The Australian Government will hit the road in August to talk to Australian communities about getting involved in the National Landcare Programme.

 Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said community information sessions would be held in capital cities and regional centres across the country from August 4 telling people about the opportunities on offer in the National Landcare Programme and how to get involved in local projects.

 Mr Vasta said the information sessions would be held in every capital city as well as ten regional centres, so that farmers, environmental groups, local Landcare bodies and natural resource management organisations could have a say about how the National Landcare Programme could benefit their local area.

 “The Government is keen to get as many views as we can so a consultation survey will also be available online for all Australians to have their say on the National Landcare Programme,” Mr Vasta said.

 “We want to work with regional natural resource management organisations, Landcare groups, community organisations and individuals to deliver simple, local and long-term solutions to environmental challenges.”

 Online consultation will make it easier for those in regional and remote Australia to have their voices heard.

 “The Government is committed to empowering local communities to undertake projects with long-term benefits, based on local and regional priorities.”

“The consultation survey is a great opportunity for communities to help shape the programme in Bonner, and I encourage people to participate in this process,” Mr Vasta said.

 The Government will also shortly announce details of funding for future small projects and a one-off grants programme to coincide with the 25th anniversary of Landcare.

The Australian Government is working with local businesses in Bonner to create new opportunities, new markets and new jobs, Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said today.

The new $484.2 million Entrepreneurs’ Infrastructure Programme (EIP) is putting in place the supporting infrastructure to help businesses become more robust and build on their strengths, as well as provide the advice and a helping hand to support businesses take the next step into new growth areas.

This will lead to a more diverse and competitive economy, including in Bonner.

Businesses in Bonner can access Government information and services through a single website or contact number. Eligible businesses will be able to request business evaluations from skilled advisors and be able to apply for assistance to grow their business.

The programme is easily accessible for businesses in Bonner through the new Single Business Service initiative, which simplifies how businesses access Government information and services, on the web, over the phone or face to face. 

“Queensland’s 413,800 small and medium-sized businesses are the bedrock of our community, creating jobs and underpinning our economy. Our new programmes mean that they can access the services needed to develop their businesses, in a user-friendly, streamlined way,” Mr Vasta said.

“Eligible businesses can request a business evaluation, where an assessment provides detailed recommendations and assistance to implement key improvements, boost business performance and growth.”

Mr Vasta said the full range of EIP activities will be rolled out in the coming months, and will provide professional support to assist businesses in Bonner to lift their capabilities, commercialise good ideas, find market and industry information, and get easy access to business management advice and connections to research.

“Under the old system, there were too many confusing and competing programmes and layers of expensive bureaucracy,” Mr Vasta said.

“These have been removed to make dealing with Government easier and quicker.”

“This is another way that this Government is boosting innovation, cutting red tape and ensuring that Australia is open for business.”

The Entrepreneurs’ Infrastructure Programme can be accessed through www.business.gov.au, on 13 28 46 or through your local AusIndustry office.

The Abbott Coalition Government is building a stronger economy by supporting apprentices to successfully complete their qualification.

The legislation for Trade Support Loans has been passed by the Parliament, allowing loans of up to $20,000 over the four years of an apprenticeship.

Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said the Government is delivering on its commitment to introduce Trade Support Loans for apprentices to encourage more young people to take up a trade and complete their qualification.

“Young apprentices are too often unable to complete their training because they can’t afford the costs associated with undertaking an apprenticeship,” Mr Vasta said.

“These loans will ease the financial burden and help increase apprenticeship completion rates.”

Apprentices in the Bonner electorate will have access to $20,000 over the entire period of their training, with more support provided during the initial years when it is needed most.

The Trade Support Loans will provide support of up to $8,000 in the first year of the apprenticeship, $6,000 in the second, $4,000 in the third, and $2,000 in the fourth.

“Apprentices who successfully complete their training will be rewarded. When an apprentice completes their training, 20 per cent of the loan, or up to $4000, will be immediately deducted from the total of their loan,” Mr Vasta said.

“Like HELP loans for tertiary students, the loans will be repayable once apprentices are earning a sustainable income.”

Trade Support Loans will specifically target occupations on the National Skills Needs List such as plumbers, diesel mechanics, electricians, and fitters, as well as priority areas in horticulture and agriculture.

“These loans will provide real support for current apprentices to complete their skills training, and provide a stronger incentive for young Australians to become apprentices,” Mr Vasta said.

“Trade Support Loans will help more apprentices finish their training and get straight out into the workforce, by providing support across the entire period of their apprenticeship, and by providing an incentive to complete their course.”

“We want people who start a training programme to actually finish it – and realise the opportunity of working in their chosen field.”

“The new Trade Support Loans are part of the Government’s Economic Action Strategy to build a strong and prosperous economy.”

For further information on the programme, contact your local Australian Apprenticeships Centre or visit www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au.

