Local residents are set to benefit from new action to crack down on frustrating and potentially costly scam messaging which has been welcomed by Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP.

“The Morrison Government has taken strong action to shut down scam text messages.  I know that many local residents have received malicious scam text messages, so this is a really positive step forward,” said Mr Vasta.

“Working with industry, our government has made an important regulatory amendment empowering the telecommunication sector to identify and block SMS scams at source.

“It won’t mean they disappear overnight, but it does mean more can be done to stop this insidious activity that affects many unsuspecting people.”

This year, SMS and phone scam reports are double those reported to Scamwatch in 2020, resulting in over $87 million being lost by the Australian community.

“Scam text messages and calls are not only annoying – they have a real impact on lives, with people being defrauded, their identities stolen, or their devices disabled.  It’s a serious problem.

“The regulatory amendment we have enacted provides the telecommunications sector with the authority they need to block malicious SMS messages at scale and protect the Australian public from scammers.”

The Morrison Government is committed to collaborating with industry to tackle new and emerging threats to the Australian community, including scams that exploit digital technologies for nefarious ends.

The regulatory announcement comes on top of the Morrison Government’s Reducing Scam Calls Code, which has resulted in more than 214 million scam calls being blocked since December 2020.

“I really encourage everybody to think twice before they click any link sent to them in a text or email – even if it appears to be from a legitimate source.  It’s worth checking on the origin of any unexpected text or email,” said Mr Vasta.

Practical information to help Australians stay secure from cybercrime is available at the Australian Government’s dedicated cyber security website. www.cyber.gov.au  While Scams can be reported to Scamwatch at www.scamwatch.gov.au

Manly-Lota RSL Sub-Branch in Bonner have been awarded $23,609 from the Morrison Government to support local veterans and their families.

They are among 127 ex-service organisations (ESOs) sharing in $4.35 million through the 2021 round of the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said that ESOs in Bonner play a crucial role for local veterans and their families, ensuring they are well supported.

“I would like to thank all ESOs that provide advocacy services in Bonner who continue to provide vital services to our local veteran community,” Mr Vasta said.

“Manly Lota RSL Sub-Branch has been providing a respectful, supportive and inclusive space for our veterans for decades. They are dedicated to keeping the memory of Anzac Day, Vietnam Veterans Day, and Remembrance Day alive for generations to come.

“Currently, they are managing over 250 veterans’ cases, meaning a key focus of their work is staying up to date with matters of interest to veterans and the broader community.

“This funding is critical to supporting this; equipping the branch with the technology to research cases, ensuring software is up to date as well as the contacting of veterans and ongoing administration.

“It will also extend into making sure the branch can continue to host meaningful community events like morning teas, Remembrance Day ceremonies and various occasions where they can reach out to veterans.

“It will not only make an invaluable difference to the branch, but also to its members and our community.”

Manly-Lota RSL Sub-Branch Advocate Mark Gallagher said, “Thank you to the Morrison Government for their significant contribution to our branch.”

“It will make possible our day-to-day work to deliver veterans the support they need and deserve to get on with their lives.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the BEST Program assists ESOs across the country to deliver the highest quality services.

“This additional funding will help these groups provide veterans even greater transition support, assistance with claims and entitlements, and access to services such as rehabilitation and wellbeing programs,” Minister Gee said.

“It will make a real difference to those on the ground, providing critical support and resources for veterans in Bonner.

“This year has been tough for many and this funding boost is a clear commitment of the Australian Government’s ongoing support for our ESOs and the local veteran community.”

To apply for future rounds of the BEST Program or for further information, including a full list of successful recipients, visit the Community Grants Hub website https://www.communitygrants.gov.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP visited Wishart State School to see the newly completed all abilities senior playground which was made possible thanks to $350,000 in funding by the Morrison Government.

Mr Vasta said he was thrilled with the completed playground and recreational space that will be enjoyed by the school community for many years to come.

