The Albanese government made a lot of big promises in the lead up to the election last year and it is astonishing how quickly the pile of broken ones has piled up.
Most famously Labor promised a reduction in power bills of $275 - now the number $275 never passes their lips and bills are going up.
Senator for Tasmania, Hon Richard Colbeck, has called on Labor to stop the hypocrisy when it comes to its approach to infrastructure projects being developed on agricultural land, such as for renewable energy and resources in Tasmania and on the mainland. “Labor bangs on about supporting farmers at a State level but don’t even want to talk about it nationally where there is going to be 28,000 km of new transmission lines for their renewables plan,”
The decision by New Zealand honey producers to withdraw from action seeking to attain exclusive use of the term ‘Manuka’ in export markets is to be welcomed.
“It has been clear since very early in this this fight that the New Zealand claims did not stack up,” Senator Colbeck said.
Senator for Tasmania, Hon Richard Colbeck, has called on Agriculture Minister Murray Watt to keep a couple of messages firmly at the forefront of his mind during his FTA negotiations:
“1 – don’t sell-out Australian agriculture, particularly in relation to the protectionist EU’s push on GIs – we all understand the scam they are trying to pull on prosecco, for example; and
2 – don’t sell out Australia’s forest industry on the altar of EU carbon credits,” Senator Colbeck said.
When will Labor support Tasmania’s AFL bid? With Tasmania’s business case for a new stadium now in the hands of the Federal Government, it is time for Anthony Albanese to step up in support of our deserved 19th team in the AFL. It is also time for this Minister for Sport to step up.
Minister Wells’ home state of Queensland has been a huge beneficiary of support from the Commonwealth over recent years – particularly from Coalition governments.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania, Richard Colbeck, today welcomed the commitment by the Albanese Federal Government to finally honour the funding for the Deloraine Recreation Precinct.
“It is disappointing, however, that it took severe flooding in the region for the Prime Minister to even consider our local needs,” Senator Colbeck said.
News that Labor’s Brian Mitchell is supporting secret plans to walk away from another election commitment that will assist Australians with cost-of-living pressures shows you just can’t trust Labor.
A recent report in the Australian outlined that: ‘Labor Left MP Brian Mitchell has backed Jim Chalmers reviewing the government’s support for stage three tax cuts, declaring “everything should be looked at” given the deteriorating global economic outlook.’
Billions of dollars in community project funding, priority road and rail funding across Tasmania are in doubt as Labor’s horror October Budget nears.
Councils and organisations across Tasmania, including in the Meander Valley Council, have expressed concern over previously promised community project funding from as far back as the 2019 election being up in the air under the Albanese Government.
Tasmanians are joining to mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who pledged her life to service throughout the Commonwealth.
The Queen was the most remarkable Head of State and we thank Her Majesty for an unwavering commitment to duty.
Additional aged care capacity in Queenstown has been secured in a joint funding partnership with the Tasmanian Government. A $3 million expansion of the West Coast District Hospital will increase the aged care bed capacity by four – bringing the total additional capacity to five - and ensuring demand in the region is met into the future. Liberal Member for Braddon, Gavin Pearce and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the Morrison Government would commit an additional $3 million for the immediate expansion to increase aged care beds in Queenstown.
Australia has been confirmed as host of the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 in an enormous sporting double coup for the nation. The Morrison Government support has helped secure both events, which will be watched by hundreds of millions worldwide and further strengthen our decade-long runway of major sporting events. The announcement made overnight by World Rugby was made possible by $9.8 million in funding the Australian Government provided to support Rugby Australia’s bid efforts.
Canberra’s largest indoor venue, the AIS Arena, will reopen for major sport and community events thanks to confirmed funding from the Morrison Government which will support critical upgrades. Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck and Australian Capital Territory Senator Zed Seselja said the investment of $11.4 million would see sporting events such as basketball and netball, concerts and other large community events return in the first half of 2023.
At the first test of its policies, Labor has failed. Mark Dreyfus has admitted Labor would have to pause its promise of an earlier rollout of 24/7 nurses in aged care. It has ignored the advice of the Aged Care Royal Commission and claimed they would introduce 24/7 nurses a year ahead of schedule. Today, Mark Dreyfus conceded Labor couldn’t do it if there are insufficient nurse numbers.
Morrison Government support has helped deliver preferred bidder status for Australia’s proposal to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC) in 2029. Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the preferred bidder announcement by World Rugby today was a testament to Australia’s reputation for successfully delivering major sporting events. Australia is now the preferred candidate for both the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029.
