I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Minister for Women’s Safety and Minister for Families and Social Services, the Hon. Anne Ruston, for visiting my electorate of Bonner and meeting with local groups from across the women’s safety sector recently.

It was a timely visit to address the topic of women’s equality, economic security and health and wellbeing ahead of the federal budget this week. We started our day with a women in business breakfast event at Wynnum Golf Club.

Individuals came from across Bonner to attend, including many of our female small-business owners, local community groups and student leaders from three of our highly regarded Bayside high schools. Over the course of the morning, we heard from the minister on the importance of prioritising women’s safety and equality in our community. It was an overwhelmingly productive and insightful discussion with attendees.

I would like to thank everyone who came along and contributed to the morning.

Our next stop was an important round table discussion with local women’s safety groups that I convened at the Beyond DV centre. Beyond DV provides programs for women and children who have escaped from a domestic violence situation and is a haven to many.

This round table was also timely, as the month of May marks Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

It provided a chance for the minister and I to listen and engage with survivors of domestic violence as well as those working in local front line services.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg reiterated the urgency of domestic violence response and prevention during his budget speech this week, where women’s safety was a key focus.

The Treasurer noted that, sadly, one in four women experience violence from a current or former partner. These numbers are staggering and far too often women are being denied their dignity and personal and economic security. It must stop.

All Australians have the right to be safe, which is why the 2021 budget contains an historic $1 billion for women’s safety measures.

Under the package, the government will provide $164.8 million to establish escaping violence payments to provide women with up to $1,500 in immediate cash, and a further $3½ thousand in kind for goods or services and direct payments of rental bonds, school fees or other items.

I commend this government for putting these measures in place and demonstrating our unwavering commitment to ending violence against women and their children. The Morrison government’s plan to not only reduce but eliminate domestic violence is ambitious and is exactly what our country needs.

Thank you, for visiting our electorate and listening to the needs of our community. I’d also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Carolyn Robinson from Beyond DV and the brave domestic violence survivors who shared their stories with us.

The time for change is now.

Deputy Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity to thank this Government for its continued investment into our communities following the disruptions caused by COVID-19.

I am especially pleased to see the reinvigoration of the creative and cultural sectors in my electorate of Bonner, with the Wynnum Fringe Festival recently awarded $236,000 in funding thanks to the Morrison Government’s RISE fund.

The funding awarded to this festival means it can return as an annual event on the Bayside!

It will also enable Bonner’s local artists to get back on the stage and for the community to experience the arts right in their own backyards.

I had the privilege of personally congratulating festival Founder, Artistic Director and Bonner constituent, Tom Oliver on securing this funding.

With an impressive background in the arts, the festival was an idea created by Tom last year after seeing how hard hit this sector was.

Tom couldn’t have been more pleased to receive this funding for the festival, especially after seeing firsthand the remarkable outcomes it delivered to the arts sector and local economy following last year’s first event.

With this funding, the event will be returning even bigger and better in November this year.

This government understands that by investing in the community and events like the Wynnum Fringe Festival you are also investing in the passion and livelihoods of all.

I am honoured to be a part of the Morrison Government- what a great feeling it is to see the continued reinvigoration into communities across all sectors.

Wynnum’s Fringe Festival is back and better than ever this year after being awarded funding as part of the Morrison Government’s Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund, which supports the creative and cultural sector reactivate following disruption caused by COVID-19 restrictions.

The Festival’s success during its first year was a key driver in it securing this funding of $236,000, which will now see it’s return as an annual event.

With the Wynnum Fringe Festival being an idea born out of Wynnum based actor, singer and creative producer Tom Oliver during Covid last year, this arts experience enabled valuable community opportunities by means of creating jobs whilst also supporting the creative sector.

The Morrison Government has committed almost $15 million from the $200 million RISE Fund to deliver the creative and cultural sector the support it needs.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said funding of these arts projects will mean more jobs, arts, cultural activities and events to ensure this sector can get back on its feet.

“I am very pleased Wynnum Fringe Festival will be receiving a funding boost, returning for an even bigger and more show stopping year taking place between 16 to 21 November. I recently had the privilege of congratulating Wynnum Fringe Festival Founder and Artistic Director Tom Oliver personally,” Mr Vasta said.