“This playground has been part of Wishart State School’s vision for over 20 years. It’s been a long time coming, making it extra special to know what it will mean for both the school and local community,” said Mr Vasta.

“Since announcing the funding, I have been following the upgrade stages closely and have made regular visits to the site. The school undertook an extensive consultation process to make sure staff, students and parents could all have a say in the designs.

“Given Wishart State School’s growing school community, the senior students need a space where they can embrace the outdoors and this is exactly what this playground has enabled.

“Most importantly, all the senior students have been considered, including specialty equipment for those with special needs.”

Wishart State School Principal Yolanda Tognini said “We’ve been overwhelmed by how pleased students, staff and parents are with the new playground.

“It’s already making an incredible difference and we are really grateful for this significant contribution.”

In recognition of World Diabetes Day which falls this month, the Morrison Government has released a new 10-year plan to better support Australians in Bonner living with all forms of diabetes.

The Australian National Diabetes Strategy 2021–2030 will drive real improvements in the prevention, early detection, management, and care of people with diabetes.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said with approximately one in 20 Australians affected by diabetes, the new strategy will bring together the latest research and evidence to ensure our health response continues to adapt to the changing health environment.

“The Strategy will help support all Australians living with diabetes, including those in Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“It has been updated to include information relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as guidance and support to help Australian’s diabetes self-management.”

“In the last 12 months, the Morrison Government has prioritised the health and wellbeing of Australians, delivering more than 5.9 million diabetes products worth more than $186 million and dispensing more than $709 million in medicines under the PBS.

“Significant investments have been made and will continue to be made by our government into diabetes research.”

The Strategy also features specific details and actions for priority population groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and expectant mothers.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt, said with this year’s World Diabetes Day theme being Access to Diabetes Care: If Not Now, When? it highlights the ongoing care and support people with diabetes require to manage their condition and avoid complications.

“This year also marks 100 years since the discovery of insulin, a medical breakthrough that has saved the lives of millions over the last century,” Minister Hunt said.

“The Morrison Government is committed to ensuring Australians with diabetes can continue to access the treatments and support they need, when they need it.”

In just 12 months, the number of Australians with diabetes registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme increased by more than 120,000 people, climbing to around 1.4 million in June 2021.

The Morrison Government provides funding to support people with diabetes through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) which includes programs such as KeepSight, Diabetes in Schools, FootForward and MyDesmond; the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), the Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) initiative, and research funding.

The Australian National Diabetes Strategy 2021–2030 is available online – https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/australian-national-diabetes-strategy-2021-2030

The festive season has officially begun! This is a time of celebration and joy, but for some it can be stressful, isolating, and costly – especially during the ongoing pandemic.

Every year, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP encourages locals to give the gift of giving by donating non-perishable food items to the Bonner Christmas Appeal. This year’s appeal has now launched and will be running until Wednesday 15^th December.

Mr Vasta said the goods will be spread across Bonner’s not for profit groups where they are needed most including Mt Gravatt Community Centre, Access Street Van’s in Mansfield, Rosie’s, Beyond DV as well as church groups like St Peters in Wynnum and Citipointe Church in Carindale.

“This has been another challenging year for many individuals and families in our community. The Bonner Christmas Appeal is an opportunity for locals to spread joy and comfort to those who need it most by donating the simple food items most of us take for granted.

“I’ve already heard from local not for profit groups that there is an immense need for donations in the lead up to Christmas. That is why it is a privilege to be partnering with them and involving our entire community to provide a helping hand.

“While you’re shopping for your loved ones this year, I encourage you to think about adding a few items to your trolley which can make a real difference to someone’s Christmas.

“Together, let’s make sure our community can enjoy Christmas.”

St Pete’s Pantry volunteer Marilyne Jacob said, “This is such a generous appeal; there is a definite need in this community.

“People’s money is not stretching, and Christmas is that time where most of the community wants to help,” said Mrs Jacob.

