Motorists will soon be driving smoothly along the upgraded section of M1 between Sports Drive and Gateway Motorway.

The 3.5-kilometre upgrade, part of the broader $750 million, 8-kilometre M1 Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill project, is nearing completion with all five lanes almost ready for traffic.

The M1 upgrade is also progressing well on other sections, with Watland Street to Sports Drive ahead of schedule and two new bridges taking shape over Springwood Road.

The Morrison Government is funding $510 million towards the M1 Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill upgrade and the Queensland Government is contributing $240 million.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said more than $3.4 billion worth of major upgrades are being delivered on the M1, jointly funded by the Morrison Government and Queensland Government.

“This massive investment includes these upgrades between Eight Mile Plains and Daisy Hill, as well as from Daisy Hill to Logan Motorway and Varsity Lakes to Tugun further south,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Morrison Government is proud to be providing $510 million towards the M1 Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill upgrade, busting congestion and supporting 721 jobs over the project’s life to boost our economic recovery.”

Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said this important upgrade would help the tens of thousands of motorists who drive between Sports Drive and Gateway Motorway every day get home sooner and safer.

“This project is one of many critical infrastructure projects to receive funding from the Morrison Government as part of its record $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline, which is helping to drive Australia’s economic recovery,” Minister Fletcher said.

“By alleviating congestion along critical sections of roads like this one, we’re helping people to get home to their families sooner and safer, we’re helping freight move more quickly between our cities, and we’re generating jobs across the country.”

Work is expected to be complete between Sports Drive and Gateway Motorway by October, weather and conditions permitting.

The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments have reached an agreement to further target $70m from the State and Federal Governments $600m support package to boost support for Queensland’s major tourism and hospitality businesses who continue to face significant hardship.

This new package will support Bonner businesses to stay open, retain their strength and keep locals employed.

The jointly-funded $70 million package includes:

• Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program – $40 million to provide a second round of grants to small, medium, and large employing tourism and hospitality businesses that received an initial grant from round one of the program.
• Iconic Tourism Grants – $30 million for grants of up to $4m to ensure that major tourism enterprises remain viable and are ready to scale up as visitation returns.

 Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this funding agreement delivers positive outcomes for local businesses during a time when Queensland is closed off internationally and domestically from New South Wales and Victorian markets.

“Bonner is home to some of the sunshine state’s most breathtaking tourism gems including Moreton Island which is home to Tangalooma Island Resort,” Mr Vasta said.

“We are in an incredibly fortunate position here in Queensland to have the freedom to travel across the state and support our local tourism and hospitality businesses who have been working tirelessly during this time so we can continue making special memories with our friends, families and loved ones.

“Queensland is currently open to South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. In the lead up to the summer months, we look forward to welcoming more Australians to the state and encourage them to explore Bonner’s unrivalled natural marine playgrounds.

“To secure our recovery, the Morrison Government remains committed to seeing the tourism and hospitality industry expand on a local level; bettering the economy and livelihoods.”

The Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said this package comes on top of the Morrison Government’s more than $30.2 billion in direct economic support to Queensland households and businesses since the start of the pandemic.

“The Morrison Government understands the significant impact lockdowns and border closures have had on business, but especially on those in the tourism sector in Queensland,” Treasurer Frydenberg said.

“This key funding is a part of our joint $600 million commitment with the Queensland Government, for small and medium sized businesses.

“A successful, growing and vibrant Queensland tourism industry depends on all Australians doing the right thing and getting vaccinated.  Governments must also hold up their end of the bargain and stick to the plan agreed at National Cabinet that will see restrictions ease and our borders open up as we reach our vaccination targets of 70 to 80 per cent.

Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said, “The best thing we can do for our tourism businesses is to get tourists back spending money.”

“The Morrison Government’s investment will provide financial support to these iconic Queensland tourism businesses to help ensure the industry is ready to rebound as our nation eases restrictions as our vaccination rates hit key milestones.”

For more information on the program go to Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program | Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport (dtis.qld.gov.au)

To further support Australia’s world-leading medical researchers, the Morrison Government will invest almost half a billion dollars in funding for health and medical research.

