Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services and Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth joined Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP as part of the most recent Bonner Youth Advisory Council (BYAC).

The Zoom meeting saw four year 11 and 12 students representing Moreton Bay College, Redeemer Lutheran College and Churchie hear from Mr Vasta and Mr Howarth on the importance of leadership as well as Mr Howarth’s assistant ministerial duties.

Mr Vasta said BYAC was not only about giving local students a platform to have their voices and opinions heard, but to also provide insight on the inner workings of the Government.

“The last 18 months hasn’t been easy for our students, from lockdowns impacting their studies to the cancellation of extracurricular activities like sport and music, but they continue to step up and tackle all the obstacles that come their way,” said Mr Vasta.

“Our local students are natural born leaders and that was so clearly demonstrated by those participating in this BYAC meeting. Luke was able to encourage them, reminding the students that being a voice for change doesn’t just have to happen in the walls of Parliament House, it can happen amongst your school peers, your friends and your family.”

“I was very proud of these students who were eager to participate in conversation and raise the issues that are important to them right now, including topics such as social media and the environment.”

Mr Howarth said, “Being a guest as part of this BYAC was a privilege. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in the potential of our young people.

“What goes hand in hand with being a good leader is listening and recognising the value of new ideas. I strongly encourage these students and their peers to keep speaking up and being advocates for positive change.”

“BYAC participants can be chosen by their school or they can self-nominate for the chance to be the youth voice of their peers,” Mr Vasta said.

If you would like to be part of the 2021 BYAC, contact your school and email your nomination to ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au.

The Morrison Government will make support available to fund assistance for job seekers across the country to get a driver’s licence in a move that will help address a significant barrier to many entering the workforce.

Job seekers participating in employment services through a jobactive provider will be eligible to access increased support for driving lessons to help them complete the required hours to get their driver’s licence. In addition to the increased assistance for driving lessons, jobactive employment services providers can also support job seekers with other travel costs such as public transport and fuel.

With nearly one third of job seekers on the jobactive caseload indicating they do not currently hold a driver’s licence, around 330,000 individuals may be eligible for the support nationally.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this would help job seekers across Bonner who were facing barriers to getting into the workforce.

“Our jobs plan, outlined in the recent Budget, is to connect people with jobs today and upskill our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow,” Mr Vasta said.

“This change, which supports job seekers get a driver’s license, contributes to the Morrison Government’s plan to get all Australians who should be working into a job and is critical to securing our recovery.”

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert said the assistance would be particularly helpful for people living in outer-suburban and regional areas who need to travel greater distances to get to their place of employment or training.

“A critical part of succeeding at an interview or at a new job is being able to travel to and from work easily— which is why I have directed this change to ensure job seekers are able to more easily travel safely to training, interviews or to start a new job or apprenticeship,” Mr Robert said.

“As we continue to suppress the virus, getting as many Australians into work as possible is critical to securing our economic recovery, and helping job seekers get a driver’s licence will increase their independence and mobility as well as boosting their prospects for getting into work.”

Driving lessons in Australia can be cost prohibitive for many Australians generally costing between $55 and $70 an hour. Driver’s licence fees vary by state and by licence level. This change supports all Australians, regardless of where they live.

For more information on the range of support available to job seekers, visit: www.jobsearch.gov.au

Today marks 120 years since the Australian National Flag was first officially flown at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne – the site of Australia’s first Parliament.

This year also marks 25 years of celebrating Australian National Flag Day.

Australia’s National Flag was chosen from the nearly 33,000 designs submitted as part of an international competition. On 3 September 1901, Australia’s Prime Minister, Sir Edmund Barton, announced the five winning entrants – all of whom submitted virtually the same design! The key elements of their designs were used to develop the Australian Flag we know and respect today.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the 120th anniversary of Australia’s National Flag is a poignant reminder of our nation’s strength as we face one of our most challenging periods.

“Our national flag is a symbol of great importance and under it we come together in strength and unity as Australians. It is fitting we use this historic day to acknowledge our rich and diverse national history and look with optimism to the future,” said Mr Vasta.

“I frequently have the great privilege of presenting the Australian flag to schools, community groups, local events and individuals across Bonner. It is always special to see people of all ages parade this flag with pride.

“On National Flag Day, I encourage everyone in Bonner to pause and reflect on our flag — the nation it represents, and the people it unites.

