The Turnbull Government has delivered income tax relief for all Australian workers.

In passing our Personal Income Tax plan through the Parliament, the Government has ensured all Australians paying tax will be better off. They will be paying less tax, and will be rewarded for their hard work both now and into the future, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said today.

“Taxes in Australia will now be lower, fairer and simpler. Over 66,500 people and their families in my electorate of Bonner will benefit from tax relief of up to $530 in 2018-19,” Mr Vasta said.

“This is a win for all working Australians who want to get ahead. You will have the certainty that when you earn more, get a pay rise or work more hours, you won’t face ever-increasing tax rates.”

“Under our plan, 94 per cent of Australian workers will not face higher marginal tax rate of more than 32.5c in the dollar, with our first priority low and middle income earners because we understand the benefits of a stronger economy have not yet flowed to all.”

More information on the legislated Personal Income Tax Plan is available at https://www.budget.gov.au/2018-19/content/factsheets/7-pitp.html.

Local residents and business owners had the opportunity to learn more about the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout in their area at NBN information sessions held in Gumdale and Upper Mt Gravatt by Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta.

NBN Co representative Justin Thomson, and Telstra representatives Scott Mullaly and Sarah Kenny-Brand, joined Mr Vasta to help answer questions and provide solutions to attendees’ various connection issues.

“I’m pleased to report that 55 per cent of the NBN rollout is complete in Bonner, with all premises to have access to NBN services by 2020,” Mr Vasta said.

“Over time the NBN will replace most of the existing networks as the deliverer of a new service network. At the end of 2020, there will be further plans for path upgrades and speed building to ensure the best service is continually on offer for all users.”

Mr Vasta warned local residents to be wary of scammers going door-to-door or calling them.

“If you’ve been contacted by someone claiming the NBN is here already and that you must pay them to connect now, they’re scammers—please report them to my office,” Mr Vasta said.

Mr Thomson advised attendees to use the “Check your address” tool available at nbnco.com.au to find out when they can expect to be able to connect to the NBN.

He said every household that wanted to keep their landline and internet would be required to switch over to the NBN.

“Every premise in Australia will be connected to the NBN free-of-charge. You will then have 18 months from the installation date to switch over. This will give you plenty of time to shop around and look into the options and packages available to you,” Mr Thomson said.

“When contacting a service provider about switching over, ask them: what plan do they suggest, whether there will be any additional installation fees, and if you can keep your current home phone number—in most cases you’ll be able to. Have a good think about what plan will suit you best, you’ll have plenty of time to decide.”

Mr Mullaly said Telstra was working closely with NBN Co on the rollout, and that people could make NBN enquiries at any Telstra store.

“If you have any questions on the rollout and want to chat to someone about what’s available to you and the installation process, you can book an appointment at your local Telstra store to find out everything you need to know,” Mr Mullaly said.

When asked what options are available to people in a non-FTTN (Fibre to the Node) area looking to move onto FTTN, Mr Thomson said they should look into NBN Co’s Technology Choice Program.

“The Technology Choice Program gives interested parties the option to pay to switch over to FTTN or another NBN access network technology—look on the NBN website for more details,” Mr Thomson said.

Dr Richard Allen and Dr Michelle Allen from Upper Mount Gravatt said the forum they attended had been informative and well conducted.

“We came tonight to find out some information for our neighbours and we learned quite a bit,” Dr Michelle Allen said.

“We’ve found by contacting Ross’s office in the past with our NBN enquiries he’s been very helpful. We would recommend others to contact Ross as well if they run into any issues.”

Mr Vasta asked those with further issues or questions to contact his office or visit the NBN Co website at www.nbnco.com.au.

As part of International Men’s Health Week, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta today hosted a Barefoot Bowls event at Club Manly in Manly West, with over 30 locals attending.

Free health checks were provided to all attendees by a local health specialist from Wynnum Chempro Chemist. Raffle prizes, including a gift pack from Manly Village Compounding Pharmacy and a meat tray from The Local Butcher at Manly Village, were up for grabs, with all proceeds going toward Mates4Mates. Gold coin donations on entry also went to Mates4Mates.