“The cultural sector has proven its resilience over this challenging period. This is certainly fantastic news for our Bonner community as the funding will also help sustain local businesses and tourism, hospitality and transport and will provide confidence to the sector to plan for the future.”

Wynnum Fringe Festival Founder and Artistic Director Tom Oliver said he is thrilled to see the event receive this funding, especially after experiencing the remarkable outcomes within the arts sector and local economy following last year’s event.

“I moved back to Wynnum last year after an Australian tour I was performing in was cut short. I saw how hard hit our creative industry was in Brisbane. With so much local talent thrown into unemployment, I knew I needed to play a part in rebuilding the arts sector and Wynnum Fringe was the answer,” Mr Oliver said.

“With this cash boost thanks to the Morrison Government, I couldn’t be more excited for this year’s festival in November, not only to see our much-loved local artists get back on the stage, but for the community to experience the arts in a way they haven’t before.”

The $15 million allocation of the RISE funding will support 61 arts projects across Australia- including Wynnum Fringe Festival- bolstering the cultural and creative sector that is a vital part of the economic and social life of the nation.

Small to medium organisations accounted for eighty-five per cent of successful recipients in this batch, approximately forty percent of the funding will go to organisations in the not-for-profit sector and sixty percent to the commercial sector.

For more information on how the RISE fund is supporting the arts and entertainment sector to reactivate, please click here:  https://www.arts.gov.au/funding-and-support/rise-fund

Speaking in the Federation Chamber on Wynnum Fringe Festival

Tax relief for small brewers and distillers to support more jobs

Small brewers and distillers will benefit from $255 million in tax relief to support more jobs and investment as part of the 2021-22 Budget.

Under our plan to support jobs in this growing sector, small brewers and distillers will benefit from a tripling of the excise refund cap for small brewers and distillers from $100,000 to $350,000 per year.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said with the hospitality industry being hard hit during COVID-19, this decision will make a key difference in these businesses being able to stay open.

“The only thing better than beer brewed in Australia, is when it’s been brewed in your own neighbourhood. This tax relief will help us support Bonner’s hospitality sector by providing opportunities to invest in and expand these businesses and hire more locals,” Mr Vasta said.

“More broadly, this is great news for Australia as it leverages our global positioning as being home to world class beer, gin, whiskey and rum.”

From 1 July 2021 eligible brewers and distillers will be able to receive a full remission of any excise they pay, up to an annual cap of $350,000. Currently, eligible brewers and distillers are entitled to a refund of 60 per cent of the excise they pay, up to an annual cap of $100,000.

This will align the benefit available under the Excise Refund Scheme for brewers and distillers with the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) Producer Rebate.

Co-owner of Hudson Brewing in Wynnum, Sarah Hudson said, “Bonner is home to some fantastic breweries, and we welcome the Federal Government’s initiative.”

“We opened Hudson Brewing in December 2020, so as a new business this is fantastic news as it not only contributes to ensuring its longevity but means we can continue to play a part in supporting this growing sector of the economy,” Mrs Hudson said.

There are around 600 brewers and 400 distillers across Australia, with around two thirds operating in rural and regional areas. The announced changes will allow these brewers and distillers to keep more of what they earn, helping them to invest, grow and support around 15,000 Australians that are currently employed in the sector.

Additional support to brewers and distillers across the country will also serve as much-needed relief for those businesses severely impacted by COVID-19.

Today’s announcement builds on the Morrison Government’s track record of supporting small brewers and distillers including by enabling them to automatically receive excise duty remissions when they lodge excise returns; providing them with record investment incentives; and fast tracking the reduction in the small company tax rate to 25 per cent by 1 July 2021.

The Morrison Government is committed to assisting local manufacturing businesses to grow, create jobs and support Australia’s economic recovery.

• New biosecurity package strengthens Australia’s ability to keep out exotic pests and diseases, together with its preparedness, response and recovery capability in the event of an outbreak
• Investment part of Australian Government’s ongoing commitment in support of agriculture industry’s goal of $100 billion in farmgate output by 2030

Safeguards to protect Australia’s farming communities from exotic pests and diseases are being boosted with a new $371 million investment to strengthen biosecurity.

