comments made on their platforms. However, they will have the benefit of a defence to defamation proceedings if they adopt the new mechanisms to unmask online trolls.

“Social media providers should bear their fair share of responsibility for defamatory material published on their platforms,” the Attorney-General said. ‘This reflects the current law.’

“However, if defamatory comments are made in Australia, and social media providers help victims contact the individuals responsible, it is appropriate they have access to a defence.”

The urgent reforms will complement the defamation reforms currently being progressed in partnership with states and territories, and sit alongside the Government’s commitment to improving online safety.

Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to update the house that we’re keeping up the momentum with my plan to deliver more mental health services on the Bayside in my electorate of Bonner.

The last time I spoke on it was in July after convening the Bayside Mental Health Working Group which was attended by local mental health and community providers.

My aim was to bring these important voices together and start a conversation around the services locals are calling for.

Since then, meaningful progress has been made.

I’ve met with Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman who has provided his support.

I’ve also been meeting regularly with Brisbane South PHN to determine how we can fill the gaps.

And after being made aware of a mental health plan they are working on alongside Feros Care with the intention to be tailored to the youth of the Bayside, last week I reconvened the working group.

Over 20 local mental health experts and community providers heard from Brisbane South PHN and Feros Care who presented this early intervention and prevention approach.

Deputy Speaker, young people are the largest cohort of Australian’s experiencing problematic loneliness.

Social connections are the greatest protection against depression and are proven to reduce suicidal behaviour.

That’s why responding to it by delivering accessible support services is of great urgency.

The mental health of our community cannot be underestimated, and I look forward to continuing to work with Brisbane South PHN and the Bayside Mental Health Working Group.

Deputy Speaker, I rise today to bust the myths of this motion.

And to speak on the infrastructure investment commitments our government has made and is making right across the country.

Deputy Speaker, our government hears the needs of Australians and we respond.

That is why during this year’s Budget, we made it clear that we are building the infrastructure our country needs for the future with our 10-year, $110 billion investment pipeline.

For better roads, faster commutes and most importantly, making sure Australians can get home sooner and safer.

We’ve also invested a further $1 billion in road safety upgrades to save lives and a further $1 billion in local road infrastructure projects.

Deputy Speaker, in my electorate of Bonner our government is delivering for locals.

In September, I went to see the upgrades to the M1 between Sports Drive and the Gateway Motorway thanks to the $110 billion investment pipeline.

This is a 3.5-kilometre upgrade which is part of the broader $750 million, 8 kilometre M1 Eight Mile Plains to Daily Hill project.

By alleviating congestion along critical sections of roads like this one we’re helping freight move more quickly between our cities, and we’re generating jobs across the country.

And Deputy Speaker, I am especially proud of my ongoing partnership with Brisbane City Council and Lord Mayor Adrian Schinner.

Working together for our community, we have a strong track record of upgrading local roads and building a better Brisbane.

Last month, the Lord Mayor and I visited some of the works currently underway.

My electorate is home to Newham and Wecker Rd which was rated the fifth most dangerous intersection in Queensland by RACQ.

There is a great urgency amongst the community to fix this problem area and I was proud to secure $12 million in funding for this project, which will be delivered by Brisbane City Council.

It will involve the construction of new turning lanes, signalised pedestrian crossings, improved footpaths and the coordination of traffic lights.

Deputy Speaker, our government is also contributing to the Brisbane Metro project with Brisbane City Council.

This is a major project and one that is strongly aligned with our plan to reduce emissions.

We are contributing $300 million to the vital project with construction currently underway of a new depot facility at School Road in Rochedale.

The depot will provide storage for the new battery electric Brisbane metro vehicle fleet, advanced charging infrastructure, maintenance, and staff facilities.

Brisbane Metro will have four stops in Bonner and with transport being one of the major sources of carbon emissions, this project demonstrates the importance of working with all levels of government to reduce our footprint across the country.

It is fantastic to see our government leading these initiatives and forging the way for a cleaner and greener public transport system.