Read MoreThe agency tasked with developing food standards across Australia and New Zealand has a new chief executive officer. Veterinarian Dr Sandra Cuthbert will take the reins of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) following the departure of Adjunct Professor Mark Booth. A former FSANZ general manager, Dr Cuthbert has experience in both the private and public sectors, across biosecurity, agriculture and food standards. Senator Richard Colbeck, who has portfolio responsibility for food, said Dr Cuthbert brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the important role of developing standards for Australia’s and New Zealand’s national food regulatory systems.
Read MoreOlder Australians and those who care for them are already benefiting from the Morrison Government’s transformational reform of the aged care sector. Every single day since we responded to all 148 recommendations of the Aged Care Royal Commission, vital aged care services are being strengthened and improved. The first year of our five year $18.8 billion response has been completed with important changes across residential and in-home care.
The Morrison Government has selected six organisations to drive its plan to grow the nation’s home care workforce by 13,000 over the next two years, and support more senior Australians to access Home Care Packages and remain independent at home. More than $91 million under the Home Care Workforce Support Program has been allocated to organisations in each state and territory, and to the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. All home care providers can work with these organisations to grow and upskill their workforce. The Home Care Workforce Support Program will help senior Australians to remain at home by growing the personal care workforce. This will allow people to access home care services where and when they need them. Senior Australians need a skilled, diverse, compassionate and valued workforce who will provide safe and high-quality care – and this program will increase the number and skills of people providing aged care in the home.
Read MoreThe Coalition Government’s investment in sport continues to boost the sector, supporting athletes at every level and strengthening communities nationwide. Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the 2022-23 Federal Budget underlines the Government’s commitment to sport as the nation embarks on a decade-long schedule of major sporting events. “Consistent investment in sport under the Australian Government’s National Sport Plan, Sport 2030, promotes a strong economy and healthy communities,” Minister Colbeck said. “This year’s Budget is a showcase of additional funding, as the Government continues on that pathway.
Read MoreNew compulsory reporting on food and nutrition in residential aged care has revealed the amount providers spend each day, per person, has increased significantly. Since 1 July 2021, the Morrison Government has provided an additional $10 per day per resident to eligible residential aged care providers. By the end of December 2021, approximately $350 million was distributed to residential aged care providers to improve the delivery of care and services including food and nutrition.
Read MoreA trailblazer of sports media and a champion triathlete-turned-high-performance director have been appointed new members of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Board. Dixie Marshall from Western Australia and Craig Redman from Tasmania will join the board for three years, from 28 March 2022. The ASC is the Australian Government agency responsible for supporting and investing in sport, both at the community and elite levels. It comprises Sport Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government will improve medication management and safety for aged care residents by investing $345.7 million for on-site pharmacists and community pharmacy services in government-funded residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, announced the funding at the annual Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference, currently underway on the Gold Coast. “Improving medication management for senior Australians living in aged care is part of the Government’s generational reform of the sector,” Minister Hunt said.
Read MoreA multidisciplinary teaching hub at a Tasmanian aged care facility will secure greater opportunities for health students and better access to services for older Tasmanians across the region. The Morrison Joyce Government will invest $1.5 million through the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to establish the training centre at Corumbene Care at New Norfolk. In New Norfolk today to announce the funding, Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said the investment underlines the Morrison Joyce Government’s commitment to older and vulnerable Australians across regional Australia.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is investing a further $1.2 billion to prepare and protect senior Australians against COVID-19 and influenza this winter. Aged care providers and the aged care workforce continue to operate at the frontline of the pandemic providing essential services and support to senior Australians. Enhanced preparation within the sector and continued response capability will ensure senior Australians continue to receive safe and quality care as aged care providers face the impacts from winter viruses such as influenza, as well as continuing to respond to the threat of COVID-19.
Read MoreRussia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of choice against Ukraine, enabled by the Belarusian government, is abhorrent and a flagrant breach of its international obligations. Respect for human rights and peaceful relations between nations form the foundation of international sport. The statement below was agreed to by ministers of sport or their equivalent after a joint meeting of nations, listed below.
Read MoreSporting events across rural and regional Australia are set to benefit from the Morrison Government’s Regional Sport Events Fund. Now open for applications, the fund will support community sporting events with an aim of kick-starting local economies and encouraging visitors back after the impacts of the pandemic. The grants will also assist rural and regional communities across New South Wales and Queensland affected by flooding. Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said local government areas outside major cities would benefit from the $1.9 million investment from Sport Australia.
Read MoreA year since the tabling of the Final Report into the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Morrison Government is delivering the largest reform package of its kind in history - while Labor does nothing. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, has hit out at opposition leader Anthony Albanese and his lacklustre team for offering the aged care sector nothing but rhetoric and criticism.