Funded through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Queensland will receive $83,598,051 for 49 projects. These grants include support for the next generation of research leaders seeking to develop more effective vaccines for respiratory diseases, investigate the missing genetics of rare diseases and help make the revolution in genomic medicine accessible and useful to everyone.

More than $12 million in funding nationally is dedicated to research on SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes COVID-19 – and over $84 million for research in infectious diseases.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this funding would support hundreds of research leaders and teams around the country to undertake research that will ultimately save lives and make Australians healthier.

“Every day we acknowledge the extraordinary work of Australia’s health and medical researchers not only to confront the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to continue their outstanding research to find solutions to the ongoing health issues we face,” Mr Vasta said.

“This funding will enable projects to have the potential to expand medical research to new heights and show how Australia is a world-leader in this field.”

“The remarkable quality of projects funded in these schemes shows that Australia’s health and medical researchers are as passionate and skilled as ever to explore solutions for the range of health problems that concern us most.”

$471.9 million has been invested into projects across the nation, including:

• $399.7 million for 254 Investigator Grants, NHMRC’s largest scheme, which provides funding over five years for the highest performing researchers at all career stages.
• $44 million for 17 Centres of Research Excellence over five years, building collaborative teams and developing capacity to improve research translation into better health outcomes.
• $4.6 million in targeted funding to support four projects developing coordinated and best practice interventions for better care at the end of life.
• $1.5 million for collaborative research on osteoarthritis to be funded in partnership with the United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health Research.
• $1.8 million to fund a clinical trial at Melbourne Health involving combination immune therapy for type 1 diabetes.

In addition, thanks to our Government’s ongoing collaboration with health providers and other sectors, $28.6 million has been committed by partners alongside $20.4 million from the Australian Government to fund 16 projects through the NHMRC Partnership Project scheme.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt MP, said the over $472 million committed would help Australian researchers continue to make life-changing and life-altering discoveries.

“The grants include support for the next generation of research leaders seeking to develop more effective vaccines for respiratory diseases, investigate the missing genetics of rare diseases and help make the revolution in genomic medicine accessible and useful to everyone,” Minister Hunt said.

“Through decades of investment, the NHMRC has helped build the foundations of this critical sector based on competitive, peer-reviewed health and medical research of the highest quality and the highest standards of ethics and integrity.”

Details of all grants are available on NHMRC’s website.

South West Metro Basketball and home of the Pirates have been awarded $43,305 in Federal funding to support the integration of migrants and multicultural communities.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP emphasised the instrumental role South West Metro Basketball plays in providing a space which brings locals together and supports Australia’s diverse social fabric.

“Thanks to the Morrison Governments Fostering Integration Grants program, South West Metro Basketball will be supporting youth participation through sport. This facility in Mt Gravatt is surrounded by schools, a TAFE and a University, making it a hub for people of different cultures and backgrounds to come together through their shared love of sport,” said Mr Vasta.

“The funding will be put towards a weekly sports program rolled out in various local schools and community organisations. Participants will be mentored and upskilled to become peer leaders and engage with at-risk migrant youth.

“Funding will also see the establishment of a series of basketball carnivals with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) youth where they will learn how to build the skills and confidence to participate in the community and enter the workforce.

“I was very pleased to congratulate the team at South West Metro Basketball who have established themselves as being a safe and welcoming space for everyone in our community. I look forward to seeing how the funding will contribute to stronger community participation of multicultural communities in Bonner.”

South West Metro Basketball General Manager Rob Tankey said, “We really appreciate the opportunity with this grant. It will enable us to get more participants into our structured sport programs and get kids off the streets.

“It’s healthy for them and it will teach them what it means to be a part of a team. We’re really looking forward to getting this out into the community and getting them involved.”

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alex Hawke, said that programs such as this are crucial to building connections and supporting migrants to better participate in Australian social, economic and civil life.

“The Fostering Integration Grant Program is about supporting organisations that work alongside the community and enabling them to better understand and overcome the barriers faced by our multicultural communities.

“Projects that are being funded aim to encourage participation in social, sporting and employment activities that both celebrate our multicultural communities and help migrants to gain valuable skills to be utilised within the community and in the workforce,” said Minister Hawke.

Since 2018, the Government has awarded $11.3 million through the Fostering Integration Grants program to help local community organisations support the integration and social cohesion of migrants and multicultural communities.