“In what has been the most unprecedented of times, today is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate our rich, national history and take a moment to reflect upon what our iconic flag represents.”

To learn more about the Australian National Flag visit www.pmc.gov.au/flag.

Its official, spring is here! Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP is encouraging locals to spark joy for someone in need by supporting not-for-profit donation platform GIVIT’s spring clean campaign.

Running up until 14 November, the campaign invites Australians to donate their preloved or unwanted items.

GIVIT works with more than 4,000 charities and support organisations around Australia to coordinate donations for people experiencing hardship due to natural disasters, COVID-19, domestic and family violence, homelessness, disability, and mental health.

Mr Vasta said the last 18 months have been a challenging time for many families and individuals in Bonner, where the support of campaign’s like GIVIT’s spring clean can make a priceless difference to those doing it tough.

“I have had the privilege of working with GIVIT for the last few years, who do incredible work with our charities in Bonner and am proud to be continuing my support with their most recent campaign,” said Mr Vasta.

“There’s no better time for a spring clean and I encourage locals to donate any items the GIVIT campaign needs.

“I would like to see the community come together to support those who need it most during this time.”

 GIVIT CEO and Bonner local Sarah Tennant said GIVIT is committed to improving waste reduction by facilitating the donation of used, returned, recycled and repaired quality items to support disadvantaged Australians.

“Recent reports show that most Australians have, on average, 19 unused or unwanted items in their homes, so we’re calling on people to donate these items to GIVIT and spark some much-needed joy this spring,” said Sarah.

 The GIVIT Spring Campaign runs from 1 September to 14 November. To donate to GIVIT’s Spring Campaign as an individual or business visit www.givit.org.au/spring.

Local charities, services and community groups can register with GIVIT for free to access thousands of donations offered by generous individuals and corporates. Register via GIVIT.org.au/need-help/organisations.

The safety of the Bonner community has received a boost with the passage of legislation that gives Australian law enforcement agencies new capabilities to identify and disrupt serious criminal activity occurring online.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said, “This is an important step forward in the fight against serious crimes like child exploitation, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms.

“So much illegal activity now takes place online and criminals think they can remain anonymous on the dark web.  We’re giving police the powers they need to tackle crime on the dark web and make our community safer.”

The Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2020 introduces three new powers for the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission to modify and delete data to frustrate offending, collect intelligence on criminal networks, and take control of alleged offenders’ online accounts.

Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Karen Andrews MP, said the changes will ensure Australia’s law enforcement agencies have the tools they need to keep pace with technology to continue to keep our community safe.

“The arrest of more than 290 people as part of Operation Ironside earlier this year confirmed the persistent and ever evolving threat of transnational, serious and organised crime – and the reliance of these networks on the dark web and anonymising technology to conceal their offending,” Minister Andrews said.

Mr Vasta said the Morrison Government has a strong track record of making sure our national law enforcement agencies have the powers and resources they need, with record funding delivered for the Australian Federal Police and ASIO in the Budget.

“We know that Covid-19 is not the only threat to community safety – these new laws are another important step in our plan to keep the community safe,” said Mr Vasta.

“We are determined to keep drugs off our streets and out of our community. Importantly, we are determined to stop and put away those who commit the most heinous crimes against children.”

In time for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) awareness month which fell during August, the Morrison Government put life saving measures in place to support babies living with this disease by listing Evrysdi on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for the first time.

One in 10,000 births in Australia are affected by SMA and with no known cure, this disease is the number one genetic cause of death of babies under two in Australia.

The Federal government has invested heavily in this space since the 2018 Budget, with the inclusion of a $20 million study into reproductive genetic carrier screening called Mackenzie’s Mission.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP is a strong advocate for bringing awareness to SMA and helping to make a difference to the families in the electorate battling it, just like locals Kate and Grant Gough and their beautiful 10 month old baby, Oakley.

“SMA has been a long and challenging journey for Gough family’s baby Oakley, after being diagnosed at just 8 weeks old. Had Oakley been screened for SMA as part of the Newborn Bloodspot Screening (NBS) and started treatment sooner, her quality of life may be completely different to today,” said Mr Vasta.

“Newborns in New South Wales and ACT are already being screened for SMA as part of a pilot NBS program and just last month Western Australia signed on.

“With Queensland now being one of the few remaining states left to include this disease as part of the program, families are calling on the Queensland State Government to take urgent action as early detection can slow the rapid decline in the health of the child and give them the best chance at a healthy life.