Federal Sports Minister Richard Colbeck and Australian Sports Commission Chair Josephine Sukkar have encouraged Australians to throw their support behind our Paralympic squad. The small but dedicated squad of nine will today kick-start their campaigns at the Beijing Paralympic Winter Games 2022. Minister Colbeck said the Australian Government had been proud to provide record support to Australia’s Winter Paralympics team in the lead-up to Beijing. “It may be a small team in numbers, but we couldn’t be prouder how they have overcome huge challenges to be in Beijing representing Australia,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreMinister for Sport Richard Colbeck has congratulated all 14 winners of the 2021 Sport Australia Media Awards. Now in their 20th year, the awards recognise excellence in sports journalism, broadcasting and production and are the only dedicated sports media awards in Australia. “Whether it’s covering the local competition or reporting from the world’s biggest sporting events, the media play a crucial role in telling stories and inspiring all Australians to get active,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government supports a decision by Swimming Australia to boycott world championship swimming events scheduled in Russia. Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck said every single measure taken to reinforce the condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was important. The FINA World Junior Swimming Championships were scheduled for August 23 to 28 this year while the World Short Course Championships due to be staged from December 17-22. “Swimming Australia’s decision to boycott Russian-hosted events is the right one,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreOne year since the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Morrison Government has achieved significant reform across the five pillars of its five year plan to deliver respect, care and dignity for every senior Australian. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the Government called the Royal Commission because it recognised change was needed. We responded to the recommendations and are now implementing this once-in-a-generation reform that puts senior Australians first. Our financial commitment is now more than $18.3 billion to fund this agenda for change across home care, residential care, quality and safety, workforce and governance.
Read MoreThe Australian Government welcomes the announcement of training sites for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. Across five cities – Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth – the 13 training sites will play a key role in hosting the world’s elite female footballers as they make their final preparations ahead of the World Cup competition. Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the selection of the training sites by the world body for football demonstrates the importance of community sporting facilities across Australia.
Read MoreThe Australian Government and Australian Sports Commission (ASC) congratulates Australian athletes and officials after a record-breaking performance at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said it was an inspirational two weeks of sport, culminating with an Australian record four medals - one gold, two silver and one bronze. “It’s fantastic to have seen the Australian Olympic team achieve record podium success in Beijing, following on from an equal-record gold medal haul of 17 at the Tokyo Summer Olympics just last year,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreMinister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, has joined aged care peak bodies Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) and Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) to encourage more visitors to return to residential aged care facilities across Australia. “We know how important it is for aged care residents to see visitors, such as family, friends and members of their community in person” Minister Colbeck said. “Personal contact is vital to maintaining the social, emotional and mental wellbeing of residents, reducing their social isolation and loneliness. “We are also aware of the significant stress on a resident's loved ones due to the extended restrictions over the last two years and new guidance means that visits can become more frequent and supported.
Read MoreSenior Australians in residential aged care will have greater access to visitors and reduced lockdowns under new visitation guidelines response to the pandemic. The Australian Government recognises the serious impact of social isolation on residents due to the strict requirements to manage the risk of COVID-19. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck welcomed the new advice, which has been endorsed by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and National Cabinet. The new advice will enable aged care providers to take a more flexible approach to visitation, and a more proportionate approach to locking down of facilities following an exposure or in the event of an outbreak.
Read MoreSenior Australians in residential aged care are leading the national uptake of boosters, with 80.56 per cent of those eligible for their third vaccine shot now having received it. In-reach booster clinics have reached all 2541 facilities across Australia, with the program completed ahead of the original schedule as the Morrison Government responded to the updated advice on the timing of boosters by ATAGI. The booster vaccination rate for aged care residents is well ahead of the national community figure of 55.43 per cent.
Read MoreAged care providers in regional and remote parts of Australia will be able to improve services and create safer environments under the latest investment from the Morrison Government. The $35.3 million multi-purpose services (MPS) program will see 110 aged care sites benefit from minor capital grant projects averaging $321,000 each. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck said the work would range from simple improvements such as gardens and pathways to major building renovations. “The aim is to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of residents, including for those living with dementia."
Read MoreAustralia will host up to 1000 international athletes and officials for the inaugural Virtus Oceania Asia Games after a Morrison Government investment of almost $2 million. Competitors with an intellectual impairment from more than 25 nations across Asia and the Pacific are expected to compete in the OAGames 2022. Sport Inclusion Australia in conjunction with National and State Sporting organisations will host the event in Brisbane from 5 to 11 November. Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the OAGames reinforced the impressive line-up of major sporting events to be held in Australia in the next decade.