Deputy Speaker, the last time I spoke on Lindum Crossing in the house, I was pleased to share that the long-awaited upgrades were getting underway.

I’ve been fighting for this upgrade since 2017 when over 7000 locals in Bonner signed my petition to fix Lindum Crossing.

We were successful and in 2019 the Federal Government committed $85 million to this worthy project.

Brisbane City Council have also come to the table with $40 million to fix Lindum Crossing.

This month, we commenced the first stage of immediate safety upgrades to the crossing, thanks to $1 million from our Federal funds.

These works will include the installation of new and extended median islands as well as new on-road line markings and resurfacing.

And this weekend, there are scheduled upgrades to the rail corridor.

This first stage is critical to ensuring the crossing is safe for our community while more extensive planning can be undertaken for the long-term grade separation of Lindum Crossing.

We are motoring ahead and fixing Lindum once and for all.

And Deputy Speaker, what’s more is that working alongside Brisbane City Council, we’ve started construction of the Chelsea Road and Rickertt Road intersection upgrade and Wakerley Bikeway project in Ransome.

I was very pleased to secure $6 million in funding for this vital project.

Our government has also allocated $14 million towards fixing the notorious Rochedale Roundabout, which will improve the intersection and safety for all commuters and will cater for future traffic demands in this fast growing suburb.

Deputy Speaker, I have spoken of many projects today that are underway in Bonner.

And with funding delivered by the Morrison Government to benefit our local roads and address the needs of commuters.

Our commitment to infrastructure funding couldn’t be stronger.

I present the report of the Parliamentary Delegation to the 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, held virtually from 8 to 10 September 2020, and seek leave to make a short statement in connection with the report. Leave granted.

I am pleased to present the report of the delegation to the 41st ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, or AIPA, in September last year. Australia and ASEAN have a long history together, with Australia becoming the first of ASEAN’s 10 dialogue partners in 1974. For the first time in its history, the general assembly was held in hybrid format; while the event was hosted by Vietnam, many of the participants attended virtually.

Each member of our delegation—the member for Wills, the member for Dawson, Senator Walsh and I—attended from our own home states. I was pleased to make a statement on behalf of the Australian delegation by video link. The overarching theme of the assembly was parliamentary diplomacy for a cohesive and responsive ASEAN community. The impact of the pandemic and the need for member nations to work together was a natural focus throughout.

Senator Walsh attended the meeting of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA, which considered the role of women parliamentarians in securing jobs and income for women workers and heard of the significant and disproportionate impact that the COVID-19 pandemic was having on women’s employment and incomes and the actions many member countries are taking to address this. An inaugural unofficial meeting of young parliamentarians was also held during the assembly.

The delegation was interested to learn that there are almost 220 million young people across ASEAN countries—that is, a third of the population. The delegation had been looking forward to continuing the program of visits to other ASEAN countries in addition to the AIPA host nation. However, the pandemic meant that this was not possible.

The delegation considers these country visits to be an important part of the parliament’s international program and looks forward to them resuming. Meeting and sharing experiences with our colleagues and other parliaments in person is something that we all value. Finally, the delegation wishes to thank Vietnam for hosting and organising the event and ensuring the important work of the assembly continues, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

I rise today to bring attention to Bonner’s amazing school communities. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been dropping off the graduation certificates for our year 6 and year 12 students and visiting classroom staff and P&Cs. I recently caught up with the Mount Gravatt East State School P&C, who are undertaking some terrific upgrades at the school, including a new mural for their community garden.

This term, I conducted a mock parliament with the year 6 students at Belmont State School. The students debated whether junk food should be served in the school cafeteria. The two debating sides really came together to deliver some impactful arguments, and I’m sure you can guess what the outcome was. Our junior Bonner Youth Advisory Council jumped into a zoom meeting with the founder of Vuly Trampolines and Bonner local Joe Andon.

Jesse, a year 6 student from Moreton Bay College, contacted me after the meeting and said that she was so inspired by Joe’s story that she had started brainstorming business ideas with her two sisters. This month, alongside Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge, I hosted the Bonner schools forum. We were joined by parents, teachers, school staff and psychologists to discuss the future of our schools.