“At approximately $10 per test and with the treatments now available, such as the newly listed drug Evrysdi, there is no reason why it SMA shouldn’t be added.”

“Baby Oakley has recently been able to access Zolgensma, a lifechanging gene therapy drug to treat babies with SMA. After just two weeks of accessing this drug, Oakley rolled over the for first time, lifted her head and has even scored 100% on her physio assessment.

“I’m happy to report precious Oakley is improving every day, but it doesn’t mean her life will be easy. We cannot underestimate the overwhelmingly significant difference access to these kinds of treatments can make to the lives of babies battling SMA and their families.”

Without the Evrysdi PBS subsidy, around 100 Australians a year would be paying more than $123,000 for treatment. Now, it will cost as little as $6.60 with a concession card.

“To now have Evrysdi listed on the PBS, it means new families have access to less invasive treatment options and it may also reduce the frequency of visits to specialists’ hospitals,” said Mr Vasta.

“These treatments are critical in keeping these families together and giving them the quality of life they deserve. No family should have to endure the heartbreak of losing a child to this disease.”

To help give babies born with SMA a chance at a better life, sign the ‘Move For Oakley’ petition which calls on the Queensland State Government to include screening for SMA as part of the Newborn Bloodspot Screening program.

Bonner locals are encouraged to buy a badge, bear and other merchandise during Legacy Week to support the partners and children of veterans who lost their lives or have been seriously injured serving our country.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said Legacy Australia supports 43,000 families including children, widows, and dependants with a disability providing practical assistance through advocacy, counselling, medical, and social support.

“Families who have suffered the impact of injury, or death, of a loved one as a result of their defence force service deserve our support,” said Mr Vasta.

“The Legacy Week appeal has been running since the 1940s and their badge is a special emblem which is recognised by all Australians. It’s a symbol of our nation’s greatest values of mateship, compassion and respect.

“To show your support for Legacy Australia and their remarkable work, I encourage Bonner locals to buy a badge or donate through their website. No donation is too small and will go a long way.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the thousands of Legacy volunteers- Legatees, for their tireless dedication, mentoring and assisting of families of those who served our country. Our nation is incredibly grateful.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said Legacy Australia has played an important role in the veteran community for the last 98 years.

In the trenches of the Western Front during the First World War, an Australian Digger said to his dying mate, “I’ll look after the missus and kids”. This became known as The Promise.

“The Promise has been kept since Legacy was formed in 1923, and Legacy continues to support Australian widows, their families and children following the loss or injury of their loved one,” Minister Gee said.

“Fundraising efforts first known as ‘War Orphans’ first began during the Second World War to raise funds for the widows and children of soldiers who did not return. Today, this appeal is known as Legacy Week.

“Since then, Legacy has become a fundraising force providing much needed support.

“Legacy is currently caring for tens of thousands of widows who have lost their loved ones and been affected by their partner’s service in the Korean War, Malayan Emergency, Vietnam War, as well as campaigns in Iraq, Afghanistan and in peacekeeping operations across the globe.

“Normally our Australian Defence Force personnel volunteer to sell Legacy badges across the country. However this year, numbers will be considerably reduced in line with state and territory COVID-19 guidelines, which makes raising vital funds a real challenge.

“Please check with one of the 44 Legacy Clubs across the country about how you can support Legacy Week – or visit legacy.com.au.”

Royal Australian Navy veteran Heidi knows how life-changing the support from Legacy can be, as a single mum to four boys, with her two oldest on the autism spectrum.

Legacy has helped Heidi and her boys by assistingacy g with bills, school fees, uniforms and speech therapy lessons.

Growing up in a military family, Heidi was familiar with the Legacy logo but didn’t understand what it stood for.

“When I see that little badge now, I get emotional about it. Even the boys know what Legacy has done for us. Legacy has brought us happiness as a family,” Heidi said.

Legacy Australia Chairman Legatee Rick Cranna said every year Legacy helps thousands of war widows and families in the veteran community with emotional and financial support.

“The work we do is made possible by the generous contributions of the Australian public and we are very thankful of the support we receive from every day Australians who want to help the families of those who have given their life or health in the service of our country,” Mr Cranna said.

Legacy’s Badge Day is Friday 3 September and donations can be made at their website legacy.com.au. Legacy merchandise, including badges, can be purchased online at the Legacy shop, legacyshop.com.au.

Legacy Week will run from 29 August to 4 September.

