The Morrison Government is continuing its support for women and girls with endometriosis by investing over $9.5 million into five innovative research projects as part of its Medical Research
Future Fund’s Emerging Priorities and Consumer Driven Research Initiative.

Endometriosis is a common yet frequently under-recognised chronic disease affecting one in every ten Australian women with the average diagnosis taking between seven to ten years.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the funding boost was just another way the Morrison Government showed it support for women.

“These projects will lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis and a better understanding of its causes,” Mr Vasta said.

“It is a highly individualised disease, with its symptoms and impact ranging significantly from person to person, including severe chronic pain and in some cases, compromised fertility and sexual function.

“The Government is profoundly committed to tackling this often misunderstood and crippling condition.”

Research projects to receive funding include:

These research projects will contribute to a greater understanding of endometriosis for the benefit of women and their loved ones across Australia.

Further information is available at www.health.gov.au/mrff.

Sports Australia has developed a Return to Sport Toolkit to provide community sporting clubs and associations with a clear path to competition as COVID-19 restrictions ease.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the suite of practical resources, provided by Sport Australia, focused on giving grassroots organisations a road map for the safe return to sport at all levels.

“The Toolkit encourages clubs and associations at every level to document their own COVID-19 Safety Plan and appoint a COVID Safety Co-ordinator to implement and oversee it,” Mr Vasta said.

“As part of the toolkit, checklists provide practical and progressive steps such as relevant government and national sporting organisation approvals, facility management, training behaviours, hygiene protocols and appropriate communication with members.”

Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck said the Return to Sport Toolkit was a comprehensive checklist that complemented the National Principles for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation Activities, endorsed by the National Cabinet on May 1.

“Sporting clubs and organisations across Australia will play an enormous part in getting the nation back on track as we recover from the impact of COVID-19,” Minister Colbeck said.

“The Sport Australia toolkit provides the resources and guidance local clubs need to ensure a streamlined process, with the safe return of competition relying on a responsible rollout where everybody follows advice and takes precautions.”

The National Principles along with the Australian Institute of Sport’s framework will be used to guide the staged return of activity as efforts to stop the spread of the virus continue.

The States and Territories will be responsible for sport and recreation resumption decisions, both at the professional and community level and will determine progression through the phases, taking account of local epidemiology, risk mitigation strategies and public health capability.

Sport Australia’s Return to Sport Toolkit can be found here.

The AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment can be found here.

National Reconciliation Week 2020 is an invitation to all Australians to celebrate and deepen the bonds with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said it was an opportunity for our local community to think about what reconciliation meant to them and what practical steps they could take to build trust, mutual respect and opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

“The week commences May 27, marking the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and concludes with the anniversary of the High Court’s Mabo decision on June 3 – both significant milestones in our shared history that had profound impacts on our nation,” Mr Vasta said.

“I also encourage all Australians to take part in the National Acknowledgement of Country at midday today when we join Indigenous Australians across the nation and post a video of an acknowledgement of the country you are on with the hashtags #InThisTogether2020 and #NRW2020.

“An Acknowledgement of Country is an opportunity for anyone to show respect for our Traditional Owners.

“Our community is on Quandamooka land and residents can find out more about the land they are on, plus how to conduct an appropriate Acknowledgement of Country at the National Reconciliation website.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt AM MP said each year, National Reconciliation Week draws attention to the ongoing efforts to walk together with a shared purpose, and to build a stronger future for all Australians.

“This year’s theme, In This Together, resonates in new ways in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and reminds us we all share this land and rely on each other to build a better future,” Minister Wyatt said.

“While we are unfortunately not able to celebrate with gatherings this year due to COVID-19, there are many events happening online that people can get involved with.

“From film screenings and book recommendations to panel discussions and streamed concerts, there are opportunities for people to learn about our history, engage with Indigenous culture and reflect on what it means to be in this together.”

Visit reconciliation.org.au or indigenous.gov.au to find out more.

Investing in low emissions technologies to strengthen our economy and support jobs and businesses is a Morrison Government priority as we navigate the road to recovery from COVID-19.

The government has released the Technology Investment Roadmap discussion paper to bring a strategic and system-wide view on future investments in low emissions technologies.