Further information on the program, including the successful grants, is available on GrantConnect, the Government’s grant information system: www.grants.gov.au.

Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services and Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth joined Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP as part of the most recent Bonner Youth Advisory Council (BYAC).

The Zoom meeting saw four year 11 and 12 students representing Moreton Bay College, Redeemer Lutheran College and Churchie hear from Mr Vasta and Mr Howarth on the importance of leadership as well as Mr Howarth’s assistant ministerial duties.

Mr Vasta said BYAC was not only about giving local students a platform to have their voices and opinions heard, but to also provide insight on the inner workings of the Government.

“The last 18 months hasn’t been easy for our students, from lockdowns impacting their studies to the cancellation of extracurricular activities like sport and music, but they continue to step up and tackle all the obstacles that come their way,” said Mr Vasta.

“Our local students are natural born leaders and that was so clearly demonstrated by those participating in this BYAC meeting. Luke was able to encourage them, reminding the students that being a voice for change doesn’t just have to happen in the walls of Parliament House, it can happen amongst your school peers, your friends and your family.”

“I was very proud of these students who were eager to participate in conversation and raise the issues that are important to them right now, including topics such as social media and the environment.”

Mr Howarth said, “Being a guest as part of this BYAC was a privilege. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in the potential of our young people.

“What goes hand in hand with being a good leader is listening and recognising the value of new ideas. I strongly encourage these students and their peers to keep speaking up and being advocates for positive change.”

“BYAC participants can be chosen by their school or they can self-nominate for the chance to be the youth voice of their peers,” Mr Vasta said.

If you would like to be part of the 2021 BYAC, contact your school and email your nomination to ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au.

The Morrison Government will make support available to fund assistance for job seekers across the country to get a driver’s licence in a move that will help address a significant barrier to many entering the workforce.

Job seekers participating in employment services through a jobactive provider will be eligible to access increased support for driving lessons to help them complete the required hours to get their driver’s licence. In addition to the increased assistance for driving lessons, jobactive employment services providers can also support job seekers with other travel costs such as public transport and fuel.

With nearly one third of job seekers on the jobactive caseload indicating they do not currently hold a driver’s licence, around 330,000 individuals may be eligible for the support nationally.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this would help job seekers across Bonner who were facing barriers to getting into the workforce.

“Our jobs plan, outlined in the recent Budget, is to connect people with jobs today and upskill our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow,” Mr Vasta said.

“This change, which supports job seekers get a driver’s license, contributes to the Morrison Government’s plan to get all Australians who should be working into a job and is critical to securing our recovery.”

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert said the assistance would be particularly helpful for people living in outer-suburban and regional areas who need to travel greater distances to get to their place of employment or training.

“A critical part of succeeding at an interview or at a new job is being able to travel to and from work easily— which is why I have directed this change to ensure job seekers are able to more easily travel safely to training, interviews or to start a new job or apprenticeship,” Mr Robert said.

“As we continue to suppress the virus, getting as many Australians into work as possible is critical to securing our economic recovery, and helping job seekers get a driver’s licence will increase their independence and mobility as well as boosting their prospects for getting into work.”

Driving lessons in Australia can be cost prohibitive for many Australians generally costing between $55 and $70 an hour. Driver’s licence fees vary by state and by licence level. This change supports all Australians, regardless of where they live.

For more information on the range of support available to job seekers, visit: www.jobsearch.gov.au

Today marks 120 years since the Australian National Flag was first officially flown at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne – the site of Australia’s first Parliament.

This year also marks 25 years of celebrating Australian National Flag Day.

Australia’s National Flag was chosen from the nearly 33,000 designs submitted as part of an international competition. On 3 September 1901, Australia’s Prime Minister, Sir Edmund Barton, announced the five winning entrants – all of whom submitted virtually the same design! The key elements of their designs were used to develop the Australian Flag we know and respect today.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the 120th anniversary of Australia’s National Flag is a poignant reminder of our nation’s strength as we face one of our most challenging periods.

“Our national flag is a symbol of great importance and under it we come together in strength and unity as Australians. It is fitting we use this historic day to acknowledge our rich and diverse national history and look with optimism to the future,” said Mr Vasta.