The package complements significant reforms the Australian Government has committed to across the biosecurity system to ensure it is modern, efficient and keeps Australia safe from risks such as African swine fever, khapra beetle or foot and mouth disease.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said Australia’s biosecurity system protects $53 billion in agricultural exports and 1.6 million Australian jobs across the supply chain.

“Biosecurity plays a critical role in reducing risk and shaping our nation to become one of the few countries in the world to remain free from the world’s most severe pests and diseases,” Mr Vasta said.

“It provides critical protection for our agricultural industries, expected to be worth $71.2 billion this year, and the health of our communities, environment and the national economy.”

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said protecting our disease free status delivers access to premium global markets and generates real, significant benefits for agriculture.

“We are protecting industry as well as rural and regional communities like those in Bonner that depend on it, and ensuring agriculture continues playing a leading role in Australia’s national economic recovery,” Minister Littleproud said.

The package comes immediately after a record $888 million Australian Government investment in biosecurity and export services in 2020-21 and includes:

• $84 million towards critical frontline resources and people to better manage the risk of pests and diseases coming to Australia, including more on the ground resources to target known and emerging threats, like African swine fever.
• $80.9 million to build a modern, effective biosecurity system underpinned by the right technology and analytical capabilities.
• $205.9 million to strengthen partnerships with importers, companies, producers, state and territory governments and the community to improve our ability to detect and manage threats offshore, while increasing capacity to respond to incursions. Proof of concept trials will explore options for faster, safe, clearance of low-risk goods.

Fast facts

• Recent University of Melbourne Centre for Excellence in Biosecurity Risk Analysis modelling puts the net present value of the biosecurity system at $314 billion over 50 years.
• This means a $30 return on investment for every dollar we spend on biosecurity over the next 50 years.
• The national biosecurity system is a key contributor to our farming systems, the wider economy, our environment and biodiversity, our human health and the social fabric of our country.
• Last year there were over 2.5 million container arrivals into Australia, 19,000 commercial vessel arrivals and 60 million mail items.

The Morrison Government has welcomed the opening of a world-class Olympic winter training facility at the Sleeman Sport Complex in Chandler.

The Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre is the Souther Hemisphere’s only all-year outdoor water ski ramp-elevating the aspirations of athletes for generations to come.

The Commonwealth Government contributed $5.3 million towards construction of the $6.5 million facility, a collaboration with the Queensland Government, the Australian Olympic Committee and the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he was thrilled to see the opening of the centre, with Bonner becoming home to these athletes ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics.

“To compete on a world stage, our Australian athletes need to be at the top of their game. With this new centre, athletes now have access to the facilities they need, that previously never existed in this part of the world,” Mr Vasta said.

“The idea for this facility has been more than a decade in the making. All levels of Government have worked together to deliver on Geoff Henke’s incredible vision for this centre and ensure the ongoing support of our athletes.”

“This will well and truly be a game-changer for the future of Australian winter sport and the generations of elite athletes to come.”

Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said “The Morrison Government is right behind the bid to bring the 2032 Summer Olympics and Paralympics to Brisbane, but right now we’re delivering a world-class facility to our Aussie Winter Olympians.”

“Australia has long enjoyed success in aerial ski disciplines, from Alisa Camplin’s historic Olympic gold medal in 2002, through to the success this year of aerial ski world champion Laura Peel and Crystal Globe winner Matt Graham, in the moguls,” Minister Colbeck said.

The facility boasts varying levels of difficulty making it a fitting training venue for athletes eager to hone their skills and one day represent Australia on the world stage.

Athletes can reach speeds of more than 70km/h and launch up to 17m above the water from the top of the 37m ramp.

It allows trainees to test and perfect manoeuvres safely before transitioning to snow.

“We expect the 37m-high water jump will also become a beacon for international athletes who seek to come to Australia, hire these facilities and push our athletes to become the very best they can be,” Minister Colbeck said.

The facility is named in honour of the life-long contribution Geoff Henke AO has made to Australian Winter Olympic sport.

Over the last 12 months, Telehealth services have been life changing for many in need of support, which is why as part of the 2021-22 Budget, the Australian Government is investing more than $114 million to extend Telehealth until the end of the year.

