Category: Media Releases

Additional Commonwealth financial assistance made available for flood victims in Queensland and New South Wales

Financial assistance is available to residents in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales impacted by the flooding disaster unfolding across the two states.

The Commonwealth Government has activated the Disaster Recovery Payment and the Disaster Recovery Allowance to support 15 LGAs in South East Queensland for residents in the local government areas of Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba. This is in addition to the assistance already activated for Gympie and North Burnett.

In addition to assistance for South East Queensland, the Commonwealth Government is extending the same financial assistance to Northern New South Wales local government areas of Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed. Claims for these payments can be made from tomorrow, Tuesday 1 March 2022.

Affected Queensland residents can now claim the Disaster Recovery Payment, with claims for Disaster Recovery Allowance available as of today, Tuesday 1 March 2022.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Commonwealth Government is closely monitoring the flood emergency and our hearts go out those people whose lives are affected.

“The Commonwealth Government have made financial support available now because we know the economic impact of disasters like these are felt long after flood water recede and there will be some very tough, days weeks and months ahead for thousands of people in Queensland and New South Wales,” Mr Vasta said.

The Disaster Recovery Payment is a one-off, non-means tested payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child, and is available to eligible people in those affected local government areas who have suffered a significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or serious injury.

Disaster Recovery Allowance will also be provided in the same affected local government areas. DRA assists employees and sole traders who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster. DRA is payable for a maximum of 13 weeks and is taxable.

Equivalent financial assistance will also be available to eligible New Zealand citizens (‘non-protected’ Special Category Visa, subclass 444 holders) affected by the storms and floods.

The easiest and quickest way to claim the Disaster Recovery Payment or the Disaster Recovery Allowance is online through myGov. If people require support to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66,

To provide further support the Australian Government is also pausing Centrelink debt raising and new debt recovery in the affected locations.

Online claiming via MyGov is available 24×7.  The Australian Government Emergency Information Line is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm local time. For more information on support available, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster.

 

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Morrison Government delivers new website to help families find the right childcare service for their kids

Australian families can compare childcare services and their fees following the launch of the Morrison Government’s new website: StartingBlocks.gov.au.

Families can visit StartingBlocks.gov.au to find local childcare services, view vacancies, compare costs, and check official quality ratings, including safety.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP encouraged all families to visit the website and said it will have special appeal to the 250,000 families with more than one child aged under six who will get a higher subsidy soon.

“Childcare costs can place a great amount of pressure on families, that is why our Federal Government is committed to helping families save money, so they can keep more of what they make in their own wallets, Mr Vasta said.

“StartingBlocks will also provide quality ratings for things such as safety standards, this will mean families can feel more certain when they are making the decision on where to send their children for childcare.”

On average, families will be better off $2,260 per year, with families with three children in care saving up to $370 a week on out-of-pocket costs.

Acting Minister for Education and Youth, Stuart Robert MP, said the website gives parents a new central place to make important choices about the early education and care needs for their children.

“I’m particularly excited because thousands of families will be able to see the significant savings they’ll make when the higher Child Care Subsidy we introduced comes into effect on 7 March,” Minister Robert said.

“The website features two new very cool tools to help families make one of their most important decisions—who is going to look after and educate their children in these formative years.

“The first feature is a comparison checker for families to assess services against each other and determine which one is best for them. The second main feature is a simple-to-use calculator where families can plug in their details and get an estimate of their out-of-pocket costs.

“In only a few clicks, on mobile, laptop or desktop computer, parents can get accurate and current information to help them find the right service for their kids.’

“We know how critical childcare is to around one million Australian families. It is why the Morrison Government has invested heavily in early childhood education and care,’ Minister Robert said.

“Next financial year, the Morrison Government will invest around $11 billion in the childcare system to reduce costs for families and support workforce participation.

“In December, we removed the annual cap for all families who are eligible for childcare.”

CEO of the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), Gabrielle Sinclair said children deserve the best quality early education and care, and StartingBlocks is an easy way to navigate Australia’s more than 16,500 approved early childhood education and care services.

“As the national authority, ACECQA is pleased to work with the Australian Government to reduce complexity for parents by enhancing StartingBlocks as the government-approved website to find and compare quality ratings, vacancies, fees and service inclusions in one convenient location.”

StartingBlocks.gov.au replaces the existing Child Care Finder website and reduces burden on approved providers of early education and care services, who no longer need to provide their fee and vacancy data separately to Child Care Finder.

 

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PLANTING TREES FOR THE QUEEN’S JUBILEE

Eligible groups and organisations in Bonner are invited to contact my office to discuss potential projects for nomination for an Australian Government grant to plant trees in honour of the legacy of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and her 70 years of service to Australia and the Commonwealth.