Read MoreHundreds of women with a passion for sport will be supported to further their careers under Sport Australia’s 2022 Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) program. In all, 489 women across 34 sports will benefit from the initiative, which has helped strengthen the role of women leaders in sport for more than two decades. Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the program provides valuable leadership development opportunities for women on and off the field. “Through the WLIS program we are supporting the next generation of women sports leaders,” Minister Colbeck said. “By assisting women leaders, coaches and match officials with their career development and creating more leadership pathways for women we are taking important steps towards achieving gender equity in sport.”
Read MoreThe Morrison Government will deploy up to 1,700 Australian Defence Force personnel to support staff in the aged care sector. This immediate support through the Department of Health will help stabilise outbreaks and support staff shortages in residential aged care facilities. Over the weekend, ADF personnel undertook induction training with healthcare provider Aspen Medical and joined civilian staff in aged care facilities that afternoon. Defence will deploy four Quick Response Support Teams this week. These teams will consist of nurses and general support staff and will expand to a total of 10 teams from next week. Defence is readying specialist teams of 50 personnel in the four states experiencing greatest pressure (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia) from 9 February. Defence is ready to expand this commitment to up to 200 personnel in each state and territory, or up to 1,700 personnel, if required.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government today backs Australia’s winter athletes as they kick-start their Olympic campaigns in Beijing. Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the Government’s continued support for our elite stars had strengthened their competitive footing for the fortnight ahead and beyond. Through the Australian Institute of Sport, the Government has invested more than $29.8 million directly into Australia’s winter athletes and sports over the past four years - an increase of almost 50 per cent on the previous Winter Olympic cycle.
Read MoreThe Commissioner for Aged Care Quality and Safety, Ms Janet Anderson PSM, has been reappointed for a further three years. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said Ms Anderson had shown extraordinary leadership during a challenging time. “I congratulate and thank Ms Anderson for her leadership of the Commission over a period of major change that included new quality standards, additional functions and powers, sustained public scrutiny from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, and a challenging operating environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government will provide $210 million to support the aged care workforce to continue to care for older Australians during the COVID 19 pandemic. A bonus of up to $800 will be made in two instalments of up to $400 each. The bonus will be paid to workers providing care and support in Government subsidised home care and to residential aged care workers. The payments will be for clinical care workers and expanded to all those providing direct care, food or cleaning services in Government subsidised residential care.
Read MoreSt John Ambulance volunteer Valmai Dempsey is tonight recognised as the Senior Australian of the Year 2022. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, has congratulated Ms Dempsey, noting a lifetime dedicated to the care of others. “Ms Dempsey’s extraordinary commitment to the care of others has been showcased through her extraordinary service as a St John Ambulance volunteer,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government has welcomed the first meeting of the Aged Care Council of Elders. A key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Government established the Council of Elders as part of new governance arrangements arising from our aged care reforms. The role of the council will be to consult with senior Australians to provide advice to Ministers on a range of matters including aged care quality and safety, the needs of senior Australians and their families and carers and the rights and dignity of senior Australians. Attending the first meeting today, Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the Council of Elders will play a critical role in making sure that those most central to the aged care system, senior Australians, have significant input into shaping the future of aged care.
Read MoreThe drowning deaths of 20 people at coastal waterways across Australia since the start of summer underlines the important reasons to stay vigilant as thousands flocks to beaches for holidays. Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, has issued an urgent reminder to communities across the nation not to become complacent after a string of tragedies left families devastated. There have been 20 deaths at coastal waterways since December 1 – four more than the same time last year and a figure already higher than the 10-year average of 16.
Read MoreSenior Australians now have a strong, formal voice to government on ageing and aged care matters, with the 14 members of the new Council of Elders – a specific recommendation coming out of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety – announced today. The Council of Elders will be led by inaugural Chair Ian Yates AM, who will also sit on the new National Aged Care Advisory Council. Mr Yates will ensure the voice of senior Australians is heard and that advice is provided to the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, and the Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, and the Department of Health.
Read MoreNew sport and physical activity programs encouraging Australians to run, play, skate, sail and ride are among those to receive funding through the second round of Sport Australia’s Participation Grant program. Sharing in $10.3 million worth of grant funding, the 36 new programs will provide more opportunities for Australians to connect with sport and get physically active. Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the Morrison Government was proud to invest in programs that bring communities together.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government has further bolstered the high-calibre membership of the nation’s pre-eminent sports dispute resolution body, the National Sports Tribunal (NST). Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, has appointed 41 new members to the NST, recommended by an independent selection advisory committee. They join the NST’s first 39 members who were appointed by the same committee in the first tranche of members, when the NST started in March last year.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government continues to back Australian high-performance sport with a $257.5 million investment for National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) to take them through to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond. Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said funding allocations to NSOs provides certainty to athletes as they prepare for Paris 2024.
