The Morrison Government will help local small businesses as they move into the recovery phase of the coronavirus crisis by extending the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme which supports small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) to get access to the funding they need to adapt and innovate during the coronavirus crisis.

Under the existing Scheme, the Government is providing an unprecedented level of support to SMEs in partnership with 44 approved lenders by guaranteeing 50 per cent of new unsecured loans to SMEs.

The Scheme has already seen more than 15,600 businesses accept loans worth $1.5 billion.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the next phase of the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme would help small businesses in his electorate move out of hibernation, successfully adapt to the new COVID-safe economy and invest for the future.

“Extending the SME Guarantee Scheme is our Government’s way of supporting small businesses as they seek to rebuild, adapt and create local jobs on the other side of the coronavirus crisis,” Mr Vasta said.

Key changes to the Scheme include:

• Extending the purpose of loans able to be provided beyond working capital, such that a wider range of investment can be funded;
• Permitting secured lending (excluding commercial or residential property);
• Increasing the maximum loan size to $1 million (from $250,000) per borrower;
• Increasing the maximum loan term to five years (from three years); and
• Allowing lenders the discretion to offer a repayment holiday period.

The extended terms of the Scheme will enable lenders to continue supporting Australian small businesses when they need it most.

The expanded Scheme will shift from providing access to working capital to helping businesses stay afloat during the crisis to now also enabling them to access more affordable and longer-term credit so that they can invest for their future.

The initial phase of the Scheme remains available for new loans issued by eligible lenders until 30 September 2020.

The second phase of the Scheme will start on 1 October 2020 and will be available until 30 June 2021.

For more information visit www.business.gov.au

Community groups in Bonner can apply for new NAIDOC local grants to help showcase the best of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture during this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said NAIDOC Week 2020 would be held between November 8 – 15 and there was $1.4 million available to support local communities to host events and other activities during the week.

“All Australians are excited to start planning and attending in-person and virtual events in a COVID safe way and NAIDOC Week will be an opportunity to celebrate our resilience,” Mr Vasta said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people play a vital role in the story of our nation and through these grants, events will be held to celebrate our proud history and shared culture, and also recognise and honour the contributions and achievements of Indigenous Australians.”

Mr Vasta said this year’s theme was Always Was, Always Will Be.

“I look forward to our local community groups engaging with Indigenous culture, gaining a greater understanding of our nation’s shared history and celebrating the unique place Indigenous peoples have in our society,” Mr Vasta said.

“I encourage everyone to plan how they will get involved with NAIDOC Week and look forward to unique events and other activities to showcase the best of Indigenous Australia in a safe way.”

Information on the 2020 NAIDOC local grants round is available on the National Indigenous Australians Agency website www.niaa.gov.au/naidoc

Applications close 17 August 2020 and all applicants from the previous round in March will be contacted by the National Indigenous Australians Agency and provided guidance on how to re-apply.

Events and information about NAIDOC Week 2020 will be posted to www.naidoc.org.au

The Coalition Government is calling for public submissions into a review of the Disability Standards for Education 2005.

Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the standards played a key role in ensuring students with disability could access and participate in education without any barriers.

“It’s incredibly important we review these standards regularly to make sure they are doing their job to give equal access and opportunity for students with disability,” Mr Tehan said.

“The standards help students with disability and their families know their rights and make clear the obligations of all education providers – from preschool and kindergarten through to vocational education providers and universities.

“This could include making reasonable adjustments in the classroom, such as additional learning support and modifying homework tasks, or adjusting the classroom environment to suit a student’s mobility needs.

“An extensive community consultation process will be held from 16 July to 25 September, providing an opportunity for the public to share experiences and ideas.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he strongly encouraged current, former and prospective students with disability, their families and carers, educators, and other members of the public to share their thoughts on the standards and their implementation.

“People can have their say by completing an online questionnaire, making a submission, participating in a webinar, or by expressing their interest in a focus group, one-on-one interview, or an online discussion,” Mr Vasta said.

The first webinar on 23 July will centre on schooling.

The standards are reviewed every five years.