This week our year 12 started their external exams. I take this opportunity to wish them the best of luck as they prepare to finish up this chapter and embark upon their next journey. I’m very proud of their hard work.

I rise today to recognise our local Aussie manufacturers. Whilst out in my electorate of Bonner this month, I visited some of these homegrown manufacturers to see for myself the incredible quality of products being made in our backyards.

The Morrison government recognises the job-creating power of Australian manufacturers. That’s why we’ve invested $1.5 billion to establish our modern manufacturing strategy. We support Australian manufacturers to scale up and create the jobs we need now and for generations to come.

Bonner is home to Murarrie based defence business Cyborg Dynamics Engineering. The Morrison government has awarded them a $3.3 million contract to pursue an Australian first. It was a privilege to have a tour of Cyborg’s HQ by CEO Stephen Bornstein. Stephen has been named one of Australia’s 30 most innovative engineers and, in 2017, was recognised as the Australian Young Engineer of the Year.

He has now grown an exceptionally motivated team focusing on robotics and artificial intelligence. His first contract was the company’s first with the defence industry innovation hub, enabling them to develop an unmanned combat vehicle, the likes of which has never been made in Australia.

Queensland is once again proving how it is at the forefront of strengthening Australia’s defence capabilities. What’s more, the groundbreaking work is happening in Bonner. Cyborg Dynamics are developing first-of-its-kind innovations and integrating an array of supporting Australian technologies into a robotic platform. This has the potential to enhance load carriage fire support capabilities and the protection of dismounted soldiers.

It’s a major win for Bonner and one that has secured 20 local jobs. Investing in our defence industry is a key priority of the Morrison government to keep Australians safe and support businesses and jobs right across the supply chain.

I also dropped into Murarrie’s Midmed Medical Suppliers and caught up with managing director Rob Muller and general manager Paul Gapes. Midmed is yet another true-blue Aussie family owned business. They are also a national leader in supplying medical equipment. As you’d imagine, business is rapidly growing, and they’re keen to shore up even more of their manufacturing capabilities during this time.

This is exactly what we want to hear our local manufacturers striving for. It was great to talk about how we could make this possible and enable more local jobs and opportunities for our skilled workers. To see an Australian-grown business go from strength to strength this time is remarkable. Our government will continue to enable opportunities for them to showcase their innovations and for our green-and-gold logo to have a stronger presence on home soil and internationally.

Deputy Speaker, I rise today to recognise our local Aussie manufacturers.

Whilst out in my electorate of Bonner this month, I visited some of these home-grown manufacturers, seeing for myself the incredible quality of products being made in our backyards.

The Morrison Government recognises the job-creating power of Australian manufacturers and that’s why we’ve invested $1.5 billion to establish our Modern Manufacturing Strategy.

We’re supporting Australian manufacturers to scale-up and create the jobs we need now and for generations to come.

Deputy Speaker, Bonner is home to Murarrie based defence business Cyborg Dynamics Engineering.

The Morrison Government has awarded them a $3.3 million contract in their pursuit of an Australian first.

It was a privilege to have a tour of Cyborg’s HQ by CEO Stephen Brostein.

Stephen has been named one of Australia’s 30 Most Innovative Engineers and in 2017 was recognised as the Australian Young Engineer of the Year.

He has now grown an exceptionally motivated team focusing on robotics and artificial intelligence, with this contract being the company’s first with the Defence Innovation Hub.

Enabling them to develop an unmanned combat vehicle – the likes of which have never been made in Australia!

Deputy Speaker, Queensland is once again proving how it is at the forefront of strengthening Australia’s defence capabilities.

What’s more is that ground-breaking work is happening in Bonner.

Cyborg Dynamics are developing first-of-its kind innovations and integrating an array of supporting Australian technologies into a robotic platform.

This has the potential to enhance the load carriage, fire support capabilities and the protection of dismounted soldiers.

It’s a major win for Bonner and one which is securing 20 local jobs.