Read MoreThe global search has started for five leaders who will help shape the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Australian and Queensland Governments have jointly commissioned global executive search firm Odgers Berndtson to identify five independent directors, including the President, to the Board of the Brisbane Organising Committee for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games (OCOG).
Read MoreThe Morrison Government today launches an education program to help aged care providers strengthen organisational governance and leadership. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said strong leadership within the sector is critical for driving the cultural change required for high-quality levels of care. The “Governing for Reform in Aged Care” education program is an important component of the Government’s once-in-a-generation aged care reform plan aimed at supporting providers to fulfil responsibilities to consumers.
Read MoreAs part of its 2022 pre-season fixture to be released on Monday, December 20, Hawthorn will host Richmond in a tribute match to support the families who lost loved ones and the wider community. North Melbourne Football Club will also show its support as part of the event. Minister Colbeck, a Devonport resident, said the tribute match would mean a lot to the community as it deals with the unbelievably loss. “It is an extraordinary acknowledgement from the AFL community as the people of Devonport and Tasmania draw together at this sad time,” Minister Colbeck said. “It is a profound loss that will affect our community for a long time – but the outpouring of support across Australia brings some level of comfort. “We are there for the people of Devonport, now and for the months and years ahead.
Read MoreAustralian sporting legend, Kieren Perkins OAM is today confirmed as the next Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). Best known as one of Australia’s greatest swimmers. Mr Perkins brings a wealth of corporate and sports administration experience to the role. Most recently, Mr Perkins served as the President of Swimming Australia and has previously been a Commissioner of the Australian Sports Commission (2001-2007).
Read MoreOutgoing CEO of Paralympics Australia, Lynne Anderson, has been appointed as a member of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Board for a three-year term. Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said Ms Anderson brings a wealth of experience and an impressive track record to the ASC. “As the CEO of Paralympics Australia for the last six years, Ms Anderson has made a huge contribution to Paralympic sport in Australia,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government today announces an additional $22 million to ensure senior Australians can access sustainable, high-quality residential care, under a new round of funding through the Business Improvement Fund (BIF). Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said latest investment underlined the Government’s commitment to strengthen the business framework for providers across the country. The Morrison Government invested in nearly 200 residential aged care providers through the first round of the BIF to improve service delivery and viability and ensure the needs of senior Australians are met.
Read MoreYoung Australian athletes and their families will benefit following the Morrison Government’s expansion of the popular Local Sporting Champions program with the number of annual grants to increase from 9000 to 12,000. In addition, a new Local Para Champions program will provide extra financial support of up to $1,000 for more than 900 aspiring Paralympians to participate in competitions, recognising the added costs for equipment and travel. This new funding of $5.5 million for the program comes through the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) announced today by the Treasurer.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is continuing to implement its response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, with a further financial investment of $632.6 million. This builds on the record funding of $17.7 billion already committed in the 2021-22 Budget, based on a five pillar five year plan to ensure senior Australians receive the care, respect and dignity they deserve. The Morrison Government’s additional commitments in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) MYEFO update brings the total investment in response to the Royal Commission’s final report to more than $18.3 billion, and more than $19.5 billion since the Royal Commission was established in 2018.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government will invest $102 million to expand, strengthen and enhance Australia’s National Dementia Support Program. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said ensuring access to high quality and effective support for those living with dementia, their families and carers was a priority. Between 386,200 and 472,000 people are living with dementia across the country, with an additional 1.6 million people caring for them. “This funding underpins the Morrison Government’s focus to ensure our most vulnerable loved ones receive the high-quality personalised care they deserve,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreA new $34 million research centre will strengthen the future of aged care delivery in Australia. The Aged Care Centre for Growth and Translational Research to open next year at Flinders University in Adelaide will help ensure vital research leads to tangible outcomes for the aged care sector. The work will initially focus on four priority areas – dementia care, restorative care and rehabilitation, mental health and wellbeing, and social isolation. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Senator Richard Colbeck, said the centre was an important investment in improving the quality of aged care services. “This is a big step forward when it comes to ensuring the needs of older Australians in care are not just met, but exceeded,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreHobart’s successful bid to host the Fifth Ashes Test is a win for cricket fans and the Tasmanian economy. Minister for Sport and Senator for Tasmania, Richard Colbeck welcomed the decision by Cricket Australia to schedule the fifth test at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval. “Tasmanians love their cricket and to now play a part as hosts is an enormous point of pride for all of us,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is investing in swimming and water safety education, encouraging more teachers into the pool to strengthen skills and save lives. The national organisation for teaching swimming and water safety, AUSTSWIM, will receive $250,000 for its “Creating Jobs, Saving Lives” project which aims to address a shortage in swim and water safety teachers. The project will focus on re-engaging with swimming teachers who have left the industry and support them to return to the water. AUSTSWIM will share in $10.3 million spent on 36 new programs under Sport Australia’s Participation Grant program - providing more opportunities for Australians to connect with sport and get physically active.