Mr Vasta thanked attendees for their support of a great cause.

“International Men’s Health Week is an important week where men of all ages come together from all works of life and chat about their health,” Mr Vasta said.

“Mates4Mates is a fantastic organisation that provides support to wounded, injured and ill current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families and I’m proud to support them.”

Special guests Queensland Bulls players Mitchell Swepson and Cameron Gannon thanked Mr Vasta for inviting them.

“It’s great to have an event like this where we’re recognising men’s health. In our team we all stick together and I like to make sure we’re all doing okay. It’s a really important issue and something that we need to look at more,” Mr Swepson said.

Chairman of Club Manly Ian Reed said it was great to see the attendees enjoying themselves.

“I’d like to thank Ross for promoting men’s health. It’s a great initiative and a great way to introduce people to the game of bowls, which is extremely good for men’s health in their later years and gives them a social outlet,” Mr Reed said.

Wynnum local Fred Petersen said it had been a good day for all involved.

“There were a good number of men here today and some good games,” Mr Petersen said.

Over 70 locals from across Bonner attended a Seniors Forum in Mt Gravatt hosted by Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta on Monday.

Mr Vasta was joined by Minister for Aged Care the Hon Ken Wyatt at the event, who spoke on what the Government is doing for people in aged care and took questions from the audience. Stallholders from My Aged Care, PHN Brisbane South, Office of Fair Trading, Queensland Rail, NBN Co, and Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed also took part on the day.

“I thank the Minister for coming out here today to chat with people about their aged care options and hear about their aged care experiences firsthand,” Mr Vasta said.

Minister Wyatt told attendees the Government was delivering the biggest reforms to aged care in years.

“The Coalition is investing a record $5 billion over five years for aged care. We’re delivering an extra 20,000 home care packages and an extra 13,500 residential places,” Minister Wyatt said.

Minister Wyatt also spoke on the importance of meeting the mental health needs of older Australians.

“We’re providing the largest ever single increase to mental health funding for older Australians, at over $100 million,” Minister Wyatt said. 

Minister Wyatt also set out the scope of the new Aged Care Complaints Commissioner, and asked people with family members in aged care to contact him and share their experiences dealing with the aged care system.

Paul Williams from Carindale and his father Victor thanked Mr Vasta for holding the Seniors Forum and said it had been a good opportunity to learn useful information.

“We appreciate the opportunity to meet the Minister and Department representatives. The Minister has a great depth of knowledge about the issues people face. It’s clear he’s passionate about finding new ways to improve services,” Victor said.

Muriel Mitchell from Wishart said it had been a great forum and that the Minister had explained things very well.

“I learned a lot of useful information today about residential care and home care, and how I can look after my husband at home for longer,” Mrs Mitchell said.

“I’m very grateful to Ross for holding this forum and everything he’s done for us.”

Mr Vasta thanked attendees for coming along and sharing their views with him and Minister Wyatt.

“I’m pleased to be a part of a Government that considers older Australians a top priority, and I’m proud that in the recent Budget we were able to deliver for older residents in Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has visited LEAD Childcare Tingalpa to congratulate them on receiving a Most Improved Service award for their outstanding work this year, and to discuss their work helping families transition to the new Child Care Subsidy.

The centre received the award out of 16 LEAD childcare services across Queensland at LEAD’s management end of year conference.

“As only three awards are given each year, this was a very meaningful award for all of us at LEAD Childcare Tingalpa,” Centre Director Katrina Bira said. 

“We received the award as an acknowledgement for myself and the educators here for all the hard work that has gone into making LEAD Childcare Tingalpa into a welcoming, inspiring centre for children, families, and the community.

“Our teaching teams use an emergent curriculum which follow children's interests and ideas. Children's interests are encouraged and future learning opportunities are presented in a way that sparks children's sense of curiosity and wonder. Through our extensions and support children gain confidence to explore their world and take safe risks.

“Children's learning is recorded on our online learning community, Storypark. Storypark allows families to be involved in their child's learning journey, which enhances and improves educational outcomes for children. Our educators and families become co-learners in the child's development.”

