Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, today recognised and thanked volunteers across Bonner for their outstanding contribution to Australian society.

“Volunteers are the glue that hold Australian communities together. They perform a range of important work in a variety of areas across all walks of life,” Mr Vasta said.

“Whether it be the volunteer coach of your child’s sporting team, or the person who delivers meals on wheels to your elderly mother, most Australians benefit from the work of volunteers.”

 The valuable contribution made by volunteers in Bonner and throughout Australia will be recognised and celebrated in National Volunteer Week (NVW), 9 – 15 May 2011.

National Volunteer Week provides a platform to pay tribute to the volunteers who give generously of their time and energy to benefit others.

“National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the voluntary sector in Australia, and in 2011 we can recognise in particular the significant role of volunteers in the wake of the devastating floods in Queensland and other parts of Australia. Our communities would not be the same without volunteers,” Mr Vasta said.

2011 marks the 10 year anniversary of the United Nations International Year of the Volunteer, and the 2011 National Volunteer Week theme, “Inspiring the Volunteer in You” is all about encouraging people to get involved in volunteering.

“Everyone has something to offer as a volunteer, and every contribution, no matter how big or small, is extremely valuable. I encourage all Australians to do whatever they can to support volunteers, get involved in National Volunteer Week 2011 and find out more about opportunities to contribute to their local communities through volunteering.” Mr Vasta said.

For further information on National Volunteer Week visit www.nationalvolunteerweek.com.au

Residents of Bonner and their children are encouraged to spend time on Anzac Day reflecting on the sacrifice servicemen and women have made and are currently making in defending Australia, the Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said today.

Mr Vasta said the Anzac legend was born on 25 April 1915, when Australian and New Zealand troops landed on the shores of Gallipoli. By the end of that day, 2000 soldiers lay dead or wounded.

Some eight months later, troops were evacuated without having achieved their original objective of capturing the Dardanelles. Tragically 8000 Australians had been killed.
“Those who served at Gallipoli founded a tradition of courage, tenacity and mateship that has continued to be shown by Australians who have served in subsequent conflicts,” Mr Vasta said.

“Although all the Anzacs have now passed on, the Anzac legend continues to shape Australia’s identity and character.”
Mr Vasta said it was important that Australians remembered all those who served and died – not just at Gallipoli, but in the two World Wars, in Korea, Vietnam and other conflicts and peace operations.

“Even today more than 3000 uniformed Defence personnel are serving across the globe, including 2 350 in Afghanistan as part of Operation Slipper. Furthermore, there are 400 troops in East Timor and 80 in the Solomon Islands and small numbers in the Sudan, Sinai and Egypt. These committed men and women are serving our nation and deserve our support.

“Anzac Day is our chance to let our servicemen and women – past and present – know that their service and sacrifice is remembered, appreciated and honoured.”

Bonner Local Anzac Day Services
Wynnum RSL
174 tingal Road, Wynnum
Monday 25th April
4:00am Assemble for dawn service
9:00am March starts, cnr Cedar & Bay Tces at Old Library
9:30am Wreath laying service

Manly-Lota RSL
184 Melville Terrace, Manly
Monday 25th April
4:00am Assemble for dawn service, Richard Russell Park
4.15am Commence dawn service
8:00am March begins, departing from Manly State School
8:30am Wreath laying service, Richard Russell Park

Holland Park/Mt Gravatt Sub Branch RSL
58 Arnold Street, Holland Park
Monday 25th April
7:30am Commence march from old post office, crn Barter and Logan Roads
7:50am Wreath laying service, 58 Arnold Street

Ross Vasta, Federal Member for Bonner, wishes to remind those men and women who have given military service to Australia that they may be eligible for a Certificate of Appreciation under the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service commemorations program.

Certificates of Appreciation are available in respect to the following conflicts and events:

• Second World War, for service in the Australian armed forces or on the home front;
• British Commonwealth Occupations Force (Japan);
• Korean War;
• Malayan Emergency;
• Indonesian Confrontation;
• Vietnam War;
• Gulf War;
• Iraq War; and
• Peace Operations

“Certificates of Appreciation are just one way that the Australian Government expresses its gratitude to those who have given so much in protecting our country’s interests and helping to restore and maintain peace around the world.

“We are grateful for the dedication and sacrifice demonstrated by our veterans’ service to Australia.” said Mr Vasta.

Those who can apply for a certificate include:

• Veterans and those who served in the wars, conflicts and peace operations for which certificates are available;
• Family members or friends on behalf of eligible persons;
• Family members of deceased eligible persons.

Applications can be submitted to the Wynnum Electorate office of Ross Vasta MP.

More information about Certificates of Appreciation and how to apply is available at www.dva.gov.au/factsheets or by contacting DVA on 133 254.

Mr Vasta, Federal Member for Bonner, has today announced that 65 years after being honourably discharged from the Australian Army, Frederick William Aubrey (AUB) Daw will be finally recognised for his wartime service.