Read MoreCurrent and emerging para-athletes will benefit from the Australian Government’s investment in a new community, education and events centre at The Hangar at Tullamarine. The new development features accessible training and accommodation facilities for para-athletes, a theatre and meeting rooms at the Essendon Football Club’s base which is also home to Paralympics Australia in Victoria.
Read MoreToday, on International Volunteer Day we celebrate and thank the millions of volunteers across the nation who give their time selflessly to help and enrich lives. Across Australia, it is estimated almost six million people volunteer through an organisation annually. This is almost one in three, aged 15 years and over.
Read MoreMinister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, has welcomed the release of the FIFA Women’s World Cup (FWWC) 2023 match schedule saying it puts our two sport-loving nations in the spotlight. “With the opening match of the tournament in New Zealand, and the final in Sydney, the schedule demonstrates the strength in our trans-Tasman partnership,” Minister Colbeck said. “Australia and New Zealand boast a passionate fan base, excellent hospitality, robust security arrangements and exciting tourism opportunities.
Read MoreThe number of people waiting to receive a home care package continues to decrease as the Morrison Government ensures more senior Australians can live at home for longer. The Home Care Packages Program Data Report (1st Quarter 2021-22) shows the number of people accessing a home care package grew to 204,146 at 30 September 2021 - an increase of over 41,000 older Australians in 12 months. The number of people waiting for their approved home care package also dropped by 25 per cent from 30 September 2020 to 30 September 2021.
Read MoreThe performances of our Olympic and Paralympic teams in Tokyo look set to leave a lasting legacy and improve the health and wellbeing of Australians. Findings from Sport Australia’s Community Perceptions Monitor survey reveal more than half of all Australians were inspired by the performance of our athletes - with one in five saying they were now more motivated to get active. The survey, which captures public attitudes towards sport, found 55 per cent of Australians who watched the Olympics and 58 per cent who watched the Paralympics said they felt proud to be an Australian.
Read MoreA new funding agreement that increases total program funding from $52.6 million to $151.1 million over four years will significantly expand the National Aged Care Advocacy Program (NACAP) to support greater choice and quality safeguards for senior Australians. The Morrison Government committed to an increase of $99.6 million for the NACAP program, as part of its $17.7 billion aged care reform package, announced in the 2021-22 Budget.
Read MoreWork to align regulation across the aged care, disability and veterans’ care sectors will significantly improve quality and safety for participants and consumers. The Morrison Government is committed to improving protections for Australians living in residential aged care or receiving aged care services at home, those receiving veterans’ in-home care and assistance, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants, and those who receive other disability services. The changes will make it easier for service providers and staff to work seamlessly across different types of care and support, providing greater choice of services for consumers. A consultation paper, Aligning regulation across aged care, disability support and veterans’ care, released this week will inform the development of a roadmap towards better alignment.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government will invest more than $56 million to improve end of life and palliative care for Australians.Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said as people approached the final stage of their lives it was vital they had access to the level of care they needed. Of the 160,000 people who die in Australia each year, it is estimated approximately 50 to 90 per cent would benefit from receiving palliative care in the period leading up to their death.
Read MoreThree leading members of the Australian Sports Foundation have been reappointed as the agency continues to champion sport funding and philanthropy across the sector. Olympic rowing gold, silver and bronze medallist Kim Brennan AM, Olympic water polo gold medallist Gail Miller OAM and dual Olympian and Commonwealth Games swimming champion Andrew Baildon have been re-endorsed as their important work with the foundation continues.
Read MoreSeventeen prominent Australians will provide expert advice on aged care issues and the implementation of the Morrison Government’s $17.7 billion reform agenda in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Led by inaugural chair Andrea Coote, the National Aged Care Advisory Council will ensure aged care reforms meet the needs and expectations of senior Australians, their families and carers and the Australian community.