Investing in our defence industry is a key priority of the Morrison Government, to keep Australians safe and support businesses and jobs right across the supply chain.

Deputy Speaker, I also dropped into Murarrie’s Midmed Medical Suppliers and caught up with Managing Director Rob Muller and General Manager Paul Gapes.

Midmed is yet another true blue, Aussie family-owned business.

They are also a national leader in supplying medical equipment.

As you’d imagine, during this time business is rapidly growing and they’re keen to shore up even more of their manufacturing capabilities.

This is exactly what we want to hear our local manufacturers are striving for.

It was great to talk about how we can make this possible to enable more local jobs and opportunities for our skilled workers.

Deputy Speaker, to see Aussie grown businesses go from strength during this time is remarkable.

Our government will continue to enable opportunities for them to showcase their innovations. And for our green and gold logo to have a stronger presence on home soil and internationally.

The Morrison Government has awarded a $3.3 million contract to Murarrie based robotics and AI company Cyborg Dynamics Engineering to develop an unmanned combat vehicle; the likes of which have never been made in Australia.

The contract is the company’s first with the Defence Innovation Hub and will secure 20 local jobs.

Visiting the Cyborg Dynamics HQ, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he was proud to award them this significant investment to develop their semi-autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV).

“Queensland is once again proving how it is at the forefront of strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities and what’s more is that ground-breaking work is happening right here in Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“Cyborg Dynamics are developing first-of-its kind innovations, integrating an array of supporting Australian technologies into a modular, robotic platform, which if successful, could enhance the load carriage, fire support capabilities and protection of dismounted soldiers.

“This is a major win for Bonner and one which demonstrates how investing in our defence industry is a key priority of the Morrison Government to keep Australians safe, whilst also enabling more local jobs and supporting businesses right across the supply chain.”

Cyborg Dynamics’ innovation will also explore on-board AI target recognition and advanced driving technologies that could allow for single person operation.

This would enable the all-terrain platform to improve in-field soldier capabilities and lethality, ultimately reducing operator risk by providing a robotic-assisted force.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said, “The Morrison Government invests in Australian businesses like Cyborg Dynamics because we understand that truly cutting-edge innovation could provide leading capabilities and better protection for the Australian Defence Force,” Minister Price said.

“The Government’s investment in innovation through the Defence Innovation Hub is critical to ensuring Defence maintains a capability advantage as Australia’s strategic environment continues to rapidly evolve,” Minister Price said.

Industry and research organisations can submit innovation proposals through the Defence Innovation Portal at: www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au.

 I rise today to speak on the strong action the Morrison government has taken and is taking to reduce emissions whilst growing our economy. At Glasgow, the Prime Minister outlined our plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and we’re doing this with technology, not taxes, and choices, not mandates. That’s the Australian way. To reach net zero, we are considering the future of our technologies. We recognise the role future technology breakthroughs will play in closing the gap, with new and emerging technologies to reduce emissions by a further 15 per cent by 2050.

And we’re delivering a balanced approach to achieve this through our commitment to securing our fuel sovereignty. I’m seeing firsthand the benefits of our government’s commitment to affordable reliable energy in my electorate of Bonner. We’ve locked in Australia’s sovereign refining capability with our fuel security package supporting the Ampol refinery in Lytton, in Bonner, and Victoria’s Viva Energy refinery in Geelong, backing more local jobs for more local families.

Fuel is critical across our economy and the Morrison government is acting in a practical, responsible way to reduce emissions while preserving Australian jobs and taking advantage of our new opportunities for industries. We’re considering the livelihoods of our truckies, our tradies, our farmers, our commuters, our miners and, of course, everybody who travels in Australia. We are also protecting families and businesses from higher fuel prices, ensuring they can keep more of what they earn. In fact, we will be keeping fuel prices amongst the lowest in the OECD.

Locking in Australia’s fuel security will deliver benefits for all Australians. Traditional fuels will continue to be the dominant fuel source for transport beyond 2030. We cannot be complacent about fuel security because of this, and this package will lock in these refineries until 2027. It is critical for our farmers, our emergency services, our truckies and our industries, who rely upon diesel to keep Australia moving. Diesel consumption has increased over the last five years.