Telehealth items were rapidly implemented in March 2020 to ensure our primary care sector could continue to function and that Australians could continue to access important health services.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP welcomed the Government’s commitment to Australian patients.

“Over the last 12 months, Telehealth services have been life changing for many in need of support,” Mr Vasta said.

“The extension will ensure that Australians can continue to see their GP, renew scripts and seek mental health support from the safety of their own home. This allows vulnerable Australians, such as the 14,262 pensioners in Bonner, to feel protected and supported during these unprecedented times.”

From 13 March 2020 to 21 April 2021, over 54 million COVID-19 MBS telehealth services have been delivered to 13.6 million patients, with $2.9 billion in Medicare benefits paid. More than 83,540 providers have used telehealth services.

The extension of Telehealth includes services for general practitioners, medical practitioners, specialists, consultant physicians, nurse practitioners, participating midwives, allied health providers and dental practitioners.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said Telehealth has played an important role in supporting Australians through the pandemic.

“We recognise that Telehealth continues to play an important role in supporting Australians through the pandemic,” Minister Hunt said. “Which is why as part of the 2021-22 Budget, we are extending Telehealth services to 31 December 2021.”

“It is critical that Australians continue to look after their health and stay engaged with your primary care providers.”

The Government continues to work with peak bodies to co-design permanent post pandemic Telehealth as part of broader primary care reforms to modernise Medicare and provide flexibility of access to primary and allied healthcare services.

Media contact – Kaylah Bulow – 0402 845 576

Vaccination against influenza (flu) remains important this year. Vulnerable Australians are being urged to get their free vaccination against seasonal influenza under the National Immunisation Program.

The annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all people aged 6 months and over. It is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications.

Receiving the vaccine from April allows protection from the flu to develop well ahead of peak transmission period, which usually falls around July and August.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said with the flu being highly contagious, all Australian’s should be vaccinated each year as circulating virus strains change.

“On average, flu cases estimate 3,500 deaths in Australia each year. With 14,262 vulnerable aged pensioners in Bonner, the best protection is to be vaccinated against it,” Mr Vasta said.

“I recently received my vaccine from Michael at Healthyworld Pharmacy in Garden City and will continue to take these necessary precautions annually.”

“Although it doesn’t protect from Covid-19, every one of us has a responsibility to help slow its spread as well as stopping the spread of influenza by practicing good hygiene, social distancing, understanding when to self-isolate and following the Government’s directions on guidelines in public places 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/influenza-flu-immunisation-service

The latest official coronavirus news, updates and advice from the Australian Government is available at: https://www.australia.gov.au/

Media contact – Kaylah Bulow – 0402 845 576

New investments in clean hydrogen and carbon capture technologies are set to create around 2,500 jobs, support Australian industry and manufacturing into the future and further drive down Australia’s emissions.

The Morrison Government’s 2021-22 Budget will invest a further $539.2 million in new clean hydrogen, carbon capture, use and storage (CCS/CCUS) projects that will support Australian industry, create jobs, help cut emissions and drive investment.

This includes $275.5 million to accelerate the development of four additional clean hydrogen hubs in regional Australia and implement a clean hydrogen certification scheme.

$263.7 million to support the development of CCS/CCUS projects and hubs.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the world was changing rapidly and Australia will need to be competitive in a new energy economy to support the jobs of Australians, especially in our heavy industries and regional areas that depend on affordable and reliable energy.

“It is essential we position Australia to succeed by investing now in the technologies that will support our industries into the future, with lower emissions energy that can support Australian jobs,” the Prime Minister said.

“There is a strong appetite from business for the new emissions reduction technologies that they know will be needed to run their operations and keep employing Australians and grow jobs for the future.

“World-leading projects like these are about cutting emissions and creating jobs.

“We want to make clean energy more affordable and reliable, while looking for ways our investments can get more people into work.

“We cannot pretend the world is not changing. If we do, we run the risk of stranding jobs in this country, especially in regional areas.

“Australia can and will continue to meet and beat our emissions reduction commitments, while protecting and growing jobs, by commercialising low emissions technologies like hydrogen and CCS/CCUS, that can support our industries and critical economic sectors. And when we commercialise those technologies, they also create new jobs.

