Category: Media Releases

Vasta calls on Gillard to Provide Certainty under the NDRRA to BCC

In a speech before parliament this week, Ross Vasta, Federal Member for Bonner, joined the chorus of voices calling on the Prime Minister to provide assurances about what is considering to constitute “essential Public infrastructure” under the National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

“I join the Lord Mayor of Brisbane in urging the Federal Government to provide certainty to Brisbane City Council and the residents of Brisbane about exactly what assets will be covered by the National Diaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.” said Mr Vasta.

The calls for certainty come as the Prime Minister has refused to clarify what will and what won’t be funded under the NDRRA scheme. The Brisbane City Council is well underway with its flood recovery work, but almost 6 weeks since floods Gillard is still refusing to provide the certainty that is so desperately required in order for the council to move forward with the reconstruction process.

“It was not long ago that the Prime Minister was in Queensland promising to do everything in her power to help rebuild Queensland. I ask the Prime Minister what has changed now she is back in Canberra.” Mr Vasta Said.

Mr Vasta has also accused the influential members of Lilley and Griffith of hiding behind bureaucracy and red table and being more concerned about Canberra that Queensland.

“I call on the Prime Minister and her cabinet to outline Brisbane’s position as well as give all Queensland councils some certainty on what will and won’t be eligible for funding as soon as possible. It is quite simple really – all she has to do is say ‘yes vital infrastructure will be funded’ and yes, water and sewerage infrastructure will fund funded’ and whether is applies to Brisbane or across the state.” Said Mr Vasta.

“Over the last 6 weeks we have all heard a lot about the need to give assistance and demonstrate compassion to the victims of this terrible nature disaster. Indeed the Prime Minister has spoken many times of this herself. I say that if the Prime Minister really wants to show some heart and some compassion, she can do it by giving certainty.” Said Mr Vasta.

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Announcement: Disability Forum coming to Bonner – March 9th

Ross Vasta, Federal Member for Bonner, today announced that he would be hosting a Disability forum together with the Shadow Minister for Disabilities, Carers & the Voluntary Sector, Senator Mitch Fifield, on the 9th of March.

The purpose of the Disability Roundtable will be to provide a forum for people with disabilities to exchange information, learn from one another’s experiences, voice their concerns and pass on information directly to the Shadow Minster for Disabilities & Carers.

“At a time when 5, 000 to 6, 000 people in Bonner have a profound or severe disability there has never been a better time to talk about how we need to care for, support and treat people with a disability in our community as well as their carers. I encourage all members of the Bonner community to attend this forum and to have their say.”  Said Mr Vasta.

The public forum will discuss topics ranging from funding issues through to the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme currently before the Productivity Commission. There will also be a question and answer segment designed to encourage the members of the forum to come forward with their issues, concerns and ideas and most importantly to be heard on an individual basis.

“The main aim of this forum is to improve the support for people with disabilities and their carers by listening and acting upon their feedback and building and strengthening these community partnerships. ” Mr Vasta stated.

Both Ross Vasta and Senator Fifield hope that this forum will help broaden the understanding of the many challenges that confront individuals with disabilities and their carers on a daily basis.

“I’m looking forward to visiting Bonner and listening to people’s views on what we can do to ensure people with a disability and carers get a better deal. I always learn something new at these forums and it’s great that Ross Vasta has arranged this opportunity for a discussion of important issues.” Said Senator Fifield.

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Vasta thanks community for overwhelming response to flood care packages

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, today extended his sincere thanks to all members of the local community who so generously donated goods for inclusion in special Flood Care Packages.

 

Mr Vasta said his office had been overwhelmed by the community’s generosity in responding to the call for donations of hygiene products and other sanitary goods that are so often forgotten in care packages for those in hardest hit areas.

 

“While the majority of residents in Bonner were not directly affected by the floods, the local community’s heartfelt response to those that were has been truly inspiring and I take this opportunity to sincerely thank and commend local residents for their donations,” said Mr Vasta.

 

“Thousands of much needed hygiene and basic sanitary products have been received by my office and these have been divided into over one hundred care packages which will this week be donated to assist flood victims who have lost everything,” he said.

 

Mr Vasta said the community spirit that has emerged in the face of this disaster is a true testament to the generosity and kindness of local residents.

 

“These care packages, which contain practical but much needed products, will make a real difference to those in need and without such overwhelming support from the Bonner community, we would not have been able to make such a meaningful contribution to the flood relief appeal,” said Mr Vasta.