Read MoreFormer Health Department secretary, Glenys Beauchamp PSM, has been confirmed as chairperson of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). Ms Beauchamp brings a thorough understanding of the significance of the role of FSANZ to the Australian and New Zealand public and food industry. She has been acting chair of FSANZ since 1 September 2021. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services and Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, who has portfolio responsibility for food regulation, welcomed the appointment saying Ms Beauchamp’s significant record of public service means FSANZ is in good hands.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government welcomes the release of the Report on the Operation of the Aged Care Act (1997) – a vital overview of Australia’s age care system. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the report offered important insight into the sector’s operations during the 2020-21 financial year.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government has opened a $20 million grant program for home care providers to increase and report on the vaccination rate of their workforce. More than 175,000 senior Australians are on a home care package with the services they receive provided by around 116,000 home care workers. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the grants would give home care providers extra assistance to ensure the safety of their clients.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government will invest more than $780,000 for 10 new permanent transition care places to better cater to the needs of senior and vulnerable Territorians. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said the additional places, made available through the Government’s Transitional Care Program offered peace-of-mind for those seeking care and their families. “The Northern Territory is a small, remote jurisdiction, and the new places recognise the challenges this brings by helping more than 40 additional people to access transition care every year,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreHome and residential aged care providers will develop coordinated workforce planning approaches under a new Australian Government service aimed at ensuring quality levels of personalised care are strengthened and maintained. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, launched the Workforce Advisory Service today which will support aged care providers in attracting, retaining and skilling their workforce.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government has accepted all 38 recommendations from a review into COVID-19 outbreaks in residential aged care facilities. The Independent Review of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities, will underpin continued improvements as the Government and aged care sector prioritise the health and wellbeing of senior Australians in care. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said the review was an important blueprint as we navigate the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government today recognises the contributions of carers across Australia as part of National Carers Week. Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the commitment and support carers provide to senior and vulnerable Australians should not be underestimated. Almost 2.65 million people care for a partner, family member or friend who needs them. “These are the unsung heroes making an enormous difference in the lives of others,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government will boost funding to improve research and prevention of brain injuries and concussion for Australians playing sport. The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) will use an additional $340,000 in funding for the Concussion and Brain Health Project, a comprehensive study that will draw on the expertise of medical professionals and researchers. The work will include an evaluation of the brain health of retired elite level athletes, in collaboration with the University of Newcastle and the University of Canberra.
Read MoreFood and nutrition for aged care residents across Australia will come into sharp focus as providers deliver their first reports under mechanisms to strengthen individual care. In a continued response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the online reporting will improve transparency and standards, as providers receive increased funding through the basic daily fee of $10 per resident per day. Residential aged care providers were required to commit to reporting on their services, in particular food and nutrition, as a prerequisite to receiving the funding boost. The initiative aims to improve and strengthen one-on-one care for senior and vulnerable Australians in residential aged care settings across the country, and is part of the overall $17.7 billion the Australian Government is providing in response to the Royal Commission report.
Read MoreAged care facilities across Australia will be opened to visitors under a plan agreed to by National Cabinet. The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), has outlined the principles to remove restrictions on visitation to residential aged care facilities. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck welcomed the endorsement of these principles saying it marked an important opportunity to reduce the impacts of social isolation in residential care settings.
Read MoreThe number of registered nurses working in aged care will be increased and strengthened, particularly in rural and remote areas, under a new payment aimed at rewarding clinical skills and leadership. The $135.6 million commitment will also reward nurses who take on additional training responsibilities and recognises the invaluable contribution aged care nurses make across the sector. Under the initiative, full-time registered nurses can receive a payment of $3700 for each year and part-time and casual registered nurses can receive payment on a pro‑rata basis, averaging $2700 each year.
Read MoreNominations are now open for members of Australia’s first-ever Council of Elders – a panel of representatives charged with providing advice and feedback on aged care issues around the country. In another important response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the council will be established as part of the Morrison Government’s comprehensive $17.7 billion reinforcement of the sector. It comes as Australia today marks the inaugural Ageism Awareness Day and the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said in keeping with both awareness initiatives, the Council of Elders will ensure older Australians and the issues they face, are at the heart of Australia’s generational reforms.
Read MoreOlder Australians are today recognised for the vital contributions they make to communities around the country as part of the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the global day of awareness marked an important opportunity to show our gratitude to seniors Australians – from our parents to neighbours and friends. “The value older Australians bring to communities across our nation is immeasurable,” Minister Hunt said.
