Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has thrown his support behind Save our Seton, a group of parents and students committed to saving Seton College following the announcement by Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) to close the school in 2024.

Mr Vasta and LNP Candidate for Mansfield Janet Wishart held a teleconference with BCE today, declaring he would do whatever it takes to keep Seton College open.

“Unfortunately, the decision to close this wonderful institution will have a devastating impact on our local community,” Mr Vasta said.

“I’ve been contacted by many parents who are so upset about the closure and had been told it was a “compliance issue” or “funding issue” with the Australian Government.

“I can confirm I have received a letter from Education Minister Dan Tehan to clarify that is not the case, and the department will work with the school to assist in any way possible.

“The good news is BCE advised there are no plans for the site to be repurposed so that means we have an opportunity to save Seton College.”

Ms Wishart said as a parent of a child with a disability, she knows firsthand just how hard these families fight every day for their kids.

“The decision to close Seton College is devastating for our local community and to date, the current Palaszczuk Labor Government and local member have refused to speak with families, and they simply deserve better,” Ms Wishart said.

“Working with Ross I’ll be fighting to ensure the voices of local families are heard, local families who have been let down by this decision and Labor’s inaction.”

Local seniors had the opportunity to learn more about the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout in and around the Mt Gravatt area, thanks to an NBN information session today hosted by Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta.

NBN Co representatives, Kylie Lindsay and Johanna de Winter, joined Mr Vasta to help answer questions and provide solutions to attendees’ various connection issues.

“I’m pleased to report that 21 per cent of the NBN rollout is complete in Bonner, with all premises to have access to NBN services by 2020,” Mr Vasta said.

“Over time the NBN will replace most of the existing networks as the deliverer of a new service network. At the end of 2020, there will be further plans for path upgrades and speed building to ensure the best service is continually on offer for all users.”

“Right now, 7,500 premises in Mt Gravatt, Mt Gravatt East, Upper Mt Gravatt, Mansfield, and Holland Park West are ready to order NBN service, with 12,900 more premises expected to be ready for service by the end of the year.”

Mrs Lindsay said every household that wanted to keep their landline and internet would be required to switch over to the NBN.

“Every premise in Australia will be connected to the NBN free-of-charge. You will then have 18 months from the installation date to switch over. This will give you plenty of time to shop around and look into the options and packages available to you,” Mrs Lindsay said.

“When contacting a service provider about switching over, ask them: what plan do they suggest, whether there will be any additional installation fees, and if you can keep your current home phone number—in most cases you’ll be able to. Have a good think about what plan will suit you best, you’ll have plenty of time to decide.”

Mrs Lindsay warned that some companies were attempting to take advantage of the rollout.

“If someone shows up on your door claiming to be from NBN Co and saying you must sign up now to keep your landline or internet, this is false. To switch over, you must go through your service provider, not NBN Co, and you will have 18 months to do so,” Mrs Lindsay said.

Mr Vasta asked attendees to report any suspicious doorknockers to his office.

Mrs de Winter said people should also consider any medical devices they had currently connected to their home phone lines, and whether they would be compatible with the NBN.

“If you depend on medical alarms, auto diallers, or emergency call buttons, we recommend that you speak to your medical alarm provider before switching over to the NBN and ensure your medical device will keep working,” Mrs de Winter said.

“For additional support, you can also register your medical alarm with the NBN online at www.nbn.com.au/medicalregister or by calling 1800 227 300.”

In response to questions about whether extra boxes would be required inside the home to be connected to the NBN, Mrs Lindsay said there are a number of different solutions depending on the location of a person’s property and the service NBN Co is able to provide.

“You may have FTTP (Fibre to the Premise), FTTN (Fibre to the Node), or HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial), which will determine whether you have additional devices to be installed at your premise or not. Discuss with your service provider about what will be required to be installed in your home,” Mrs Lindsay said.

Mrs Lindsay said NBN Co understood many people were frustrated about being told one thing by NBN and another by their service providers in regards to solving their connection issues. She said there is currently an ACCC investigation ongoing and that NBN Co is confident there will be positive outcomes for all consumers following the investigation.

Mr Vasta asked those with further issues or questions to contact his office or visit the NBN Co website at www.nbnco.com.au.

Thank you Madam/Deputy Speaker. Today I rise to speak about the fantastic Red Frogs Australia program based in my electorate of Bonner. This is a vital initiative for young people right across the country, teaching them valuable life lessons and giving them the support they need.

At this time of year I always like to reinforce the importance of safety at Schoolies to students in my electorate. Programs like Red Frogs help spread this vital message. Last week I was privileged to attend a Red Frogs talk by founder Andy Gourley at Mansfield State High School. The students had a great time learning how they can best protect themselves and their mates.

It was great to see in person what makes Red Frogs so special. Since Andy began Red Frogs in 1997, the program has grown to cover a range of events and critical issues for youth. Red Frogs helps set up healthy behaviours for young people to last a lifetime.

I applaud the Red Frogs crew for their work. In particular I want to thank Andy Gourley for his immense contribution to this cause. Red Frogs has changed so many lives in my electorate, in Australia and across the world, and it all started with one bag of Red Frogs and one man’s passion to engage with young people. I look forward to seeing the program achieve even greater success in future.