During this time, The Queen has visited Australia on 16 occasions, and on many of these visits has planted trees at community events and ceremonies—leaving a long-lasting reminder of the special occasion for the people in those communities. In fact, The Queen is said to have planted 1500 trees throughout Her reign.

The Planting Trees for The Queen’s Jubilee Program is one of a range of national and community events planned by the Australian Government to celebrate The Queen’s Jubilee year.

Ross Vasta MP Federal Member for Bonner welcomed the opportunity for local community groups to play a part in the celebrations.

“What better way to celebrate the incredible service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, than by planting trees and creating more green spaces for our local community and for generations to come,” Mr Vasta said.

Grants from $2,500 to $20,000 will be available to a broad range of organisations with each federal electorate eligible to receive up to $100,000 for up to 10 projects.

Projects that are suitable must include formal commemorative events in 2022 to mark the Jubilee, plantings of regionally‑appropriate tree species, and installation of commemorative signage or plaques.

For more information and for how to get involved visit: https://business.gov.au/ptqj

 

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Funding boost for frontline family, domestic and sexual violence services in Queensland

The $260 million National Partnership on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence has been rolled out, with Queensland receiving their first payment of $13.255 million to help address increased demand for frontline services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this funding will help keep the residents of Bonner safe and shows the commitment the Morrison Government has towards ending domestic violence.

“When a woman is escaping domestic violence, she is faced with great uncertainty, limited resources and is isolated,” Mr Vasta said.

“I have no tolerance for domestic violence and abuse and I have worked closely with domestic and sexual violence services within Bonner including Beyond DV, to help ensure women and children are safe and secure.

“This funding adds to the $130 million the Morrison Government provided to states and territories in 2020, which funded 450 family and domestic violence frontline organisations and delivered more than 545 activities and services.

“Under the $130 million National Partnership the Queensland government received $25.638 million which supported 130 frontline family domestic and sexual violence services.

“Among the projects funded there was also a focus on offering services to give women the skills and confidence to leave a violent relationship and live independently such as financial counselling programs and support navigating the legal and courts system which can often be daunting or too expensive.

“This additional support for frontline services also works alongside our Escaping Violence Payment which provides women and children leaving a violence relationship up to $5000 to establish a safe home regardless of their income or assets.”

Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston said the Morrison Government was absolutely committed to working collaboratively and cooperatively with our state and territory counterparts to ensure women and children have access to support they need to live free of violence.

“We are providing $65 million in support to states and territories through the first payment under the National Partnership Agreement giving each jurisdiction flexibility to determine where the money is needed most,” Minister Ruston said.

“It is being used to bolster frontline worker numbers, expand crisis accommodation, sexual violence support, counselling and crisis case management, legal support, perpetrator interventions and men’s behaviour change programs.

“Funding is also being directed to help women and children who may have additional barriers to accessing support such as migrants, people with disability, LGBTIQA+ communities and women and children living in rural and remote communities.”

The National Partnership Agreement is being funded under the Morrison Government’s record $1.1 billion investment into women’s safety and coincides with the next National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022 to 2032.

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Ross Vasta MP supports Mt Gravatt Vultures sustainability by funding solar panels

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has funded the installation of brand-new solar panels at Mt Gravatt Vultures AFC through $12,000 thanks to the Morrison Government’s Powering Communities Grant.

The new solar panels will enable the Mt Gravatt Vultures to lower their energy bills so they can reinvest the savings into their sporting community, whilst also supporting the club’s goal to become more environmentally sustainable.

Visiting the Mt Gravatt Vultures, Mr Vasta said the club is already seeing major benefits.

“It’s great to see that the Mt Gravatt Vultures are already enjoying the advantages from the Powering Communities Grant through new solar panels, especially considering energy bills often being one of the biggest overheads for not-for-profit organisations,” said Mr Vasta.

“These savings can be used by the club to expand their growing football program and provide more opportunities for players, spectators and volunteers alike. It will also go towards purchasing equipment like balls and training bibs.

“The Mt Gravatt Vultures are an important part of our sporting community in Bonner, and I am proud to have supported the club over the years with funding for upgrades to their facilities at Dittmer Park.”

The President of the Mt Gravatt Vultures Daryl Guilford, has expressed the club’s sincere appreciation for the funding which enables them to further invest in its growing football program with over 600 male and female players.

Mr Vasta has a strong history of supporting Mt Gravatt Vultures with funding for several projects over the years to upgrade their facilities at Dittmer Park, including night lighting, field irrigation systems, constructions of coaching boxes and spectator facilities.

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Enter to win a BBQ meat tray this Australia Day!

Australia Day isn’t complete without a barbeque and Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP is giving locals the chance to win everything they need for a spread to impress.

Mr Vasta said Australia Day is about coming together with friends, family and the community to celebrate our country and acknowledge its history.