“I frequently have the great privilege of presenting the Australian flag to schools, community groups, local events and individuals across Bonner. It is always special to see people of all ages parade this flag with pride.

“On National Flag Day, I encourage everyone in Bonner to pause and reflect on our flag — the nation it represents, and the people it unites.

“In what has been the most unprecedented of times, today is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate our rich, national history and take a moment to reflect upon what our iconic flag represents.”

To learn more about the Australian National Flag visit www.pmc.gov.au/flag.

Its official, spring is here! Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP is encouraging locals to spark joy for someone in need by supporting not-for-profit donation platform GIVIT’s spring clean campaign.

Running up until 14 November, the campaign invites Australians to donate their preloved or unwanted items.

GIVIT works with more than 4,000 charities and support organisations around Australia to coordinate donations for people experiencing hardship due to natural disasters, COVID-19, domestic and family violence, homelessness, disability, and mental health.

Mr Vasta said the last 18 months have been a challenging time for many families and individuals in Bonner, where the support of campaign’s like GIVIT’s spring clean can make a priceless difference to those doing it tough.

“I have had the privilege of working with GIVIT for the last few years, who do incredible work with our charities in Bonner and am proud to be continuing my support with their most recent campaign,” said Mr Vasta.

“There’s no better time for a spring clean and I encourage locals to donate any items the GIVIT campaign needs.

“I would like to see the community come together to support those who need it most during this time.”

 GIVIT CEO and Bonner local Sarah Tennant said GIVIT is committed to improving waste reduction by facilitating the donation of used, returned, recycled and repaired quality items to support disadvantaged Australians.

“Recent reports show that most Australians have, on average, 19 unused or unwanted items in their homes, so we’re calling on people to donate these items to GIVIT and spark some much-needed joy this spring,” said Sarah.

 The GIVIT Spring Campaign runs from 1 September to 14 November. To donate to GIVIT’s Spring Campaign as an individual or business visit www.givit.org.au/spring.

Local charities, services and community groups can register with GIVIT for free to access thousands of donations offered by generous individuals and corporates. Register via GIVIT.org.au/need-help/organisations.

The safety of the Bonner community has received a boost with the passage of legislation that gives Australian law enforcement agencies new capabilities to identify and disrupt serious criminal activity occurring online.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said, “This is an important step forward in the fight against serious crimes like child exploitation, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms.

“So much illegal activity now takes place online and criminals think they can remain anonymous on the dark web.  We’re giving police the powers they need to tackle crime on the dark web and make our community safer.”

The Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2020 introduces three new powers for the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission to modify and delete data to frustrate offending, collect intelligence on criminal networks, and take control of alleged offenders’ online accounts.

Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Karen Andrews MP, said the changes will ensure Australia’s law enforcement agencies have the tools they need to keep pace with technology to continue to keep our community safe.

“The arrest of more than 290 people as part of Operation Ironside earlier this year confirmed the persistent and ever evolving threat of transnational, serious and organised crime – and the reliance of these networks on the dark web and anonymising technology to conceal their offending,” Minister Andrews said.

Mr Vasta said the Morrison Government has a strong track record of making sure our national law enforcement agencies have the powers and resources they need, with record funding delivered for the Australian Federal Police and ASIO in the Budget.

“We know that Covid-19 is not the only threat to community safety – these new laws are another important step in our plan to keep the community safe,” said Mr Vasta.

“We are determined to keep drugs off our streets and out of our community. Importantly, we are determined to stop and put away those who commit the most heinous crimes against children.”

Thank you, Deputy Speaker.

I’m happy to share that the Lindum Crossing safety upgrades are 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.

And Deputy Speaker, we are moving forward with the first stage of the level crossing safety upgrade thanks to $1 million from our Federal funds.

The immediate safety upgrade to the Lindum Crossing will include the installation of new and extended median islands as well as new on-road line markings and resurfacing, with works beginning at the end of November.

The second stage will utilise $10 million of our Government’s $85 million commitment to this project with plans currently being finalised and the upgrade due next year.

This upgrade has been a long time coming, but the good news is it is now underway.

We are motoring ahead with these project upgrades and making sure we fix Lindum once and for all!