With an opportunity to develop new industries and jobs, investing in new and emerging low-emission technologies is a win for the economy and a win for the environment.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Technology Investment Roadmap was the next step in the Morrison Government’s technology not taxes approach to reducing emissions.

“We are focused on putting Australia at the forefront of research and development and maintaining our strong track record of reducing global emissions,” Mr Vasta said.

“Emissions are lower today than when we were elected in 2013 and deploying the right technology when and where it is needed will allow Australia to capture new opportunities to reduce emissions even further.

“Real action on technology, not taxes, is the pathway to further remissions reduction here and around the world.”

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said there was enormous potential in technologies like hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, soil carbon sequestration, biofuels, resources and energy exports to reduce emissions while strengthening our economy.

“This is about developing technologies to support jobs growth and this is also about ensuring mums and dads and small businesses are paying a fair cost for energy, and not imposing taxes on them,” Minister Taylor said.

“At its core, this is about technology not taxes.

“It means reducing emissions, not reducing jobs and the economy and it is an approach based on rigour, confidence, optimism, and Australian ingenuity not ideology.

“The alternative is to sign up to long term targets without a clear plan, an approach that will penalise energy-intensive industries and reduce economic activity.”

The Roadmap goals will be developed in consultation with industry, researchers and the financial sector, with progress reported through an annual Low Emissions Technology Statement.

The Roadmap will be a cornerstone of Australia’s Long Term Emissions Reduction Strategy, to be released ahead of COP26.

The Government has already made substantial investments in clean energy technology, with more than $10 billion invested in more than 670 clean energy projects with a total project value in excess of $35 billion.

To contribute to this important national conversation or learn more about the Roadmap process, visit https://consult.industry.gov.au/climate-change/technology-investment-roadmap/.

Written submissions are open until Sunday 21 June 2020.

Brisbane City Council will be supported as part of the Morrison Government’s $1.8 billion boost for road and community projects to local governments across Australia.

The investment will support local jobs and businesses and boost local economies struggling under the effects of COVID-19.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the package included the establishment of a new $500 million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and brought forward $1.3 billion of the 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant payment.

Under the Financial Assistance Grant program Brisbane City Council, the local government body in Bonner, will receive $11,710,003.

Mr Vasta said accelerating local infrastructure projects was important for supporting jobs and the local economy in Bonner.

“Every single job we support now makes a huge difference to our local community as we navigate out of the coronavirus pandemic,” Mr Vasta said.

“Not only will this package support local jobs and industries in construction and surveyancing, it will also improve our local roads and deliver much needed community projects.

“I will be working closely with Brisbane City Council to make sure projects get underway to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”

The new program is based on the successful Roads to Recovery program and will enable local councils to deliver priority projects with a focus on upgrades and maintenance to local roads and community infrastructure.

As well as delivering new bridges, roads, street lighting and rest areas, a broad range of community infrastructure projects will be eligible including new or upgraded bicycle and walking paths, community facilities, picnic shelters and barbeque facilities at parks.

For more information visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/lrci

Sailability Bayside volunteers will be able to undergo first aid and resuscitation training thanks to a $2880 Morrison Government grant as part of National Volunteer week.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said Sailability was one of 16 successful volunteer grant recipients in his electorate.

“Volunteers give their time and skills to support others and I am so pleased we have been able to provide a funding injection to support these great community organisatons,” Mr Vasta said.

Volunteer grant recipients include:

• Fort Lytton Historical Association – $5000
• Fort Lytton Motocross Club – $5000
• Wynnum Manly Arts Council – $4500
• Waterloo Bay Leisure Centre – $3050
• Sailability Bayside – $2880
• Safe by the Bay – $2800
• Rosie’s Youth Mission – $2000
• Wynnum Manly Employment Training – $1600
• Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club – $5000
• Global Care Group (Citipoint Church) – $5000
• Paws and Brooks Nature Sanctuary – $4990
• Belmont Saints Basketball Club – $3300
• Mt Gravatt Meals on Wheels – $5000
• Lions Club of Brisbane Macgregor – $4830
• South Brisbane Eagles Hockey Club – $4780
• South Western Metro Basketball – $4740

Mr Vasta said the funding would go a long way to support organisations and their volunteers through what has been a difficult year.