For more information, visit the Consultation Hub at www.disabilitystandardsreview.education.gov.au

A national campaign has been launched to support the recovery of Australia’s small businesses by calling on all Australians to ‘Go Local First’.

Funded by the Morrison Government, the campaign led by the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) will urge Australians to ‘Go Local First’ when purchasing products and services to help the small business sector get back on its feet.

The campaign will highlight the vital role of small businesses in our nation’s economic recovery from COVID-19.

Minister for Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said now more than ever Australian small businesses needed local communities to back them and support their recovery by choosing to shop with them either in-person or online.

“Australians know when they make the choice to go to their local small businesses, they are supporting their community and the national economy as a whole,” Minister Cash said.

“The ‘Go Local First’ campaign will feature numerous small businesses from across Australia including cafes, chemists, retailers, trades, hairdressers, butchers, accountants and bookkeepers.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said spending with local small businesses kept money within our communities and helped the local economy thrive.

“This campaign is all about getting behind your local small business whether it is your local baker, plumber, barista or butcher for example,” Mr Vasta said.

“Every small business employs locals in our community and it’s time we all come together and support one another.

“The resourcefulness of Australians working together will see us emerge stronger on the other side.

“I encourage everyone in our local community to actively support this campaign and do whatever you can to back our fantastic small and family businesses and Go Local First.”

Over the coming months, Australians will see the ‘Go Local First’ message on TV, radio, online and in their community.

For more information on the campaign visit www.golocalfirst.com.au

UPGRADES to the dangerous Newnham and Wecker road intersection at Mt Gravatt East is a step closer with a concept design determined and preliminary design phase currently underway.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said growing congestion and safety concerns on the notoriously dangerous intersection prompted a $12 million Morrison Government investment towards a solution.

“This funding is part of the $33 million solution to be delivered by Brisbane City Council and I am happy to say, by working with my colleagues we are a step closer to getting this intersection fixed,” Mr Vasta said.

“Once the design phase is complete, construction is expected to get underway mid-2021, with completion planned for 2022.”

Mr Vasta said the proposed intersection upgrade would improve overall intersection operation, road safety, reduce congestion, improve travel time reliability and improve active transport accessibility.

“The concept includes a right turn lane on Newnham Road northbound, with a dedicated traffic signal right turn arrow, which will make a tremendous difference to safety,” Mr Vasta said.

“Other plans include and additional right turn lane from Wecker Road onto Newnham Road, signalisation for pedestrians crossing the existing left turn slip lane on Newnham Road southbound, as well as improved active transport infrastructure.”

Mr Vasta said better coordination of the traffic signals of the Newnham Road/ Creek Road and Newnham Road/ Wecker Road intersections would also maximise traffic flow capacity.

“Once the preliminary design phase is complete, I look forward to working with Councillor Ryan Murphy to deliver this vital upgrade to our local community,” Mr Vasta said.

More information on the project can be found here.

The Morrison Government’s updated Defence Strategy and ongoing commitment to maximising Australian industry involvement in Defence capability projects will create new jobs and investment in Queensland over the coming decade and beyond.

As detailed in the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and 2020 Force Structure Plan released by Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP and Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC today, the Government will invest a record $270 billion in Defence capability and infrastructure over the next decade across Australia.

Through this Plan, there will be a $3 billion investment over the coming decade into the refresh and redevelopment of Defence facilities in Queensland including:

• Southern Queensland sites including Gallipoli Barracks (Enoggera), Swartz Barracks (Oakey), Borneo Barracks (Cabarlah), Kokoda Barracks (Canungra) and RAAF Base Amberley; and
• Northern Queensland sites including Lavarack Barracks (Townsville), RAAF Base Townsville, RAAF Base Scherger; HMAS Cairns; and Shoalwater Bay and Townsville Field training areas.

Local industry involvement in the delivery of these projects will be maximised through this Government’s Local Industry Capability Plan initiative.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this would ensure local suppliers, contractors and tradies had the opportunity to secure more of this work, creating more jobs for local communities in Queensland.

This investment comes on top of the Government’s significant investment in building and sustaining Australian Defence Force capability in Queensland.