The Morrison Government has marked National Skills Week 2021 by reminding Australians of the incredible opportunities of a skilled career as hundreds of thousands make use of the skills and training pathways guaranteed through record levels of federal funding.

Given the 1,455 apprentices in Bonner and the demand for skilled workers, it is also a great reminder that it is never too late to take up a new trade or to upskill through Australia’s world-class vocational education and training sector.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said National Skills Week is a chance for school leavers, job seekers and anyone wanting a career change to consider a new pathway.

‘I would encourage all Bonner locals to consider taking up an apprenticeship or a traineeship because taking up a skill or a trade sets you on a path for a rewarding career,’ Mr Vasta said.

‘This National Skills Week I am proud to be part of a Government that is guaranteeing pathways to a better future for Australians through record funding of skills and training, whether it is our $2 billion JobTrainer fund or our $3.9 billion investment in wage subsidies for apprentices and trainees we are putting money on the table to deliver opportunities to get into high-quality jobs in our community.’

‘Everywhere you look, Australians are making a difference by doing incredible things with world-leading skills developed right here in our backyard.”

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, said that while this National Skills Week would be held virtually, a skilled career promised significant opportunities out in the real world.

‘This National Skills Week is a chance for all Australians to consider having a crack at vocational education and training and remind everyone about the amazing opportunities a skilled career can generate for you and your family,’ Minister Robert said.

‘These opportunities are guaranteed by the Morrison Government which is backing Australians to take up new skills with the highest spend on skills and training in Australia’s history, $6.4 billion just this financial year,’

‘This includes a two-year extension of the $2 billion JobTrainer fund, offering free or low-fee training to Australians, jointly funded with state and territory governments. To date the JobTrainer fund has supported over 230,000 Australians upskill and break into new career opportunities.’

National Skills Week will see events and webinars held across the country aiming to help Australians unlock their potential and gain real skills for real careers.

For more information, visit www.yourcareer.gov.au

Manufacturers in Bonner can now apply for a share of $800 million in funding for major job creating projects under the Morrison Government’s $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative.

Funding of between $20 million and $200 million is available, covering up to 33 per cent of eligible project expenditure.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has called on local manufactures to lodge their applications for funding before September 9.

“Our $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative is designed to support Australian manufacturers to build resilience, scale and become more competitive – all while creating the jobs we need in Bonner and right across the country,” Mr Vasta said.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said the Government will strategically invest in projects that will help manufacturers to scale up and create jobs, with investments targeted at projects within the six National Manufacturing Priority areas.

“As a Government we plan to harness Australia’s manufacturing capability to drive job creation and spur private investment, especially as we chart our economic recovery from COVID-19 and build our future resilience,” Minister Porter said.

“Through the Collaboration Stream, we are determined to co-invest in industry-led proposals that will transform our National Manufacturing Priority areas, by encouraging manufacturers to move up the value chain to higher value, higher margin activities, including drawing on our world class research.

The Morrison Government’s six National Manufacturing Priority areas are: medical products; clean energy and recycling; food and beverage; defence; space and; resource technology and critical minerals processing.

Applications can be lodged from today until 9 September. More details and the guidelines are available at www.business.gov.au/mmic

Belmont State School P&C has been awarded $12,225 in funding from Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP for the refurbishment of their canteen.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP met with Belmont State School Principal Mrs Angela Douglas to see firsthand the valuable upgrades this funding has enabled.

“Thanks to the Morrison Government’s Stronger Communities Program, we delivered $12,225 in funding for Belmont State School P&C to give its school canteen a facelift. This has seen the removal of its old window bars and screens and replaced with new crim safe sliding doors.”

“The canteen has also received a fresh new paint job and has been rebranded as ‘The Hungry Hut’. It has been transformed with a vibrant new aesthetic and feel which is loved by the entire school community.”

“It was fantastic to congratulate Belmont State School P&C on being awarded this funding and see the great impact it is having.”

“P&C’s are at the heart of our local schools, facilitating their improvement and contributing to student’s participation and success. Their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Belmont State School Principal Mrs Angela Douglas said, “Thank you very much for advocating for this funding to be delivered to Belmont State School. It’s a really inviting place for the kids now to come.”

“We’ve also been able to get more volunteers because the space is so much nicer.”

Mr Vasta said the Stronger Communities Program supports projects that deliver social benefits as part of the government’s continuing commitment to strengthen communities across Australia.