“This year, Australia Day will be a time for us to reflect on the events of 2021 and how far we have come, respect the selfless sacrifice of frontline workers and celebrate the promise of a brighter 2022.

“For many Australians, the summer barbecue has become a tradition on this public holiday and is enjoyed wherever celebrations are taking place, whether it be at the beach, park or in the backyard.

“As we look forward to Australia Day, I’m giving away three barbeque meat trays. These will be sourced from three local butchers to support their business and recognise the contribution they have made to our community and economic recovery during this time.

“I encourage Bonner residents to enter to win one of these trays, so you’re sorted for the ultimate Australia Day feast!”

Entries close 5pm Wednesday 19 January with the winners to receive their barbeque meat tray in time for Australia Day. Visit www.rossvasta.com.au to enter.

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ACCC confirms electricity prices have continued to fall under Morrison Government

Household electricity prices across the National Electricity Market (NEM) have fallen to eight-year lows under the Morrison Government, driven by key government reforms, including the default market offer price cap.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) latest report from its ongoing inquiry into the NEM confirms electricity prices have fallen substantially for both households and business customers over the past two years.

The ACCC report found the average annual cost of electricity for a residential customer in 2020–21 was $1,434, down by $128 or 8% across the past two financial years.  Costs for businesses have fallen even further, down 10% for small businesses over the last two years, and down 12 per cent for large businesses.

The ACCC also said it expected electricity prices would continue to fall over the coming 12 months as the impact from falling wholesale costs over the last two years continue to flow through to consumers.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Morrison Government is focused on ensuring access to affordable, secure and reliable electricity.

“Energy costs are continuing to fall and this is good news for families and small businesses right across Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our plan is delivering real savings for Australians, and this is yet another report, following recent reporting from the AER, the AEMC and the ABS, showing how this government’s actions are supporting sustained and substantial electricity price falls.”

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the Government has a clear expectation that these falling costs are passed onto consumers, and that the energy market delivers the best outcomes for Australian households and businesses.

“The ACCC has found electricity prices are expected to fall further over the next year, due to lower wholesale costs, reflecting lower costs for coal and gas, increased supply from solar and wind generation, and lower transmission costs,” the Treasurer said.

“These findings are great news for Australian families and businesses, with lower electricity costs further supporting Australians as the economy recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said government programs, such as the Default Market Offer and the “big stick” legislation for energy companies, are directly helping customers to benefit from reduced electricity costs.

“Households and businesses rely on affordable, reliable power to grow and thrive. They cannot afford a repeat of the doubling of electricity costs we saw under Labor, driven by the carbon tax and goldplating of our poles and wires.

“This is why the Government’s plan for energy has been about putting customers first, and making sure households and businesses have more money in their hip pockets”

The ACCC’s latest report into the NEM is available at https://www.accc.gov.au/.

ENDS
Minister Taylor’s office — Caitlin 0428 389 880

Mr Vasta’s office – Kaylah 0402 845 576

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Drive to survive and thrive this festive season

As COVID-19 restrictions ease and Australians’ minds turn to long-awaited travel over the upcoming festive season, the Australian Government is urging people in Bonner to drive safely.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the best holidays are those where everyone stays safe and well, and that means taking road safety seriously at all times.

“These holidays are a great opportunity for everyone to take a well-deserved break off the back of another tough year, to reconnect with family and friends, and spend quality time together,” Mr Vasta said.

“With border restrictions only recently easing, this means we expect more people to be on our roads than we’ve seen for a while, especially those embarking on long journeys or even going interstate. It means more children, pedestrians and cyclists on or near our roads, especially at holiday destinations. That makes it even more vital for us all to take road safety and our role in promoting it seriously.

“Devastatingly, this year there has been over 250 casualties on Queensland roads. I recently caught up with Carina Police Station Senior Seargent Brendan Jorgensen to get his advice for how we can all stay safe on the roads this festive season.

“Brendan is strongly advising all drivers to take their time, make sure their car is fit for purpose, leave early to avoid being rushed and to not use or be distracted by their mobile phone.”

The Australian Government is determined to do what it can to help improve road safety and drive down the number of people who die or are seriously injured on our roads.

Across Bonner, the Morrison Government is delivering new and better roads to get residents home sooner and safer:

  • Upgrading the M1 between Eight Mile Plains and Daisy Hill – $510 million.
  • Fixing the Rochedale Road roundabout – $14 million.
  • Delivering the Brisbane Metro depot, including four stations locally – $300 million.
  • Upgrading the Newnham Road and Wecker Road intersection – $12 million.
  • Fixing Lindum Crossing – making it safer – $85 million.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said these holidays are the first chance for many Australians to reconnect with loved ones, friends and even their homes, and it’s on all of us to promote road safety to ensure no one is missing at those reunions.