Mrs Bira said LEAD Childcare Tingalpa had helped their families transition to the new Child Care Subsidy by making information available on Storypark.

“We also display posters through the service as updates come to hand and have information pamphlets for the parents to take home and read. We also offer one-on-one meetings for families to help them on a case-by-case basis if they require additional individual support,” Mrs Bira said.

Families have until 2 July 2018 to update their details or risk missing out on the new subsidies. More information is available at https://www.education.gov.au/ChildCarePackage.

Makeables Tingalpa has invited local businesses to help provide valuable job skills and experience to people with disability.

Makeables, an innovation of Multicap, is a not-for-profit disability employer that provides employment, job skills and lasting working relationships for people with a disability by delivering outstanding packaging and supply chain solutions.

Local businesses in need of manual assembly, packing, or finishing services—such as packaging, bag sealing and labelling—are encouraged to contact Makeables to see what services are available to them.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta today visited Makeables to celebrate their recent partnership with local childcare photography business Little Images.

“I was happy to help connect Makeables with Little Images recently,” Mr Vasta said.

“It’s great to see businesses like Little Images taking up Makeables’ services. Makeables provides life-changing skills and training to its employees and I’m proud to support them.”

Multicap business manager Joshua Walsh thanked Mr Vasta for his assistance and said Makeables employees and Little Images had benefitted from the recent arrangement.

“This work gives our employees the opportunity to challenge themselves and overcome hurdles they may have thought impossible. They contribute and solve issues, and we encourage all of them to practice continuous improvement,” Mr Walsh said.

“Outsourcing has a marvellous, positive impact on business. We enable our clients to take on product lines and explore new income streams, even though they may be at capacity in their existing space or personnel capacity.”

“Our clients build long-lasting relationships, and our supported employees feel valued, enjoy having meaning, and use their new self-confidence to grow in their personal lives.”

Little Images owner Leigh Farley said Makeables had done great work for them assembling a promotional mailout.

“We run campaigns sending out letters to prospective clients, and when we heard about Makeables and what they are doing we wanted to be a part of the program,” Mr Farley said.

“Makeables employees folded letters and brochures for us, and inserted them into a windowed envelope, along with a chocolate drink so people could read over everything with a nice cup of hot chocolate.

“It makes such a difference to their lives, being able to get back into the workforce with Makeables, which is helping so many people. If there is anyone else out there with a business—big or small—that could use this service, I would recommend they give Joshua a call.”

Some of the competitive advantages of using Makeables include:

• Charges are typically half of the employment costs clients would have if they do it themselves;

• By using Makeables facilities, clients can scale up without the capital outlay for warehousing space;

• Makeables can operate clients’ machinery but with their charge this is typically 40–50% lower than a casual employee;

• Supporting people with a disability gains ethical value and builds corporate social responsibility.

Some of Makeables’ current activities include processing cotton tags and flock tags for the agriculture industry, operating machinery fabricating steel handles for Thunder box who supply tool boxes to Bunnings, and applying labels for Youfoodz.

Nutrition will be the theme for this year’s Veterans’ Health Week, with funding for applications to support events highlighting the week now open for Ex-Service organisations (ESOs) and community groups.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said Veterans’ Health Week in September was a fantastic opportunity for Ex-Service organisations and community groups to positively engage with veterans in their communities and promote the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle.

“This year’s Veterans’ Health Week will highlight the importance of improving and maintaining good nutritional health. I encourage everyone to get behind Veterans’ Health Week events to make it a great success,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our local ex-service organisations and community groups provide fantastic ongoing support, engagement and information to the veteran and ex-service community. We recognise their efforts and commend their ongoing contributions to our community.” 

Veterans’ Health Week focuses on providing ongoing support, engagement and information to the veteran and ex-service communities in a positive and enjoyable environment. 

“Any ESO or community group with a link to the broader veteran community is eligible to apply and are encouraged to partner with other organisations that promote healthy, active and engaged lifestyles,” Mr Vasta said. 

“Think outside the square and get creative. Activities like cooking and sharing a meal is also a great way to learn new skills, meet people, share recipes and try fresh and healthy food options.”

Veterans’ Health Week will run from Saturday 22 September to Sunday 30 September 2018. Applications for funding close on 29 June 2018.

