This coming week is the last sitting week of the Parliament for this year.

2014 has been an important year for Australia.

The Government has put in place key parts of our Economic Action Strategy to build a strong and prosperous economy and a safe and secure Australia.

Only a stronger economy will generate more jobs, lift household living standards and give our country a better future.

2014 has been a year of achievement that’s already benefiting families and small businesses.

The carbon tax is gone, saving the average household $550 a year.

We have delivered the biggest cut in electricity prices on record which is good news for everyone saving for Christmas.
 
The mining tax is gone so this vital sector can create more jobs.
 
Our $50 billion infrastructure programme is underway. This includes major projects right around Australia to save you time and money.

We’re cutting red tape – with $2 billion in red tape savings already identified and we’re turbo charging trade with our neighbours by delivering Free Trade Agreements with Japan, Korea and China.  This means more exports, more jobs and lower prices for families. And we’re working with Australian businesses to ensure we’re taking advantage of these new opportunities.
 
We took on the responsibility for fixing Labor’s Budget mess and we are getting spending under control.

We’ve also passed our Direct Action plan which will make a practical difference to the environment – without slugging you with a carbon tax.

The Green Army has been established and is already restoring degraded bush and cleaning up polluted waterways.

Major projects worth $1 trillion have been given environmental approval – which will provide many of the jobs of tomorrow.

The NBN is being rolled out – in a way which is fast, more affordable, and less costly to taxpayers.
And we’ve kept Australia safe.

We’ve all but stopped the boats which many claimed was impossible.

We’ve responded to the threat of extremism with new counter-terrorism measures because our duty is to do everything we humanly can to keep you safe.
 
We all have reason to be confident in 2015 – confidence based in policies that will encourage jobs, help families and build a better Australia.

The Bonner veteran community is set to benefit from funding through the latest round of the Veteran and Community Grants program, Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, today announced.

The grant for $49,951 will help Manly Lota RSL assist the local veteran community to continue improving services and support for veterans and their families.

“Manly Lota RSL are a vital part of the veteran and defence community in Bonner, and this funding will help them upgrade their existing toilet facilities, as well as construct a wheelchair ramp,” Mr Vasta said.

“This announcement is welcome news for all in our community and particularly those who have so freely given their time and efforts to the work of Manly Lota RSL.”

Ex-service and community organisations, veteran groups and private organisations that contribute to the health and welfare of the veteran community are all eligible to apply for funding through the Veteran and Community Grants program.

“I congratulate Manly Lota RSL on its successful application for this grant,” Mr Vasta said.

“This grant and others made to organisations around the country recognise the community’s appreciation of those who served.”

“The dedication and hard work of organisations such as Manly Lota RSL ensure veterans and their families receive services, support and opportunities in their local communities.”

“Manly Lota RSL is now able to upgrade their facilities to the benefit of their members, and I look forward to seeing the project’s completion.”

For more information about the Veteran and Community Grants program, visit www.dva.gov.au/grants or contact your nearest Department of Veterans’ Affairs office on 133 254 or 1800 555 254 from regional Australia.

ENDS

Christmas is fast approaching and with more than 2,200 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel deployed overseas on operations, Australians are being asked to spare a thought for our troops who won’t be able to spend Christmas with their families and friends.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said the best and most effective way to show support is to send an email message to the troops at supportthetroops@defence.gov.au, or a postcard to:

Messages to the Troops
Media Section
39 Personnel Support Battalion
Building 217
Randwick Barracks NSW 2031

“Messages are always appreciated by ADF personnel, and sending a message that simply says ‘thank you for your service’ can have a tremendous positive impact,” Mr Vasta said.

“This year I am also asking the community to consider donating to ex-service organisations such as the RSL, Legacy and Soldier On in recognition of the increasing numbers of recently returned veterans.”

“These organisations provide phenomenal support to our ADF personnel, past and present, and their families, and I strongly encourage residents in Bonner looking to make a difference in the lives of ADF personnel and veterans to consider donating to one of these excellent organisations.” 

Donations can be made to Legacy or Soldier On to support personnel who have been wounded on operations and family members who are suffering financially and socially from the death of a loved one.

For those still wishing to send a care package, the Australian Forces Post Office box address will be open from 3 November until 8 December 2014. 

An Australian Defence Member
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890

All items must be submitted to an Australia Post outlet by the cut-off date of 8 December 2014.

Mr Vasta said those who wish to send a care package but are short on time may like to consider donating money to the RSL’s Australian Forces Overseas Fund.

“The RSL provides care packages to Australian troops as well as Australian Federal Police personnel biannually, and your support would contribute to this valuable programme,” Mr Vasta said.

“This Christmas I urge all Australians to again dig deep and support our serving men and women and their families whose sacrifices ensure our safety and security.”