Of all major transport fuels, it is the most important for all Australians as it underpins our economy and critical services. If it wasn’t for our government’s commitment to fuel sovereignty, it is likely Australia’s remaining refineries would have closed within the next five years. Between these two refineries, this would mean losing 1,200 direct jobs and forfeiting 1,750 new construction jobs. The fallout would have had devastating impacts on jobs in all fuel-dependent industries and our local economy.

Earlier this year, I was extremely pleased to welcome the Prime Minister and the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor, to Bonner for the announcement of this package. On a local level, this package equated to 550 direct local jobs. The flow-on effect of this certainty in the local community could not be underestimated.

When I joined the Prime Minister and Minister Taylor on a tour of the refinery, we walked past a worker holding up a handwritten sign which read, ‘Thank you for supporting our refinery.’ I was beyond humbled to read this, because this is exactly what we do. We support real people, people with families, people with passion for their work. These are people with incredible skills, and we absolutely must harness and ensure that our sovereignty stays here with us.

This package will also complement our Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy, which will empower consumers to drive the car that they want. This will be done by enabling the right environment, rolling out infrastructure and making the grid EV ready through priority reforms. It’s backed by a $250 million Future Fuels Fund focused on public EV charging, commercial fleets, household smart-charging and heavy and long-distance vehicle technologies. It also forms part of the more than $2.1 billion our government has committed to support the uptake of future fuels and vehicles.

Labor’s 2019 policy would have forced Australians to purchase an EV regardless of whether it was right for them, by setting a target that 50 per cent of new car sales had to be EVs by 2030. But our government won’t be telling Australians what car they must drive or increase the cost for those who can least afford it through taxes, bans or standards. We know this will just drive up the cost of Australian family vehicles, so we’re taking action to strengthen our economy and back our industries, and reduce emissions while we are at it.

Fantastic, jaw dropping, heart-warming, and iconic– all words to describe the return of this year’s Wynnum Fringe Festival in my electorate of Bonner.

Deputy Speaker, I rise today to celebrate this festival and its showcase of the arts over six jam packed days last week.

In the weeks leading up to it, there was an incredible buzz in our community.

Every corner of the Bayside was transformed with pop up stages, bars, eateries, and countless local businesses who offered their space to be used as performance venues.

Everyone got involved, whether it be as a volunteer, patron, local business owner or a performer.

It was a true demonstration of our community spirit; we all embraced this festival and made it a celebration of the Bayside.

Deputy Speaker, I must take this opportunity to acknowledge festival founder Tom Oliver who has outdone himself this year.

A passion for the local arts scene that is one in a million.

The Bayside is tremendously lucky to have Tom and I speak on behalf of the community in that his vision for this year’s festival didn’t just go as far as benefitting the arts, but also local businesses,

community groups and our economy.

Tom is putting the Bayside on the map.

Deputy Speaker, we all love the arts – it brings us joy, has a powerful way of bringing communities together and inspires the next generation of talent.

The Morrison Government is committed to this sector and secured the return of Wynnum Fringe as an annual event by delivering $236,000 in funding.

It’s been another challenging year for our arts and creative sectors, but we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

And events just like this give us great excitement as we enjoy the simple things we have really missed.

I was privilege to attend the festival’s opening ceremony alongside Tom Oliver, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner as well as the community.

What a turn out it was Deputy Speaker!

As part of the special ceremony, the Quandamooka Elders presented ‘Yana Marumba’ which means walk good.

We started at the shores of Moreton Bay and walked up to the festival hub on Bay Terrace where we finished the night with a free street party.

People of all ages came together for this ceremony, united by our love of the arts.

I also want to take this opportunity to recognise the over 300 artists, performers and musicians who took over the Bayside, entertaining locals and visitors alike.

There was sell out show after sell out show Deputy Speaker, which just speaks volumes to the level of talent we were so honoured to have in town.

We couldn’t have been more excited to welcome them to the Bayside.

The countdown to next year is on!