In just under two weeks, the leaders of the G20 will assemble in Brisbane.

This will be the largest ever gathering of world leaders in our history, and it is the culmination of Australia’s presidency of the G20.

The G20 is the world’s most important economic forum.

The countries of the G20 generate 75 per cent of all world trade and 85 per cent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product. 

At this G20 Summit, our focus will be on building a stronger world economy.

Because economic growth means more jobs, higher living standards and governments that are better able to reduce tax and fund better services.

Australia has already secured an agreement that G20 countries will aim to boost their collective economic growth by 2 per cent above what is currently expected over the next five years. 

Countries have been working on their action plans and collectively, we have already reached 90 per cent of our growth target. 

Australia is leading by example with our Economic Action Strategy – scrapping the carbon tax and the mining tax, cutting red tape costs, signing free trade agreements and undertaking the largest infrastructure investment in our history.

The G20 focus will be on the fundamentals of the economy: trade, infrastructure, tax and banking.

Our discussions will include the $1 trillion world-wide infrastructure gap, reducing tax avoidance by global companies, and increasing participation in the workforce.

While a stronger economy won’t solve every problem; it will make almost every problem easier to tackle.

So it’s an honour to be hosting the G20. 

I know there will be inconveniences in Brisbane as the leaders gather and I thank people for their patience.

It is an important event for Australia.  I’m confident that it will make a lasting difference for our country and for our world.

Australian Defence Force personnel will conduct counter terrorism training in Brisbane over the period 20 October to 21 November 2014.

The training will involve responses to simulated terrorist incidents. Military personnel involved in this training will be carrying weapons and tactical equipment, and will use simulation ammunition and hand held pyrotechnics.

Local residents may notice increased military helicopter presence and movement of vehicles and military personnel during the training period, however should not be alarmed as this is part of the training.

This training is complimentary to the G20 Summit which is occurring in that region and ensures that the Australian Defence Force maintains the highest level of capability and is prepared to support National interests.

The Australian Defence Force has consulted with all relevant authorities and thanks local residents and businesses for their cooperation and support.

Small business owners in Bonner last night met with Federal Minister for Small Business, the Hon Bruce Billson, and Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, to discuss issues affecting the small business sector, and to announce new measures that will provide support to small business owners.

Speaking at a Small Business Forum in Carina with special guest Minister Billson, Mr Vasta said he was committed to cutting red tape for local small businesses and helping them improve their productivity and growth.

“Small businesses are an economic powerhouse that make a vital contribution to the Australian economy, and are an important driver of employment and innovation,” Mr Vasta said.

“From my own experience of running a small business, I recognise the many changing needs of small business owners, and I am dedicated to helping those in Bonner grow and thrive.”

High on the agenda was the impact of the Australian supermarket duopoly on small business, with many business owners voicing their concerns about the increasing market power of Coles and Woolworths.

Minister Billson encouraged attendees to make their voice heard by submitting a response to the Harper Review Panel’s Draft Report, calling the Harper Review the most comprehensive review of Australia’s competition law and policy in two decades.

Submissions to the Harper Review Panel can be made online at www.competitionpolicyreview.gov.au and are due by 17 November 2014.

Mr Vasta and Minister Billson also announced further help for small business with the new Australian Small Business Advisory Programme (ASBAS).

Applications for the ASBAS Programme open today for not-for profit small business advisory service providers, and will deliver low cost small business advisory and information services to the community.

“The Government will make available $18 million over three years for chambers of commerce, business enterprise centres and industry groups to deliver advice and information services to small businesses and start-ups,” Mr Vasta said.

“Small businesses in Bonner will be able to get help with funding avenues and financial analysis, building your business, making the most of your talent and team, management capabilities, and digital engagement implementation.”

Minister Billson highlighted the digital engagement aspect of the assistance, encouraging business owners to build and maintain an online presence.

“Almost 80 per cent of Australians are now online, and small businesses without an online presence may be losing out to their competitors at home and overseas,” Minister Billson said.

The Government will also unwind changes to the tax treatment of Employee Share Schemes that were introduced in 2009, which effectively brought to a halt the use of such schemes for start-up companies in Australia.

“Our reform will bolster entrepreneurship, and help innovative start-up companies attract and retain high-quality staff,” Minister Billson said.

Eligible not-for-profit small business advisors interested in receiving further information about ASBAS may register at www.business.gov.au/asbas.

New services are expected to commence in February 2015, and small businesses seeking assistance should contact the single business service contact centre or visit www.business.gov.au.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, today encouraged local residents to mark Carers Week 2014 and recognise the important part carers play in the community.