What can be included in care packages

Be creative with donations while being mindful of Australia Post’s guidelines for the free delivery of care packages. Some suggestions are listed below, as are the general restrictions. It is recommended that any donated goods collected by EOs, and which are unable to be sent due to size or weight, be donated to local charities.

Food
– Anzac biscuits
– Salted peanuts
– Muesli bars
– Instant noodles
– Lollies
– Small tinned consumables
– Other commercially manufactured and packaged foods that are non-perishable

Other ideas
– Magazines
– Puzzle books
– DVDs
– Socks
– Letters of support
– Posters and letters from school children
– Stamped, self-addressed envelope – this way personnel can thank you for the package

Toiletries
– Deodorant (non-aerosol)
– Shaving cream (non-aerosol)
– Small bottle of talcum powder
– Disposable razors
– Shower Gel
– Lip Balm

What not to include
– Pornographic material
– Alcoholic beverages
– Any food prepared or cooked at home, including cakes and biscuits
– Clothing (except socks)
– Pork products
– Cigarettes
– Perfumery products

How to donate to the RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund

The RSL’s Australian Forces Overseas Fund enables the RSL to send biannual care packages to ADF members as well as Australian Federal Police personnel serving overseas. This is a great way to donate as the RSL is well equipped to provide care packages that troops not only want, but are also culturally sensitive and do not contain perishable or illegal material.

More information about the RSL’s Australian Forces Overseas Fund can be found by going to www.rsl.org.au – then click on the “Supporting ADF Personnel” link and then on the “RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund” link. This page also includes a link to a donation form. Donations over $2 are tax deductable and every donation is individually acknowledged by the RSL.

G20 PLAN EXCEEDS 2 PER CENT GROWTH TARGET AS LEADERS COMMIT TO EXTRA ECONOMIC REFORMS
 
The combined growth strategies of G20 member nations presented at the Brisbane Leaders’ Summit will equate to 2.1 per cent new growth and inject an additional $2 trillion into the world economy and create millions of jobs.
 
The Brisbane Action Plan contains close to 1,000 measures, including more than 800 new ones, which the IMF and OECD estimate will boost the collective GDP of G20 nations by 2.1 per cent by 2018. 
 
This is new growth, over and above business as usual trends.
 
Early in Australia’s G20 Presidency we set an ambitious target of getting all countries to commit to measures that would deliver at least 2 per cent additional GDP over five years. 
 
The benefits of that growth will be felt worldwide, not just in G20 member nations. 
 
Individual country actions range from employment measures to infrastructure investment, as well as actions to expand trade, increase competition and reduce the regulatory burden on business.
 
The Brisbane Action Plan and individual country growth strategies and employment plans have been made public so people around the world can see our commitments, hold us to account and witness our progress. 
 
In addition, leaders committed to close the gender gap in labour force participation by 25 per cent by 2025. If successful, this will bring more than 100 million women into the global labour force, further increase global growth, deliver financial independence to millions and help reduce poverty and inequality.
 
Leaders also agreed to a Global Infrastructure Initiative that will help address the $70 trillion gap in infrastructure needed by 2030 to improve productivity and living standards. 
 
Governments cannot afford to foot this bill on their own.
 
New sources of investment must be found.
 
A Global Infrastructure Hub headquartered in Sydney, will drive the G20’s work on infrastructure by bringing together governments, the private sector, multinational development banks and other international organisations.
 
G20 and non-G20 countries will make use of the Hub’s data, information, ideas and networks to help lift infrastructure investment globally. 
 
G20 members also agreed to tackle base erosion and profit shifting and to share tax information by endorsing a new standard on the exchange of information between tax authorities.
 
This will make sure that big business pays tax in the same place it earns its profits.  It will help secure our revenue bases and restore integrity and fairness to the global tax system.
 
Free trade is good for all of us. It drives growth and creates jobs. 
 
Leaders have put on the table domestic reforms to make it easier to trade. 
 
We agreed on the importance of good quality trade agreements to make our economies more competitive and we began a discussion about how the World Trade Organization could work better to deliver the growth we need. 
 
Australia has pushed hard for G20 leaders to focus on the importance of energy to economic development, particularly for developing economies.
 
It is critical that global institutions reflect the changing nature of the global energy markets and leaders have agreed the G20 Principles on Energy Collaboration. These will be an important foundation for the G20’s ongoing efforts.
 
G20 leaders support strong and effective action to address climate change. 
 
Consistent with the UNFCCC, our actions will support sustainable development, economic growth and certainty for business and investment.
 
Leaders also endorsed significant measures which will help strengthen the global financial system.  These measures will help ensure the circumstances which led to the global financial crisis do not occur again. 
 
Banks are now better capitalised, derivative markets are safer and work has progressed to better protect taxpayers if large banks fail. We have reduced risks in the shadow banking sector.
 
Our focus now is to get on with the job of implementing our commitments while remaining alert to new and emerging risks.
 
We have also made progress on anti-corruption, energy and sustainability, development and reform of international economic institutions.
 