ENDS

Please find below the Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s statement on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. Our thoughts and prayers go to the families affected.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIGHT MH17

The thoughts and prayers of all Australians today are with the families and loved ones of the Australians that have tragically been killed on Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.

Our hearts go out to the families of all the dead.

At least 27 Australians citizens have lost their lives on flight MH17. Nine resided in Queensland, nine in Victoria, seven in Western Australia, one in the ACT and one in New South Wales.

We can’t restore them to life but we can and will do everything to support them in this sad and bitter time because that is the Australian way – we help in times of trouble.

Counselling, consular and all possible assistance will be provided to the families during the difficult days ahead. 

We will do all we possibly can to support the families and to find out exactly what has happened and exactly who is responsible.

Anyone who has concerns for the welfare of family or friends are encouraged to contact DFAT’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on + 61 2 6261 3305 from overseas, or within Australia on 1300 555 135.

Yesterday’s vote by the Senate to repeal the Carbon Tax is great news for local families and small businesses,” Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said today.

 “Scrapping the Carbon Tax will save the average household around $550 a year, including around $200 on the average household electricity bill, and around $70 on the average gas bill, Mr Vasta said.

 “The Government’s consumer watchdog, the ACCC, has been given extra funding and powers to ensure that savings are passed on to consumers.”

 “Scrapping the Carbon Tax will also take a cost burden off local businesses. This will make it easier for them to compete and employ more people,” Mr Vasta said.

 “I’ve listened to many local residents concerned about how this unfair tax has imposed a real burden on their small businesses and their family.”

 “The Carbon Tax is a $9 billion a year hit on the economy. It hurts small businesses and costs jobs.”

 “Scrapping the Carbon Tax is just one part of our plan to build a stronger economy and create more jobs. It is also important we get the Budget under control, continue to reduce paperwork, and build the infrastructure we need, like the Mount Gravatt-Capalaba Road upgrade across the Gateway Motorway South.”

 “There’s much more to do, but removing the world’s biggest Carbon Tax from the backs of everyday small businesses and families is an important step in building a stronger economy.” 

People looking for aged care services in Bonner will now have access to an online tool that will help them estimate their aged care costs, Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said today.

 “The Fee Estimator, available online or via phone, will allow people to enter their income and assets, and receive an estimate of the fees they may be asked to pay when they enter residential care or access home care,” Mr Vasta said.

 “Navigating the aged care system can be complex, but the Fee Estimator will help older people access personalised information to help them prepare for aged care.”

 Mr Vasta said that the fee estimator has been made available as part of the aged care changes that came into effect on 1 July.

 Mr Vasta said the Fee Estimator will sit alongside clear pricing and accommodation information online to help people make informed choices.

 “People can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to talk to a real person who will help them work through the fee estimator, or they can go online at www.myagedcare.gov.au and use the estimator themselves,” Mr Vasta said.

 “Residential aged care providers are now required to publish the maximum accommodation prices they will charge from 1 July, as well as payment options and a description of key features of each type of accommodation room on offer.”

 “The Fee Estimator and the publication of more detailed information on aged care facilities will empower consumers and their families in Bonner to make decisions about the care that will best suit their needs.”

 Mr Vasta said people don’t start thinking about, or looking for, aged care services until something happens – such as a fall or adverse health event.

“But it’s important to start an early conversation about what care options are available to you or a loved one, because this will help ensure older people get the support and care they need to keep them safe and living independently, or to find the residential aged care setting that’s right for them,” Mr Vasta said.

“The most important thing older people and their families can do is learn about the choices available, so they can plan and make the right decision.”

“I encourage residents of Bonner who want to find out more about what choices are available for them when it comes to aged care to visit www.myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422,” Mr Vasta said.

Work towards the commencement of the 20 Million Trees Programme is continuing to progress and the Government is now seeking feedback from organisations who may wish to be involved in the rollout, Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said today.

20 Million Trees will be implemented through two streams: competitive grants to land managers and local community groups, and a tender process for larger-scale Service Providers.

“The 20 Million Trees Programme is a key Coalition election commitment, and there are opportunities in Bonner for large-scale revegetation projects delivered on the ground,” Mr Vasta said.

“Projects will include re-establishing green corridors and urban forests, increasing and improving habitat to support our threatened species, and creating greener spaces to improve the liveability of our communities.”

“The Government has committed $50 million over four years to the 20 Million Trees Programme, with funding to commence from 2014-15. It’s an important part of the National Landcare Programme, and will deliver real environmental benefits to Bonner.”

“The Government is now inviting submissions from interested parties on how best to deliver large-scale tree planting in a way that best utilises industry expertise, knowledge and capacity to achieve environmental conservation outcomes and community engagement,” Mr Vasta said.

Suitable Service Providers are encouraged to take this opportunity to make a difference to the environment by helping the Government to reach its target of planting 20 million trees by 2020.