“Providing care to a loved one in need – whether it be due to age, disability or mental illness – is a role that many Australians will take on at some stage during their lives,” Mr Vasta said.

“Almost 2.7 million Australians fulfil a caring role, and Carers Week is a great time to stop and reflect on the role carers play in our society.”

Mr Vasta also said that applications are now open for the Government’s Young Carer Bursary Programme, which will support young carers to complete or return to education while continuing their caring role.

“There are over 300,000 young carers in Australia who look after people with disability, people with medical conditions, or older people in need of care,” Mr Vasta said.

“Young carers often have to juggle part time work, caring responsibility and study. Too often, when they are pressed for time, it is their education that is pushed aside.”

“With the new Young Carer Bursary Programme, the Government intends to make study a little easier for young carers.”

The Programme is being delivered with the support of Carers Australia.

“I encourage young carers in Bonner to consider applying for the Young Carer Bursary, which will provide up to $10,000 to 150 young carers annually for three years,” Mr Vasta said.

“I also encourage all residents of Bonner to consider participating in one of the many events taking place across the country as part of Carers Week, and to take some time out to discuss and learn more about unpaid carers and the role they play in our society.”

Carers Week 2014 runs from 12 to 18 October, and will feature morning teas, fundraisers and workshops across the country. For more information on Carers Week events, visit www.carersaustralia.com.au.

For more information on the Young Carers Bursary Programme, visit www.youngcarers.net.au.

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

The Hon Julie Bishop MP

WARNING TO AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLERS OF KIDNAPPING RISK

I urge Australians to carefully consider their need to travel to locations where there is a high threat of kidnapping.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has reissued its kidnapping threat bulletin on locations around the world where there is a serious risk of kidnappings.

The ‘Kidnapping Threat Worldwide’ Bulletin identifies Afghanistan, Colombia, Iraq, eastern Malaysia (Sabah), southern Philippines, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and parts of North and West Africa as being areas of particular concern.  It also advises Australian travellers that some recent kidnappings have been ideologically motivated, resulting in hostages being killed for propaganda purposes. 

Journalists and humanitarian workers are especially at risk owing to the nature of their work.

I reiterate the Government’s long-standing policy to not make payments or concessions to kidnappers so as not to increase the risk to other Australians of further kidnappings.

The Government provides Australian travellers in difficulty overseas with consular assistance, in line with the Consular Services Charter. However, the Government may be severely limited in its ability to assist in areas where kidnapping is a particular threat, due to the inherent risks in these locations.

I underline that, having made a decision to enter a high-risk zone, it is the responsibility of the individual and their employer to undertake their own security assessment and implement their own risk management plan. The Australian Government is not able to provide security protection.

Australians travelling to areas where kidnapping is a particular threat should subscribe to receive updates to the Department’s country-specific travel advisories on www.smartraveller.gov.au, seek professional security advice and have effective personal security measures in place.

In addition, regardless of the destination, I encourage Australians to separately register their travel on the Smartraveller website and consider appropriate insurance options.

Applications under Round One of the Australian Government’s landmark $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund are now open, Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said today.

The new Fund will target projects that deliver priority economic development and small scale community infrastructure at the local level throughout Australia.

“This is a huge opportunity for local projects across Bonner to get their share of this major new investment in growth,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Fund will support a range of local and regional development initiatives that are designed to spur economic growth – from freight and transport projects, to convention centres and major multi-purpose sports and community facilities.

“The Government’s focus is on strengthening economies in Australia’s most disadvantaged regions and communities by improving productivity, economic opportunity, employment and workforce skills.”

The National Stronger Regions Fund will provide local community projects with between $20,000 and $10 million, covering up to 50 per cent project costs.

“Importantly, the Fund gives local communities the power to identify local projects to meet local needs, ensuring communities are investing in their own future,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Fund encourages partnerships, with project proponents engaging with the private sector, and possibly local and state governments.

“I urge all local community groups to get behind the National Stronger Regions Fund to ensure our region gets its fair share of this vital investment.”

Projects seeking funding will be considered in consultation with the Australian Government’s National Infrastructure Committee, which has a strong interest in, and commitment to, harnessing the potential of Australia’s regions.

The Guidelines for the National Stronger Regions Fund detail the type of project proposals sought, how to lodge an application, how assessments will be conducted, and critical programme dates.

To access the guidelines, and to lodge a Round One application, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/nsrf.