 

“Once again I would like to sincerely thank all those who have donated so eagerly and with such generosity to these care packages.  I encourage residents to keep up the great work and continue donating in any way that they can to the flood relief effort,” he said.

 

The Bonner electorate office will this week continue to collect donated goods for more flood care packages.  Items being called for include such things as deodorant, razors, shampoo and conditioner and other basic hygiene products.

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Coalition listens to Bonner businesses and acts to cut red tape from Government paid parental leave scheme

Local Federal MP for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said the Coalition has listened to the local business community and acted to end the needless and pointless red tape and compliance burden imposed on employers under the Gillard Labor government’s paid parental leave scheme.

The Coalition introduced a Private Members’ Bill to have Centrelink’s Family Assistance Office directly make payments to eligible workers and to stop the Government turning employers into ‘PPL pay clerks’ after the first 6 months of the scheme and will have no impact on its timing.

‘It is not surprising that there has been such an out-cry against the Gillard Government’s demand that employers, both big and small, relieve the Government and Centrelink of its responsibility to administer the paid parental leave system.

‘The Government has failed to offer any compelling reason for forcing on employers pointless ‘PPL pay-clerk’ responsibilities’, said Mr Vasta.

Mr Vasta said the Gillard Government’s justifications and explanations as to why it thinks employers need this extra ‘PPL pay clerk’ responsibility and expense are feeble and completely unpersuasive.

‘Abandoning the idea that employers need to be the Government PPL ‘pay clerk’ would be a far more constructive way for the Gillard Government to ‘get closer’ to a common-sense position and bi-partisanship with the Coalition on the administration of the scheme’ said Ross Vasta.

The Coalition, business organisations and smaller employers have been united in calling on the Government to amend its scheme to relieve employers of the expense and red-tape of the Gillard Labor approach.

Mr Vasta said the only certain way of reducing the compliance burden, ‘pay clerk’ costs and the risk of additional payroll-related expenses is for Parliament to pass the Coalition’s Bill.

The Coalition’s Bill will be voted on in February.

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First Speech: Vasta thanks the people of Bonner for their trust

In an impassioned first speech to 43rd Federal Parliament, the newly re-elected member for Bonner said it was a humbling experience to return to parliament after a 3 year hiatus.

“I am honoured to once again be representing the people of Bonner, and I thank them most sincerely for the faith they have shown me to be their representative, their advocate, and their voice on the national scene,” Mr Vasta said.

Mr Vasta declared his intent to build on his past track record in successfully delivering new services to the residents of Bonner and will continue to work throughout the term towards delivering improvements in terms of transport and road safety, health services, communications and community support.

“I will serve you faithfully and tirelessly, “Mr Vasta said.

He also promised to keep an open and transparent line of communication between himself and the Bonner Community, especially in regards to the lack of internet services throughout the electorate and Labor’s proposed new super clinic in Wynnum.

“My constituents constantly remind me that this is taxpayer’s money, not the government’s money, and therefore, the community must be involved in the process of deciding what they need. They are, of course, absolutely correct, and the Government should listen to and respect that view,” said Mr Vasta.

Mr Vasta said that while he accepted the verdict of the electorate in 2007 when he was not re-elected, he could not deny the incredible personal disappointment felt at the time because he felt he still had so much to contribute and to deliver to the people of Bonner.

According to Mr Vasta, he has used the last 3 years as an opportunity to broaden his experience in the private sector and to maintain and expand his involvement within the Bonner Community.

“I believe that I have continued to learn and grow during my absence from this Parliament and all of those experiences will assist me to be a better and more effective representative of my community’s view in Canberra, “Mr Vasta Said.

Watched by the leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott and a large contingent of his parliamentary colleagues, Mr Vasta said his commitment to the electorate was strong yet simple.

Mr Vasta’s speech also paid special tribute to the electorate’s namesake, the late Senator Neville Bonner, and the former member for Bonner, Kerry Rea.

“Politics is a tough business and I know from personal experience the pain of losing. I want to wish Kerry and her family all the best in her future endeavours,” Mr Vasta said.

Mr Vasta said that although giving his first speech in parliament was a special moment, he was glad to be back in Brisbane and back in the electorate again.

“Going to parliament as only a small part of the job – the most important work is here in the electorate,” Mr Vasta said.

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