The Veterans’ Health Week funding application form, resource guide and other documentation to assist event organisers are now available on the DVA website: dva.gov.au/veterans-health-week. 

Interested parties are also welcome to contact DVA on 1800 555 254 for further information.

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 8 8241 4546). VVCS is a service founded by Vietnam veterans.

It’s time Labor’s Amanda Rishworth familiarised herself with the Turnbull Government’s reforms to early childhood education and care so that she stops falsely scaring Bonner families, especially given she’s said a Shorten Labor Government would adopt our policy.

“I intend to allow the new system to have time to bed down before I look at a proper review”
– Amanda Rishworth, Speech – McKell Institute, 17/5/2018

Instead, she’s been trying to scare families by spinning lies. 

Ms Rishworth’s claim last week that a “family who has one child with severe autism” would not have access to subsidies under the Turnbull Government’s new system because “one parent doesn’t work because they care for that older child” is a lie. The parent not working is presumably eligible for a carer’s allowance meaning they would qualify for extra support under the $1.2 billion safety net that’s built into our new child care and early learning system. 

Our new system is set to benefit over 7500 families in Bonner and it’s targeted to families working, looking for work, studying, volunteering or who have other circumstances that meet the light touch, four hours a week activity test.

In fact, our activity test will motivate people to go into work, work more or increase their community engagement. It is estimated 230,000 Australians will increase their workforce participation because of our reforms.
 
Our reforms include an extra $2.5 billion investment that will mean more subsidies for families working the most and for families earning the least, scrapping the annual rebate cap for most families as well as an hourly fee cap to keep downward pressure on fee increases.
 
Despite a Productivity Commission report, two Senate inquiries and months of Parliamentary debate, Labor still insist on running a talkfest that’s been going for more than a year and they haven’t come up with any solutions to Australia’s broken child care system.
 
At the end of all that, Labor have said their solution is just to copy what the Turnbull Government is doing.

Where Ms Rishworth differs from the Government however, is that she’s refused to rule out extending taxpayer support to people who don’t meet the light touch, four hours a week activity test or those on high incomes. In fact, Labor’s 2016 election policy would have delivered an annual $176 million windfall to families earning over $250,000 at the expense of low to middle income earners. 

In stark contrast to Labor’s child care scaremongering, the Turnbull Government has been focused on ensuring families understand they need to visit www.education.gov.au/childcare to make the switch to the new system. 
 
While around half of families using child care in Bonner have now switched over, 2 July is now just around the corner so it’s time to make the switch today. 

Families in Bonner are urged to make the switch to the Turnbull Government’s new child care and early learning system or risk missing out on the new subsidies.

New data shows that with just weeks to go until the new system starts on 2 July, around 48% of families have already made the switch.

“Families in Bonner need to make the switch by 2 July, or they could miss out on receiving the new child care subsidy,” Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said.

“Over 7,500 families in Bonner will be hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year better off under our reforms but they need to make the switch to the new system.

“I urge local families and child care and early learning providers yet to update their details to visit www.education.gov.au/childcare as soon as they can.

“Even if your circumstances are likely to change before 2 July, just get online and get into the new system. Updates can be made easily at any point via your Centrelink online account via myGov.

“If you’re a family who can’t remember your myGov log-in or you need a little assistance, you can phone the helpdesk on 136 150. There are many staff on the help desk and call-wait times are very short at the moment.”

Minister for Education and Training, Simon Birmingham said while more support for more families is just weeks away, the switchover to the new system isn’t automatic.

“The Turnbull Government’s reforms are set to benefit almost one million families nation-wide and it’s estimated around 230,000 families will increase their workforce participation,” Minister Birmingham said.

“Our reforms include an extra $2.5 billion investment that will mean more subsidies for families working the most and for families earning the least, scrapping the annual rebate cap for most families as well as an hourly rate cap to keep downward pressure on fees. 

Minister for Human Services Michael Keenan said the Turnbull Government estimates that around 489,000 families across Australia still need to update their details and switch over in time for the new system. 
 