“Low emissions industries mean more jobs directly for workers, but also cheaper energy means lower costs to businesses that they can reinvest in hiring more people.

“Our technology-first approach will see Australia achieve its emissions reduction goals while continuing to grow our export industries and also supporting our trading partners’ efforts to decarbonise.”

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Government was backing practical, technological solutions to reduce emissions, not big new taxes.

“We are backing technology to meet our 2030 target and get to net zero,” Minister Taylor said.

“The Government’s investment will reduce technical and commercial barriers to deploying these technologies. It will encourage new large-scale investment from the private sector, creating jobs and supporting Australia’s economic recovery, particularly in regional areas.

“Australia’s potential to supply our trading partners with low cost, clean energy and permanently and safely store emissions underground has our trading partners, including Japan, South Korea and Singapore excited.”

Federal Member Bonner Ross Vasta MP said it’s a tangible example of our commitment to being a low emissions technology leader and reducing emissions through technology not taxes, or imposing costs on households, businesses or the economy.

“As Australia recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Morrison Government is continuing to prioritise investment in technologies that support jobs and economic recovery, and reduce emissions,” Mr Vasta said.

The Government is actively pursuing opportunities to collaborate on low emissions technologies with Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Australia’s Technology Investment Roadmap is a plan to create jobs, cut energy costs and reduce emissions.

The Roadmap will guide $18 billion of Government investment over the next 10 years and drive at least $70 billion of total new investment in low emissions technologies in Australia by 2030. Our plan will support 130,000 jobs by 2030 and avoid in the order of 250 million tonnes of emissions by 2040.

Investing in low emissions technologies will contribute to Australia’s continued success in meeting and beating our emissions reduction targets. Australia beat its 2020 target by 459 million tonnes and we are on track to meet and beat our 26-28 per cent 2030 Paris target.

Media contact – Kaylah Bulow – 0402 845 576

Motorists in Bonner are being urged to be mindful of the dangers of driving when tired as we remember the lives lost to fatigue-related crashes on 23 April 2021, which marks Driver Fatigue Awareness Day.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said it is important to remember how deadly driving while tired can be and understanding what can be done to manage fatigue.

“In Queensland there have been 304 road fatalities in the past year,” Mr Vasta said.

“Road crashes cause immeasurable suffering for the families and friends affected.

“This is why it is important we make sure we get enough sleep before driving, take regular breaks, or pull over to take a power nap when we feel fatigue setting in – it can be the difference to arriving at our destination alive.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said Driver Fatigue Awareness Day reminds us how deadly driving while tired is and what road users can do to manage fatigue.

“Falling into a micro-sleep, even for a few seconds, can be fatal – a driver can travel more than 100 metres without any control at all over their vehicle,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Making sure we get enough sleep before driving, taking regular breaks, or pulling over to take a power nap when we feel fatigue setting in can be the difference to arriving at our destination alive.

“Working towards zero fatalities and serious injuries on Australian roads is a core priority for the Government.

“This is why we are delivering record levels of road safety and infrastructure spending right across the nation,” Mr McCormack said.

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said driver fatigue had been identified as one of the ‘Fatal Five’ road safety factors that contribute to road trauma, being a factor in up to 30 per cent of all deaths and severe injuries on our roads.

“Driver Reviver sites are critical in tackling driver fatigue to make our roads safer, which is why I am proud to be part of a Government that continues to invest in the program,” Assistant Minister Buchholz said.

“Initiatives such as the Driver Reviver Site Upgrade Program showcase what governments and communities can achieve when working together. Applications for Round Two of this $8 million program are now closed and being assessed.

Mr Buchholz said the Australian Government was making road safety a priority, with significant investments such as the $2 billion Road Safety Program to reduce risk across the country.

“These investments will deliver practical safety improvements such as shoulder sealing and rumble strips to help keep drivers on the road and in their lane.

“This will help reduce the $30 billion annual cost of road crashes to the national economy,” Assistant Minister Buchholz said.

“Most importantly, the program will reduce the amount of lives lost and the immeasurable suffering that follows for the families and friends affected.

More information on the Australian Government’s road safety initiatives is available at officeofroadsafety.gov.au and statistics at https://www.bitre.gov.au/statistics/safety.