In a ceremony at the Bonner Electorate office on Monday 11th of April, Mr Daw will be presented with two service medals by Mr Vasta on behalf of the Australian Government in recognition of his valuable contribution to Australia during World War II.

Mr Daw enlisted in the Army in May 1943. Initially allocated to a Small Water Craft Squadron, Mr Daw served in a number of appointments eventually seeing out the war as a storeman in the Quartermaster’s store at Redbank.

“Even though Mr Daw is receiving these medals 65 years after his service the timing is poignant as it comes on the eve of Anzac Day when as a nation we stop to remember and reflect on the sacrifice of men and women who have served and who are still serving our nation in times of war and peace,” said Mr Vasta.

When asked why it had taken so long to receive formal recognition, Mr Daw said that he did not feel the need to seek such recognition as he felt proud enough just to have served and have done his bit for Australia in her time of need.

“It’s an absolute honour for me to be able to present these medals to Mr Daw whose service to our country is just as relevant today as it was 65 years ago. I know that I speak for the people of Bonner when I say that I am grateful for his service to our nation,” said Mr Vasta.

This week Mr Vasta has sent each Bonner resident a special Anzac Day message encouraging them to attend local Anzac Day Services and to post letters of support to more than 3000 uniformed Defence personnel deployed around the world.

“In recent years there has been a resurgence of participation from the community at Anzac Day Ceremonies because the legend of the Anzacs has transcended time to become a symbol of what we value as Australians.” Said Mr Vasta.

High school students in years 10, 11 and 12 are being invited to take part in a new national competition called “My First Speech”.

Organised by the House of Representatives, students need to write and video a 3 minute speech as if it was their first speech to parliament.

“This is a great opportunity for young Australians to have a voice about issues that matter to them,” Mr Vasta said today.

“First speeches, previously known as maiden speeches, are an opportunity for newly-elected members to outline the issues they think are important and the difference they hope to make.” said Mr Vasta.

In this competition, students need to imagine they’ve been elected to the House of Representatives. They need to think about the issues which are important to them and then write and video a speech which expresses their concerns, hopes and ideals. It may be a personal, local or national issue or issues, or maybe even a global concern.

Entries will be judged on language, content and delivery and the videos may be used as part of an upcoming public exhibition in Parliament House in Canberra.
The winner will receive a cash prize of $250 for themselves and $500 for their school. The runner up will receive $100 for themselves and $250 for their school. Both students will be invited to Canberra to attend the opening of a public exhibition on first speeches in Parliament House in July.

Entries close on Thursday 16 June 2011. For more information – and inspiration – go to the competition’s website: www.aph.gov.au/myfirstspeech 

Ross Vasta, Federal MP for Bonner, believes that the Carbon tax would be a disaster for the people of Bonner.

“This is not a debate about whether Climate Change exists or does not exists it is a fight to stop the Labor Government bringing in a tax that they do not even believe is the best way to tackle the threats of Climate Change.

“Even Penny Wong as Climate Change Minister said – “A Carbon tax does not guarantee emissions reductions.” Said Mr Vasta.

“This is about holding the Gillard Labor Government accountable for their lies to the people of Bonner,” said Mr Vasta.

On the Friday before polling day, Julia Gillard stated categorically: “I rule out a carbon tax.”

“Julia Gillard’s backflip on her ‘No Carbon Tax’ election promise is not only a massive breach of trust with the Australian people but is also, by Labor’s own admission, bad policy,” said Mr Vasta.

Unlike Labor, the Liberal Party has a clear policy that provides incentives to abate carbon and meet Australia’s emissions reduction targets in the most efficient way possible, by targeting change where change can occur and importantly, not through increases in electricity prices. 

By contrast, Julia Gillard’s Labor-Greens proposal imposes a tax on carbon emissions in the Australian economy, on a punt that this might reduce emissions.

“The only certainty is that a carbon tax will definitely increase the cost of electricity by at least $300 a year, petrol by 6.5 cents a litre, with higher costs flowing through to everything every Australian individual, family and business does.” Said Mr Vasta

“That’s why Julia Gillard felt the need to very clearly and repeatedly rule out a carbon tax before last year’s election, and why her carbon tax now amounts to the most blatant broken promise and breach of trust anyone can recall,” said Mr Vasta

Labor’s plan to every problem seems to be a new tax or committee.   They are dancing to the tune of the Greens towards higher electricity prices.

Julia Gillard ruled out a carbon tax right up to election day.  If she had courage or conviction, she would go to another election and let the people vote on her change of heart. 

As Anzac Day approaches, we stand together and remember all those Australians who fought and gave their lives on behalf of an eternally grateful nation. As we remember those of wars past, we should also take a moment to spare a thought for those Australian soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen who are currently serving abroad.