Over the 12 months to March 2020, Defence has invested around $3 billion in Queensland. Examples of key programs and activities in Queensland include:

• The supply of medium and heavy trailers to support Army’s field vehicles providing around 95 jobs
• Satellite ground station delivery planning and management and planning for Defence operations maintaining around 20 highly skilled jobs
• The provision of tactical communications networks for the Army supporting around 245 jobs
• The sustainment of hydrographic ships and associated vessels at facilities in Cairns supporting approximately 120 jobs
• Support, maintenance and training services for Army’s rotary fleet at Oakey supporting around 175 jobs
• Sustainment management of the KC-30 air-to-air efueling capability supporting around 270 jobs
• Maintenance and upgrades of the Australian-built Bushmaster providing around 80 jobs to ensure ADF personnel are protected against explosive and ballistic threats on the battlefield.

Significantly, the Morrison Government is investing $5.2 billion to deliver, 211 Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles, 186 of which will be built in South East Queensland.

Today, Queensland is home to around 28,000 Defence personnel, including ADF permanent and reserve members and Australian Public Service employees. This number is forecasted to grow over the coming years.

The policies and investment in the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and 2020 Force Structure Plan will make the ADF more capable for the wide range of scenarios Australia will face in the future, more agile to rapid changes, and more potent if a situation should call for it.

What is more, much of this investment in Australia’s defence capabilities will go directly to Australian industry, creating jobs and skills. This Government’s investment in defence capability is already benefitting around 15,000 Australian businesses, who support around 70,000 Australian workers. These numbers are set to increase in line with these new opportunities for Australian industry.

This is a comprehensive plan to further build the resilience, agility and capability of the ADF, and create a more secure and safe Australia. The people of Queensland can have confidence that this Government will ensure that we can defend our nation and protect our interests today and into the future.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has praised the quick actions of one of his team members who saved a Bonner couple in their 80s from losing $29,000 from a sophisticated phone scam.

Mr Vasta said his electorate office often received calls from constituents to report attempted scams, but in this case, the couple fell for the professional-sounding callers.

“It makes me sick to my stomach to think this couple almost lost $29,000 and I am so glad we could stop it at the last minute,” Mr Vasta said.

“One of my team members received a call from a lady whose husband had been on the phone for two hours by a man purporting to be from the NBN.

“He was asked by to caller for access to his computer to hook up the NBN and logged on as requested. He was then advised the ACCC noted he had been overcharged by an internet company for three years and they were entitled to a refund.”

Mr Vasta said after asking for bank details and depositing the refund, he was then told by the caller they deposited too much and needed to transfer the overpayment back.

“The scammer also told the constituent not to tell the bank and that’s when his wife called my office,” Mr Vasta said.

“My team member immediately informed him it was a scam and the NBN would never ask for account details or remote access. She advised the lady to call her bank immediately and freeze the account, which she did.”

Mr Vasta said the couple then called back and advised his office the bank had just blocked an attempt to withdraw $29,000 and it was reported immediately to the fraud squad.

“It is a relief the bank blocked it just in time and it really serves as a reminder no matter how professional a caller may seem; you can never be too careful about your private information.”

According to ScamWatch, remote access scams are quite common. Warning signs include:

• Receiving a phone call out of the blue and the caller claims to be from a large telecommunications or computer company, or a technical support service provider.
• They tell you your computer is experiencing problems and they need remote access.
• They ask you to buy software or sign up to a service to fix the computer
• They ask for personal details and your bank or credit card details
• The caller is very persistent and may become abusive.

ScamWatch tips on how to protect yourself from a scam:

• Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer.
• Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone
• If you receive a phone call out of the blue about your computer and remote access is requested – hang up – even if they mention a well-known company such as NBN or Telstra.

If you receive a call believed to be a scam, report it to Scam Watch at www.scamwatch.gov.au

NBN Co also has a webpage advising of common scams and how to protect yourself at www.nbnco.com.au/learn/protect-yourself-from-scams

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has officially launched the Bonner Winter Essentials Drive to donate goods to local charities and organisations supporting people in our community doing it tough.

Mr Vasta said the coronavirus pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on local communities and as a result, local organisations supporting vulnerable people were finding their resources stretched.