Donations can be dropped into the below locations any weekday between now and Wednesday 15^th December between the office hours at each location:

• Ross Vasta MP at 69 Clara Street Wynnum (open 8:30am to 4:30pm)
• State Member for Chatsworth Steve Minnikin MP at Unit 1, Millennium Business Centre, Millennium Boulevard Carindale (open between 9am to 5pm)
• Councillor Steven Huang at MacGregor Ward Office 2072 Logan Road Upper Mt Gravatt (open between 9am to 5pm)
• Councillor Ryan Murphy at Chandler Ward Office Shop 8 Millennium Centre, 14 Millennium Boulevard Carindale (open between 9am to 5pm)
• Councillor Lisa Atwood at Doboy Ward Office Shop 5, 1181 Wynnum Road Cannon Hill (open between 9am to 5pm)

As part of Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP’s ongoing plan to deliver more mental health services on the Bayside, this week he reconvened the Bayside Mental Health Working Group.

The over 20 attendees heard from Brisbane South PHN Senior HR Business Partner Melissa Binks and Head of Be Someone for Someone (Initiative of Feros Care) Joanne Winwood who presented social prescribing as an early intervention and prevention approach for youth mental health; a plan tailored to the Bayside.

Throwing his support behind this plan, Mr Vasta said the meeting addressed problematic loneliness amongst young people and how to help them to reconnect with their community through the potential of social prescribing.

“Social connections are the greatest protection against depression and are proven to reduce suicidal behaviour. Young people are the largest cohort of Australian’s experiencing problematic loneliness, so it is critical to not only be recognising this need but responding to it by delivering accessible support services,” Mr Vasta said.

“Taking urgent action to combat loneliness and social isolation amongst youth has widespread social and economic benefits for communities. It supports individuals’ mental health and quality of life and makes these communities stronger.

“Brisbane South PHN and Feros have proposed a co-designed model, seeking feedback from local mental health experts and community providers whose work extends right across our area including (but not limited to) children, men, women, young people, adults, older people, First Nations and LGBTQI+.

“With a deep understanding of what is happening and what needs to be done in our area specifically around early intervention for youth, their feedback has already played a fundamental role in formulating this plan.

“The mental health of our community cannot be underestimated and I look forward to continuing to work with Brisbane South PHN and Feros on this plan for the Bayside.”

Supporting mental health is a key priority of the Morrison Government, who made a $2.3 billion commitment to the sector as part of the recent 2021-22 Federal Budget. The Bayside Mental Health Roundtable forms part of Mr Vasta’s plan to ensure the funding included as part of the Budget will benefit the Bayside.

Do not hesitate to reach out for mental health support. Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through headspace (https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), Lifeline (13 11 14), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).

Bonner residents are encouraged to observe a minute’s silence this Remembrance Day, to reflect on the service and sacrifice of all those Australians who have suffered and died in times of war.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said it was important to continue the tradition of pausing at the 11^th hour on the 11^th day of the 11^th month to commemorate our fallen.

“For more than a century, Australians have stood together on Remembrance Day to remember the more than 102,000 Australian service personnel who have served or lost their lives in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” Mr Vasta said.

“It is one of the most important days of the year for not only our veterans, but for all Australians.

“Across Bonner today, locals and communities are coming together at the various services taking place to observe a minute’s silence in honour of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.”

On Remembrance Day it is a tradition to honour the fallen by wearing a red poppy, the flower that grew in the battlefields of France and Belgium during the First World War.

“Bonner has a proud history of military service and I encourage all members of our community to buy and wear a poppy this Remembrance Day. Buying a poppy from your nearest RSL sub-branch makes a difference to their work supporting our local veterans.”

Australians are also able to access commemorative resources for Remembrance Day, including stories from those who served, from the Anzac Portal.

The Morrison Government has released the first national Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy backed by an expanded $250 million Future Fuels Fund investment.

The technology-led Strategy will see the Government work with industry to enhance consumer choice, create jobs and reduce emissions in Australia’s transport sector.