Submissions received through this Request for Information process will inform a subsequent Request for Tender (RFT) process that will invite potential delivery partners to apply to become a 20 Million Tree Service Provider.

There will be opportunity for the community to be involved in consultation for the 20 Million Trees Programme as part of wider consultation for the National Landcare Programme in the coming months.

For more information on 20 Million Trees, visit www.environment.gov.au/land/20-million-trees.

For more information on how to make a submission, visit www.tenders.gov.au.

The standard hourly rate of Child Care Benefit families in Bonner receive will increase by the CPI today, as highlighted in the recent Federal Budget.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said, “This could see a lower income family, with one child in full-time care, receive up to $264[1] extra this year in the Child Care Benefit alone.”

“This increase in assistance is timely relief for Bonner families struggling with the cost of care, after fees skyrocketed 53% during Labor’s six years in government.”

“It will help take some of the pressure off working families as we continue to tackle the broader issue of making child care more affordable, flexible and accessible through our Productivity Commission Inquiry.”

“We’re also working closely with Queensland to cut unnecessary and excessive child care red tape to reduce pressure on fees for both parents and child care services alike,” Ross Vasta said.

In total, the Abbott Government is increasing overall spending on child care fee assistance to $28.5 billion over the next four years for around a million families. The Productivity Commission Inquiry’s draft report is due this month, with the final report due in October.

___________________

[1] The standard hourly rate of the means-tested Child Care Benefit will rise by the CPI from $3.99 per hour to $4.10 per hour from Monday, July 7 2014. Families earning under $42,997 receive the full rate of Child Care Benefit, while families earning above that amount receive a partial rate that lessens as their income increases. A low-income family eligible for the full rate of Child Care Benefit with one child in care 50 hours per week, 48 weeks per year could receive up to $264 extra CCB in 2014-15, depending on their circumstances.

Ross Vasta would like to congratulate students from Holland Park State High School, Iona College and Moreton Bay College who have been awarded one of the nation’s top prizes for Year 12 students undertaking Vocational Education and Training in School (VETiS).

The following students are among 500 students to receive the Australian Vocational Student Prize (AVSP), which recognises the skill, commitment and achievements of school students who take on vocational education in their final year.

Holland Park State High School

Sunni Bridgstock

Matthew Seabrook

Brianne Stitt

Ashlee Whitehouse-Rodman

Iona College

Thomas Borthwick

Max William VonRichter

Moreton Bay College

Zoe Atterbury

A further 20 prizes – the Prime Minister’s Award for Skills Excellence in School – have been awarded to the top AVSP recipients across state/territory, industry and Indigenous categories.

These students are not only ambassadors for their school, but representative of the first-class career opportunities that VETiS can provide,” Ross Vasta said.

“The Abbott Government is committed to delivering a VETiS system with stronger links to industry and training providers, ensuring our graduates get high-quality, on-the-job training that equips them with the skills employers need.”

In congratulating these student, Ross Vasta said “the future prosperity of our economy very much depends on a highly-skilled workforce with this generation given an opportunity to pursue a trade or training while at school and deciding on a future career”.

There has been some general interest expressed by Returned and Services Leagues  (RSLs) and other community and heritage organisations seeking surplus Defence Equipment for public display. Therefore, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence has advised of the Department of Defence’s disposal process pertaining to equipment with historical significance.

During the disposal planning process of surplus equipment, Defence assesses if the asset has heritage value and may be worthy of preservation in Defence or Commonwealth museums, or is otherwise valuable to heritage and community organisations external to defence. In cases where it can be demonstrated that an asset has historic or cultural significance, the Australian War Memorial is consulted for advice. The priority order for allocation of historically significant assets is:

–          The Australian War Memorial

–          Internal Defence Service Museums or Service units for historical display;

–          External Commonwealth or State Territory-controlled museums; and

–          External community and heritage organisations, including RSLs.

Should surplus Defence equipment with historical significance become available, the announcement for sale to community and heritage organisations is made via a Request for Offer process. Offers are evaluated with criteria which aim to achieve the best net outcome for the Commonwealth and Defence as well as support preservation of military heritage.

As a general rule, the recipient organisations pay for all direct costs in acquiring the surplus Defence equipment, including obtaining re-transfer approval, demilitarising and preparing for display, removing or sealing hazardous materials, transport to display location, ongoing management and preservation of the equipment; but not usually the administrative costs of Defence staff time and travel. For equipment originated from the United States, transfer to recipient organisations is subject to United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations approval.

Defence maintains a record of expressions of interest for surplus equipment. Heritage and community organisations are welcome to register their interest in specific equipment by accessing the Register of Interest application form at the Australian Military Sales Office Disposals and Sales Internet website: www.defence.gov.au/dda/

The Australian Military Sales Office will notify those organisations on its record when the Request for Offer for the surplus heritage equipment of interested is released.