“One injury, one death is one too many – no family should have to endure the loss of a loved one on our roads,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Our Government is also playing a vital role in road safety, with record funding flowing through initiatives such as our $3 billion Road Safety Program to deliver the safe and efficient road infrastructure Australians need and deserve.

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the most important thing these holidays is everyone arriving and returning safely at the end of each trip.

“Whether it’s a short trip to the local beach, an interstate roady to one of our sunny coasts, or one of our truckies pulling a long haul to deliver last-minute presents or fresh produce for Christmas lunches, each trip matters and every one of us deserves to make it back safe and sound,” Assistant Minister Buchholz said.

“That’s why our Government continues to ramp up its road safety commitments, as part of our broader ambition to achieve Vision Zero – that is no road deaths or injuries occurring on Australian roads by 2050.”

For more information on the Australian Government’s road safety initiatives, visit officeofroadsafety.gov.au.

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Backing local manufacturers to lead our economic recovery

The Morrison Government is backing more manufacturers in Bonner to grow and create new jobs as they help secure our economic recovery, with $280 million in funding on offer.

The matched funding is available through Round 2 of the Integration and Translation Streams of the $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI).

Applications will soon open for businesses in the six National Manufacturing Priority Areas; Space, Medical Products, Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Processing, Food and Beverage, Recycling and Clean Energy, and Defence.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said our Modern Manufacturing Initiative has already proven to invest phenomenal projects which support businesses to scale-up, introduce new products to market, strengthen our supply chains and create more local jobs.

“This matched funding will help businesses turn innovative research and ideas into reality, as well as unlocking new opportunities and investment both here at home and for overseas export,” Mr Vasta said.

“With so many incredible, home grown manufactures in Bonner, we want to continue to support them to grow and prosper and this funding will help them do just that. We know our manufacturers are central to our ongoing economic recovery.”

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the matched funding will help manufacturers break into new markets and translate great ideas into commercial outcomes.

“Our manufacturing sector is going from strength to strength, with more than a million Australians employed in manufacturing and strong confidence in the future of the sector.”

“We know our manufacturers will lead the charge when it comes to our economic recovery from the pandemic – and that’s why we’re investing in them to help secure our future,” Minister Taylor said.

The MMI is the centrepiece of the Government’s $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy, designed to position Australia as a globally recognised, high-quality and sustainable manufacturing nation.

For more information and to read the guidelines visit business.gov.au/mmi

Applications will open in two tranches, starting 13 December 2021.

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Volunteer grants support 30 community groups in Bonner

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has announced 30 of Bonner’s community groups have been awarded a total of $116,768 in funding as part of the Morrison Government’s Volunteer Grants.

The 2021 grants round was representative of $20 million for groups across the country, to support the crucial role they play in our communities as Australia moves forward out of the pandemic.

Mr Vasta said funding was awarded to Bonner’s community organisations across sport, environment, rotary, and foundations supporting disadvantaged women and children.

“I spend a great deal of time in our community and am constantly in awe of the impact our of volunteers who have hearts for making a difference.”

“Even during this challenging year, their dedication and hard work continues to strengthen our community. It is privilege to be recognising their efforts.

“For the awarded organisations, the funding will go towards training and retention of volunteers, strengthening of participation in volunteering, supporting organisational activities and funding technologies like laptops to assist in the delivery of services.

“I look forward to visiting these organisations, thanking them for their contribution and seeing how the funding has made a difference to their work.”

The 2021 Volunteer Grants provide organisations with grants of $1,000 to $5,000 to help purchase equipment, training and background screening checks for their volunteers.

Volunteers are integral to many Australian organisations, with more than 8.7 million volunteers across the country giving their time freely to support their communities.

Bonner’s 2021 Volunteer Grant recipients:

  • Bayside Creeks Catchment Group
  • Bayside Sea Scouts – The Scout Association of Australia QLD Branch
  • Bulimba Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee
  • Care Kits for Kids Inc
  • Carina, Carindale and Distract Basketball Club Inc.
  • Clairvaux Football Club
  • Community Sports Mentoring and Coaching
  • Damini Women’s Association of Queensland Inc.
  • Hope Foundation (Lovewell)
  • Junior Bayside Jets Basketball Club
  • Manly Lota RSL
  • Mount Gravatt Hawks Football Club
  • Mt Gravatt Magic Basketball Inc.
  • Nature Freedom
  • Ocean Crusaders
  • Pacific Rifle Club Inc.
  • Queensland Philatelic Council
  • Queensland target Sports Inc.
  • Quota International Carindale Inc.
  • Right Connexions Ltd
  • Sailability Bayside
  • Sails at Bayside
  • South Western Metro Basketball
  • St Pauls Uniting Sporting Club Inc.
  • The Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly
  • Waterloo Bay Leisure Centre
  • Wynnum and District Horse and Pony Club
  • Wynnum Christian Community Church
  • Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club
  • Wynnum Manly Little Athletics Club

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