The expanded Future Fuels Fund, will focus on four key areas of investment, including:

• Public electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure
• Heavy and long-distance vehicle technologies
• Commercial fleets
• Household smart charging

The Government will deliver the Strategy with an expanded $250 million Future Fuels Fund, including $178 million in new funding. The Strategy is expected to result in more than $500 million of combined private and public co-investment directed into the uptake of future fuels in Australia and the creation of more than 2,600 new jobs.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy delivers on the Government’s recently released Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan, which provides an Australian way to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

“Our Plan promised technology not taxes, choices not mandates and driving down the cost of new technologies, and that’s exactly what this Strategy delivers to Australians,” the Prime Minister said.

“Australians love their family sedan, farmers rely on their trusted ute and our economy counts on trucks and trains to deliver goods from coast to coast.

“We will not be forcing Australians out of the car they want to drive or penalising those who can least afford it through bans or taxes. Instead, the Strategy will work to drive down the cost of low and zero emission vehicles, and enhance consumer choice.

“We will do this by creating the right environment for industry co-investment in technology development.

“Just as Australians have taken their own decision to embrace roof-top solar at the highest rate in the world, when new vehicle technologies are cost competitive Australians will embrace them too.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy continues to Morrison Government’s focus on technology not taxes as we reduce emissions.

“Our plan about ensuring that families and business across Bonner can continue to choose the car that is right for them, be that petrol, diesel, hydrogen, hybrid or electric powered,” Mr Vasta said.

“We are not going to tell Australians what car to drive. Our plan is focused on expanding consumer choice, partnering with industry to drive uptake and addressing barriers to the rollout.”

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Strategy is about helping motorists embrace the increasing range of technologies available to keep them moving in an informed and fair way.

“The Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy sets out the Government’s technology-led approach to reducing transport emissions while ensuring Australians can drive their preferred type of vehicle,”   Minister Taylor said.

“Our technology-led approach is already helping to enhance consumer and industry confidence.  In the last eight months there has been a 20 per cent increase in the number of low emissions vehicle models available in Australia.

“We are continuing to invest in the right infrastructure, while ensuring both those in the cities and regions can access this $250 million Fund.

“Like we saw with our world-leading rooftop solar uptake, we know that when new technologies reach price parity, Australians rapidly adopt them. We will take these lessons from solar integration into our reform work to ensure our grid is ‘EV ready’ to keep the lights on and bills affordable for everyone.

“Voluntary adoption of electric vehicles is the right pathway for reducing transport emissions over the long term. Stringent standards, bans or regressive taxes will limit choice and increase the upfront costs of cars for Australians.”

The Government will also take the lead on reforms through Energy Ministers to ensure the electricity grid is ready for an increase in electric vehicles. These reforms will help to keep the grid reliable and affordable, along with avoiding the estimated $224 million in electricity network upgrades needed by 2030. Without this action, these costs would be passed on to all electricity consumers, even those who do not choose to buy an electric vehicle.

In addition, the Government will continue to work closely with the states and territories to address barriers to low emission vehicle uptake in their jurisdictions. We will also ensure consumers have access to reliable, easy-to-understand information on low emission vehicles to enable informed choices.  Many Australians are already making the choice to switch to new technology vehicles, with the EV Council reporting that battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles hit a record 8,688 sales in the first half of 2021. This is compared to 6,900 in 2020.

The Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy contributes to Australia’s Long Term Emissions Reduction Plan by enabling the accelerated deployment of electric vehicles and other low emission transport technologies.

It also complements other government policies that will deliver strong economic and emissions reduction outcomes, including the Technology Investment Roadmap, Modern Manufacturing Strategy, National Hydrogen Strategy and the forthcoming Bioenergy Roadmap.

The additional investment in the Future Fuels Fund come off the back of a successful round one of funding, which leveraged $55 million in private sector co-investment to drive a seven-fold increase in the number of fast charging stations across urban and regional centres.

More information on the Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy is available here: https://industry.gov.au/FFVS