Leaders also expressed deep concern about humanitarian and economic impact of the Ebola outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
 
We support the international response and have committed to do all we can to contain and respond to the crisis.
 
I thank my fellow G20 leaders for their support and willingness to prioritise reforms that underpin economic growth and job creation.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, today encouraged the community to pause for one minute’s silence at 11am, to wear a red poppy, or to attend their local Remembrance Day service and pay tribute to the men and women who have served, and those who continue to serve, our nation in times of war, conflict and on peacekeeping operations.

“Most Australians have a personal story about a family member or friend who serves or has served in the Australian Defence Force,” Mr Vasta said.

“Whether it be a mother who bid farewell to her son bound for Afghanistan, or the children who hear tales of their great grandfather’s service during the First or Second World War, all of us have been touched by those who have served Australia at their nation’s request.”

“This Remembrance Day, Tuesday 11 November, we remember all of them – Australians who gave so much for their country.”

This year’s Remembrance Day is the first of the Anzac Centenary period (2014-18), a time where we will mark the Centenary of the Great War.

An Anzac Centenary Program has been developed that aims to encourage all Australians to reflect upon and learn more about Australia’s wartime history, as well as the costs and impact of war on those who participated, our communities, and our entire nation.

Further information about the Anzac Centenary Program, including planned international and domestic events, can be found at www.anzaccentenary.gov.au.

Each year, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs produces a Remembrance Day commemorative poster available to freely download and display. This year the poster focuses on the departure of the first convoy from Albany, carrying Australian and New Zealand soldiers to the war in 1914.

“I encourage everyone in Bonner to join together this Remembrance Day, pause for a moment’s silence at 11am, and wear a red poppy to support the RSL’s Poppy Day Appeal,” Mr Vasta said.

“It is here in local communities that the legacy is carried on, ensuring we never forget those who have served, particularly the more than 102,000 Australians who have lost their lives wearing our country’s uniform.”

For more information on Remembrance Day, to access the service resources, or to download the commemorative poster, visit www.dva.gov.au/remembranceday.htm.

List of Remembrance Day 2014 Services in Bonner

Manly Lota RSL
Richard Russell Park, Cnr Cambridge Pde & Ferguson St, Manly.
Arrive at 10.30am for a 10.45am start, followed by morning tea at the Manly-Lota RSL Hall.
Contact: 3348 2572

Wynnum RSL
174 Tingal Rd, Wynnum (Pandanus Room).
Arrive at 10.30am for an 11am start, followed by light refreshments.
Contact: 3396 1155

Holland Park-Mt Gravatt Sub Branch RSL
Memorial adjacent 58 Arnold St, Holland Park.
Arrive at 10.15am for a 10.30am start, followed by refreshments.
Contact: 3397 0561

Sunnybank RSL Sub Branch RSL
Mt Gravatt Blue Care, 1541 Logan Rd, Mt Gravatt.
Arrive at 10.15am for a 10.30am start.
Contact: 3345 2876

Bayside National Servicemen’s Association
Darling Point Memorial, Lower Esplanade, Manly.
7am start

With less than a week to go until world leaders arrive for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, people around the country are finding out more about how the decisions reached in Brisbane will benefit Australian households and businesses, Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said today.

“As host, Australia is making sure the meeting isn't just a high-level talk-fest,” Mr Vasta said.

“We are determined that world leaders use their influence to deliver the economic growth, jobs, and financial stability that will benefit billions globally – including Australians.”

“The focus is squarely on reforms that will make a real difference, empowering the private sector to grow, create jobs, and be more productive and prosperous.”

“The centrepiece of Australia's host year is the G20's commitment to boost economic growth by an additional 2 per cent over five years. This is the first time the G20 has agreed to such a target, and members are now 90 per cent of the way to hitting it.”

“That’s important, because while economic growth isn’t the solution to every problem, every problem is easier to solve if we have good economic growth.”

Australia’s host year has also seen significant work being done to promote private-sector investment in the ports, railways, roads, and other infrastructure that boosts productivity and makes trade and business easier. G20 members have agreed to a major push globally to remove barriers and create incentives that make it easier for this investment to occur.

Other highlights include work to close global tax loopholes, in a bid to see that big business pays its fair share of tax in the places where it makes its profits, with G20 members agreeing to start sharing information to expose tax cheats.

“The G20 nations are responsible for 85 per cent of global GDP and 75 per cent of global trade, and are home to two-thirds of the world's people,” Mr Vasta said.

“That means the decisions G20 leaders make in Brisbane this month will have global impact, when implemented domestically.”

“The G20 is also the only institution that puts the largest developed economies around the table with the largest emerging economies, so that the benefits of reform can be shared by all.”

As host city, Brisbane is making final preparations for the arrival of up to 4000 delegates and up to 3000 media, with direct economic benefits to the city estimated by the Brisbane City Council to be in excess of $100 million.