This Anzac Day, there will be more than 3,000 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel serving overseas in locations such as Afghanistan, East Timor and the Solomon Islands.
To show your support for the troops this Anzac Day you can send them a care package, free of charge, through Australia Post. Australia Post is providing a free delivery service, for packages under 2kg, to our soldiers serving in the Middle East, including Afghanistan, as well as East Timor and the Solomon Islands.

When sending your parcel don’t forget to include a letter of support to the troops and include a stamped self addressed envelope so they can send a letter back to you. Parcels can be sent to “An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman” or “An Australian Soldier – Female.”

Suggested items you might like to send include toiletries, magazines, books, non-perishable food and even a pair of socks! Additional details regarding what can and cannot be sent as well as additional information about postage requirements can be found in detail below.

The aim of Anzac Day Care Packages for the Troops is to remind our deployed forces that our thoughts are with them on a day when all Australians remember those who went before them and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Last Christmas approximately 10 tonnes worth of care packages were distributed to personnel deployed overseas and I urge all Australians to again dig deep and support our serving men and women.

This service is highly valued by Australia’s troops and helps to boost morale and remind our ADF personnel of the enduring support they have back home.

The Office of Ross Vasta will act as a conduit where people can drop donated items which will then be packaged and taken to Australia Post on their behalf. To ensure that the care packages are received by our troops before Anzac Day, packages must be received before the 14th of March.

In Federal Parliament today, Ross Vasta, Federal Member for Bonner praised the actions of Craig Bowen and Steve Creevey who have both been awarded a commendation from the Federal Government’s Bravery Awards Department.

In the announcement gazetted officially today, the two men from the Manly chapter of the Brisbane Coast Guard will receive a Commendation for Brave Conduct for their part in the rescue of 18 passengers off the stricken dive boat Nautilus, which was wrecked at night in rough seas on Flinders Reef in Moreton Bay in December 2008.

“These men disregarded very real danger to their own lives to save the lives of 18 people,” said Mr Vasta.

“If it was not for their incredibly brave and selfless actions those 18 people might very well have lost their lives. Craig and Steve are true blue Aussie heroes in the community’s eyes,” said Mr Vasta.

“It is very prestigious to receive a Commendation for Brave Conduct and in this case the recognition could not have gone to more deserving recipients than Craig and Steve,” said Mr Vasta.

“The people of Brisbane owe a debt of gratitude not only to Craig and Steve but to all the volunteers that form the Coast Guard Brisbane and whose presence allows the community to enjoy the water off our coasts, safe in the knowledge that we have such talented and selfless people prepared to assist if we need it.” said Mr Vasta

The official presentation of the awards is scheduled for later this year.

Ross Vasta has welcomed the release of the Productivity Commission’s Draft Report on Disability Care and Support.

“The release of the Productivity Commission’s Draft Report is an important step towards providing a better deal for people with disability and their carers in Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“The current system of support for people with disability is broken. The level of unmet need is unacceptable.

The Coalition recognises that people with disability, their carers and families deserve a better deal than they get and we need reform,” Mr Vasta said.

“We will study the Draft Report carefully and we are committed to working in good faith with the Government to deliver a better deal for the provision of disability services in Australia.”

The Productivity Commission will conduct further public hearings before it releases its Final Report in July.

“I encourage interested people and organisations in Bonner to make submissions to the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry,” Mr Vasta said.

“I look forward to the release of the Final Report on Disability Care and Support in July this year.”

To read the Draft Report or to make submissions to the Productivity Commission, visit http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/disability-support.  

Julia Gillard and Bob Brown and their Labor-Green alliance have launched a full-scale assault on Australian families and their household budgets.

“The new carbon tax will hit household budgets and hurt families,” said Ross Vasta, Federal Member for Bonner.

Just prior to the 2010 election, Ms Gillard told Australians “there will be no carbon tax under the government I lead.” The day before the election newspapers, believing what she’d said, reported her commitment on their front pages. But it seems this was a promise she never planned on keeping.

“Her broken promise is nothing less than a total betrayal,” Said Mr Vasta.

“The Greens are now in full control of the government’s agenda. Bob Brown is the real decision-maker in the Labor-Greens alliance government. And just take a moment to think about how truly concerning that is,” Said Mr Vasta

At a time when household budgets are already under pressure, Ms Gillard and Labor have decided to listen to the Greens and to green-light a massive hit to families.

In an interview with Neil Mitchell on 3AW today, Ms Gillard confirmed, on many occasions, that there would be “price impacts”.

“It’s not a price impact, Ms Gillard, it’s a price hike. Julia Gillard and Bob Brown should come clean on just how big the hit to family budgets will be.” Said Mr Vasta
Families will have to pay $300 more for power each year and families will be paying at least six cents a litre more on petrol.

“Ms Gillard and Labor have sold out Aussie families. Ms Gillard and Labor just can’t be trusted.” Said Mr Vasta.