“Over the last few months we’ve been letting families know what they need to do to make the switch. While the deadline may have seemed far off in the distance for many people, now it’s just around the corner on 2 July,” Minister Keenan said.

Key elements of the Turnbull Government’s new child care system:

• We’re increasing Australia’s investment in early childhood education and care by $2.5 billion over four years so that almost one million Australian families benefit – low and middle income families will be the greatest beneficiaries from the package.

• An activity test will ensure that taxpayer’s support for child care is targeted to those who depend on it in order to work, or work additional hours. It is estimated our reforms will encourage more than 230,000 families to increase their involvement in workforce participation. The activity test includes a minimum of four hours of working, looking for work, training/studying and volunteering

• Fundamentally fair – this package provides the highest rate of subsidy to those on the lowest income levels and more hours of subsidy to those who work the most. We’re increasing the base subsidy from around 72 per cent to 85 per cent for the more than 370,000 families earning $66,958 or less a year.

• Low and middle income families, earning up to and including $186,958, will no longer be limited by an annual cap on the amount of child care they can access – that’s more than 85 per cent of families using child care. Families earning more than $186,958 will also benefit from an increased annual subsidy cap of $10,190 per child.

• Our $1.2 billion Child Care Safety Net recognises vulnerable children and families need extra support. The safety net includes special funding for regional and Indigenous-focused centres to break down barriers to early learning and child care and 12 hours of guaranteed access to care/learning for families earning less than $66,958 even if they don’t meet the activity test, which could equal two six-hour sessions per week.

Examples of how families are set to benefit:

• A family on $50,000 – both parent/s working, with two children aged under 6 in long day care two days a week at $100 a day will be around $2,000 better off a year.

• A family on $80,000 – both parent/s working, with two children aged under 6 in long day care three days a week at $100 a day will be over $3,000 better off a year.

• A family on $150,000 – both parent/s working, with two children aged 6 and under in long day care three days a week at $100 a day will be more than $1000 better off a year.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta today thanked everyone who has put in nominations for the second annual Bonner Volunteer Awards.

The Bonner Volunteer Awards recognise individuals and groups that have demonstrated outstanding volunteer qualities, made a significant and lasting contribution to the community, and set a good example for fellow volunteers and inspired others to volunteer.

“It’s great to hear about so many dedicated and hard-working volunteers in Bonner, especially during National Volunteer Week this week,” Mr Vasta said.

“These men and women are making a real difference in our community and they all deserve to be recognised.”

Mr Vasta will be presenting this year’s winners with their awards at a special ceremony on 1 June 2018.

Nominees this year include:

• Brad Abell – Vice-President and under-10s coach at Carindale Cougars Junior AFL Club;

• David Harvey – Coach, manager, game official, and club referee at Bayside United Football Club;

• Jason Lavender – President and coach at Bayside Jets Basketball Club in Carina;

• Lyn Felschow – Holland Park Meals on Wheels volunteer and church volunteer;

• Marian Sheffield – Community volunteer for a number of clubs in the Wynnum-Manly area including Acacia Bayside Swimming Club and Annette Roselli Dance Academy;

• Michael Lakeman – Leader at Manly Lota Scouts Group;

• Phil Young – Assists elderly people at local Carindale complex;

• Bruce Meers – Carindale local and life-long volunteer for a number of local charities and clubs;

• Gloria Guthrie – Volunteer at Mackenzie State Special School library;

• Jacqueline Park – Volunteer reading tutor at Upper Mount Gravatt State School;

• John Power – Volunteer at St John Vianney Catholic Parish of Manly and Gumdale;

• Alex Wright – Mansfield local and long-time volunteer for a number of clubs and organisations including Volunteer in Policing and Mansfield Neighbourhood Watch;

• Joseph Dawson – Rosies Friends on the Street volunteer;

• Carindale Cougars JAFL Club – A small, grassroots football club that has grown to over 100 members on the back of many dedicated Bonner parents who volunteer their time with the club;

• Gumdale Hub – Linda Pascoe has brought the community together to fight crime in the area through this local Facebook page;

• Making a Difference Team – This Manly West-based team regularly helps and organises donated items for the homeless or people trying to restart their lives.