“Volunteers play an integral role in communities and as we start to recover from this global pandemic, this funding will help deliver services and support to those who need it most,” Mr Vasta said.

“From helping cover the cost of travel expenses for Fort Lytton Historical Association volunteers, to Safe by the Bay volunteers washing clothes and printing documents for people living rough, this funding is making a difference.

“The contribution volunteers make to our local community is vital and as part of National Volunteer Week, I would like to say thank you.”

Tingalpa manufacturing company Crystalaid has received a $100,000 Morrison Government grant through the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF) to help them adopt new technology to make their processes more efficient.

The MMF grant will be used to purchase an automated Printed Circuit Board Cleaner as well as some minor building extensions to house the new technology.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Morrison Government’s MMF grants came at an important time for the local manufacturing sector.

“The Morrison Government is committed to Australian manufacturing and supporting small businesses like Crystalaid in my electorate of Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“This investment will not only strengthen this business and create jobs, it will provide a much needed confidence boost as we face this unprecedented pandemic.”

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said 200 projects were supported through the MMF program and were expected to create around 2,600 Australian jobs.

“We established the MMF before the coronavirus pandemic to help small and medium sized manufacturers invest in capital equipment and new technologies to transform and upgrade their manufacturing operations,” Minister Andrews said.

“Now as we face the coronavirus pandemic and look to come out the other side stronger, this investment will be more critical than ever as we prepare Australian manufacturing beyond COVID-19 and the challenges of today.”

For more information on the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund visit www.business.gov.au/MMF

The new COVIDsafe app to help keep you, your family and your community safe from further spread of coronavirus through early notification of possible exposure is now available to download.

The COVIDSafe app is just one of the tools used to help protect the health of the community by quickly alerting people who may be at risk of having contact with the virus.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the use of the app would help to move more quickly to reduce restrictions than would otherwise be possible.

“Without the assistance of technology, finding people who may have been exposed to the virus relies on people being able to recall who they have been around and knowing the details of every individual they have been in close contact with,” Mr Vasta said.

“In many cases, we don’t know the names and contact details of those we’ve been in close contact with – for example, at the supermarket or on the train.

“The COVIDSafe app uses technology to make this process faster and more accurate and has been developed to ensure your information and privacy is strictly protected.”

Collection and use of information from the app is consent based and consistent with the Privacy Act and Australian Privacy Principles.

To further strengthen the app’s privacy arrangements the Health Minister made a Determination under the Biosecurity Act to protect people’s privacy and restrict access to app data to state and territory health authorities for contact tracing.

Under that Determination, it will be a criminal offence to use any app data in any other way. It will also be a criminal offence for someone to be refused to enter a premises, participate in an event or receive a service for failing to use the app.

At the end of the Australian pandemic, users will be prompted to delete the app from their phone.

This will delete all app information on a person’s phone. The information contained on the highly secure information storage system will also be destroyed at the end of the pandemic.

While COVIDSafe app use is voluntary, all Australians are encouraged to download COVIDSafe app to help ensure we can effectively protect Australians and ensure we can quickly respond to any new cases of COVID-19.

For more information on the COVIDSafe app, please visit: https://www.covidsafe.gov.au/help-topics.html

To download the COVIDSafe app for your iPhone please visit: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/covidsafe/id1509242894

To download the COVIDSafe app for your android device please visit: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.gov.health.covidsafe

Australians can honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans and serving Defence personnel on ANZAC Day from home this year by watching the nationally broadcast Dawn Service from the Australian War Memorial and participating in the RSL’s #lightupthedawn campaign.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said while ANZAC Day would be different this year, with no community commemorative services or marches, we would do all we can to honour and commemorate the sacrifice of our Anzacs and thank all those who have served and continue to serve Australia in our defence forces.

“ANZAC Day is a sacred day for all Australians,” the Prime Minister said.

“It is an important time to remember the sacrifices of those who have gone before us, those who have laid down their lives or suffered great hardship to protect Australians’ way of life.

“This year, we will not be gathering at the local cenotaph, or attending gunfire breakfasts at the local RSL, or gathering together to bow our heads in silence and listen to the bugles at dawn.