“Nationally our government has delivered emergency relief funding to many of these organisations, including an additional $200 million under the Community Support Package,” Mr Vasta said.

“However, with more than 21,000 people in Queensland living rough, either through boarding houses, supported accommodation or sleeping out in the cold, at a local level there is always more we can do.

“Bonner’s local charities and organisations always go above and beyond to support vulnerable people in our community and this is our chance to make a difference and give back.”

Mr Vasta said he was seeking donations of non-perishable food items, hygiene products and blankets to donate to Bonner charities.

“My office in Wynnum will be a drop off point for donations, and local Councillors Steven Huang and Ryan Murphy have also offered to be collection points for the Bonner Winter Essentials Drive,” Mr Vasta said.

“This is the first global pandemic we have faced and just like in times of natural disaster, we need our community to come together and help each other out.”

Drop off locations:

• Office of Ross Vasta MP – 69 Clara Street, Wynnum
• Office of Cr Ryan Murphy – Shop 8 Millenium Centre, 14 Millenium Blvd, Carindale
• Office of Cr Steven Huang – 2072 Logan Rd, Upper Mt Gravatt

From July 1 2020, more than 17,000 small and family businesses in Bonner will be paying less tax as a result of legislated tax cuts passed by the Morrison Government.

As the 2020-2021 financial year begins, incorporated small and family businesses with a turnover of less than $50 million will see their company tax rate reduced from 27.5 per cent to 26 per cent.

Unincorporated businesses will also benefit as the rate of the small business income tax offset increases from 8 per cent to 13 per cent.

The changes mark the next stage of the Morrison Government’s accelerated small business tax cuts, legislated in October 2018, which brought forward tax relief for small and medium businesses by five years.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Michaelia Cash said this was a big win for the small business sector.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and with 3.5 million small businesses across the country, they are a vital part of our COVID-19 recovery,” Minister Cash said.

“As COVID-19 health restrictions ease and the economy re-opens, this tax relief will support Australian small and family businesses to bounce back stronger and get to the other side of this crisis.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said bringing forward these tax cuts would be a shot in the arm for hard working small and family businesses in Bonner.

“At a time when they need it most, these tax cuts will lead to more investment, increased employment opportunities for Australians and helping small business owners keep more of their money,” Mr Vasta said.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said these legislated tax cuts would provide further support to small business during the COVID-19 crisis.

“The Coalition Government has delivered extensive support for small and medium sized businesses during the COVID-19 crisis,” Minister Frydenberg said.

“We have extended the Instant Asset Write Off to $150,000 for another six months, are providing the Cash Flow Boost of up to $100,000 for employing small businesses, and are boosting access to capital through our COVID-19 SME Guarantee Scheme.

“This is in addition to the extensive income support JobKeeper, JobSeeker, and our Supporting Apprentices & Trainees wage subsidy are providing to support small businesses and sole traders across Australia.”

The Morrison Government’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme has had an incredibly successful first year and from today, an additional 10,000 loan guarantees are now available for first home buyers over the next 12 months through participating lenders.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme was a key election commitment of the Morrison Government, and cut years off the time it took for Australians to save for a deposit.

“The Scheme has so far provided 10,000 guarantees to eligible first home buyers to allow them to purchase a modest home with a deposit of as little as five per cent,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Scheme can also be used in conjunction with the Morrison Government’s First Home Super Saver Scheme and HomeBuilder, and first home buyers may also be eligible for state and territory grants and concessions.

“National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) data shows applications for guaranteed loans are being received from all parts of our community, be it in our capital cities, regional centres or rural areas.”

In the Scheme’s first year of operation, data also showed guaranteed loans went to applicants whose income were well below the Scheme’s caps.

The average income of single applicants is $66,488 ($125,000 cap) and for couples $109,410 ($200,000 cap).

The Scheme has proven most popular with first home buyers under the age of 30 years of age who secured 59 per cent of guarantees, and 12 per cent of guarantees have been secured by Australians over the age of 40.

The largest amount of applications for guaranteed loans, 45 per cent, were made through mortgage brokers.

For more information and eligibility criteria visit NHFIC’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme website: https://www.nhfic.gov.au/what-we-do/fhlds/