“But we will still remember the sacrifice of those who gave so much for us at Gallipoli and on many fronts, as we ourselves give what we can to protect Australian lives while we face this terrible virus.”

This year, a Dawn Service will be broadcast across Australia from the Australian War Memorial.

The Australian Wall Memorial is the home of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the Roll of Honour which contains the names of the 102,000 servicemen and women who have given their lives for Australia.

In keeping with the national commitment to social distancing, this will be a service without crowds.

The Prime Minister will deliver the commemorative address at the Australian War Memorial’s Dawn Service alongside dignitaries representing Australia, New Zealand, the Returned and Services League, and veterans.

There will be a ceremonial piper, didgeridoo player and bugler among other traditional elements, supplied by the Australian Defence Force.

RSL State and Territory branches are also urging Australians to show their Anzac spirit at home by safely participating in a private dawn service at their own home.

The RSL’s #lightupthedawn campaign year asks Australians to stand in their driveway, balcony or living room, with a torch or candle, immediately following in the televised dawn service, to remember all those who have served and sacrificed.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said Australians were at their best when they come together to support one another and while we couldn’t physically gather to commemorate the service and sacrifice of our Defence personnel, we could show them our respect.

“Whether it’s a solitary driveway tribute, baking Anzac biscuits, a small ceremony with your household, sharing a message for our service personnel, or watching the televised service from the Australian War Memorial on the morning of 25 April, I encourage everyone to pause, reflect and say a simple ‘thank you for your service’,” Mr Chester said.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said his office had some Australian hand waving flags to help share in the ANZAC spirit.

“If you’re taking part in #lightupthedawn, contact my office for some hand waving flags to share in the ANZAC spirit with your neighbours,” Mr Vasta said.

“While we can’t join together to commemorate the service and sacrifice of our fallen soldiers, we can unite in our homes, knowing our neighbours and community are doing the same to remember them.”

The coverage of the commemorative service will take place at the Australian War Memorial on Anzac Day, 25 April 2020, with the ABC starting pre-service coverage from 5am AEST, with the service broadcast live from the Commemorative Area and Hall of Memory from 5.30am AEST.The event will not be open to the public but will be broadcast live across Australia and streamed online.

The ABC will make the broadcast available to other networks under a host broadcaster arrangement to enable people to mark Anzac Day safely and respectfully from home.

For more information and to obtain a flag, call Mr Vasta’s office on 3893 3488.

As COVID-19 has changed the way we work, train and study, the Morrison Government is working to deliver more training online.

The Government has today launched the improved and repurposed My Skills website which will now focus on online training for Australians looking to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The My Skills website has been tailored to offer more ways for Australians to improve their qualifications online.

Australians will now be able to search the increased online offerings of registered training organisations (RTOs) and vocational education and training (VET) options currently available to continue to train for the future.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said improving online learning through My Skills would provide an excellent opportunity for people in his electorate to study a whole range of course offerings from a wide range of training institutions from around the country.

“We’ve even opened the pathway for people to potentially learn from an institution or course that may not have been available to them before” Mr Vasta said.

“A VET qualification opens the door to so many job opportunities, and nationally recognised qualifications can be gained in a matter of months.”

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said the Morrison Government was focused on giving Australians more training and career opportunities during these challenging times.

“As more Australians stay at home, we want them to be able to make the most of this time by upskilling and preparing themselves for future opportunities,” Minister Cash said.

Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships, The Hon Steve Irons MP said RTOs had been working with the Government to offer more online courses for Australians.

“The increased delivery of online learning would improve flexibility, whilst providing another avenue for Australians to update their skills, or to re-train,” Assistant Minister Irons said.

My Skills is the national directory of VET organisations and courses — an Australian Government initiative to help consumers search and compare VET courses and training providers.

The launch of the improved and repurposed My Skills website complements the Morrison Government’s existing programmes to support Australian workers with the Skills Match Tool prominently featured on the website.

The Skills Match Tool provides intuitive career guidance for Australians looking to choose or change careers based on the user’s previous work experience and qualifications.

This includes providing information on a career’s likely income, whether the industry is in growth and what future pathways are available.

For more information visit www.myskills.gov.au