Read MoreA new National Centre for Monitoring Dementia is to be established to improve the care for those suffering from the condition along with $25.5 million for new research. Marking Dementia Australia week, the Morrison Government is providing $13 million in funding to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare to establish the National Centre, to routinely monitor dementia care in Australia. This will help address critical gaps to support national dementia policy and service provision. A further $25.5 million is also being made available under the Government’s Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care (DAAC) Mission including the release of a comprehensive roadmap and implementation plan to chart the way forward.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government has commended workers across Australia’s aged care sector for their extraordinary commitment to protect themselves and those they care for. As the first sector to benefit from a national approach to mandatory vaccinations, staff at residential aged care facilities nationwide have shown leadership and a willingness to put others first. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the uptake in vaccinations has provided a blueprint for others to follow. “It has been a significant effort from all concerned,” Minister Colbeck said. “I thank them and congratulate them.”
Read MoreHundreds of emerging female leaders in Australian sport will receive quality professional development and training under Sport Australia’s 2022 Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) grants. Applications are now open for the program which has helped strengthen the role of female leaders in sport for more than two decades. Sporting organisations can also apply for WLIS grants to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces and attract, retain, and develop even more talented female leaders across the sector.
Read MoreStaff accommodation will be built at Lady Barron on Flinders Island under a Morrison Government grant aimed at strengthening aged care services in remote communities. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, and Member for Bass, Bridget Archer, welcomed the investment under the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Flexible Aged Care (NATSIFAC) Program‘s infrastructure and equipment grants which will see $5.2 million allocated across services to improve the lives of older First Nations people. The Flinders Island Aboriginal Association (FIAAI) will use $610,000 to build staff accommodation. FIAAI provides a range of services on Flinders Island including primary health and aged care, housing, youth services and a state-wide “Tackling Smoking Project”.
Read MoreSports organisations across the country can now apply for the second round of Sport Australia’s Participation Grant program. Grants of up to $450,000 are available to eligible national sport and physical activity organisations which are helping keep local communities actives. Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the $10.3 million initiative will support up to 40 new inclusive, high-quality sport and physical activity experiences across the country. “COVID-19 has impacted so many Australians and sport continues to face ongoing challenges because of the pandemic,” Minister Colbeck said. “This program will deliver community-based participation programs to help tens of thousands of Australians get active and return to sport when it is safe to do so."
Read MoreThe Morrison Government congratulates our Australian Paralympians after a showcase of unforgettable performances in Tokyo. The Australian team of 179 was the country’s largest ever at an overseas Paralympic Games notching up 80 medals - 21 gold, 29 silver and 30 bronze. Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the efforts of our Paralympians had reinforced the nation’s love for green and gold competition on the world stage. “This was a Paralympic Games for the history books,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government will ensure Australia’s Paralympic athletes receive payments for winning medals at the Tokyo Games in line with the payments to our Tokyo Olympic medallists. The decision ensures Paralympics Australia can recognise our champion Paralympic athletes in line with payments made by the Australian Olympic Committee to medal-winning athletes in Tokyo.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government today releases the 2020 Aged Care Workforce Census Report. It points to a significant increase in the number of direct carers working across the industry since 2016, efforts by providers to secure more nursing staff and a workforce that is increasingly better skilled. The census also reveals the age care sector is succeeding in its efforts to attract younger employees. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the 2020 workforce data provides a benchmark for the Government as it continues to drive generational reform. “Right across the aged care sector we continue to see examples of a workforce that is determined to make individual care a priority,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreSkilled workforce for aged care will be strengthened with the Morrison Government extending the ability for student visa holders to work longer hours across the sector in the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary extension of the removal of working hour restrictions applies to all student visa holders working in the aged care sector, regardless of when they commenced that work. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said it was an important mechanism that offered reassurance to providers. “We understand the uncertainty providers have been facing during this challenging time,” Minister Colbeck said. “This extension will help reinforce staff rosters, ensuring providers will have continued access to skilled and compassionate workers and ultimately ensure the health and wellbeing of our loved ones in care is a priority.”
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is acting to ensure older and isolated residents of Greater Shepparton have access to support services as the impact from the latest COVID-19 outbreak continues. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck and Member for Nicholls, Damian Drum, have acknowledged the situation facing Shepparton residents, particularly for seniors who may be isolated and unable to get their essentials easily or safely. Staff are on standby on the Government’s My Aged Care hotline (1800 200 422) for any locals aged 65 or over and Indigenous residents over 50 who are worried about shopping for groceries or having trouble preparing meals.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is urging all Australians to get behind the nation’s Paralympians as they prepare to compete at the Tokyo Games. Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the Tokyo Paralympic Games represented another important opportunity for Australians to unite to celebrate the individual efforts of athletes who had overcome extraordinary odds. “Just like their Olympic counterparts, the Australian Paralympic team is a source of enormous pride and inspiration to us all,” Minister Colbeck said. “The path to Tokyo has not been easy and our athletes have showed great determination and spirit to overcome the challenges of COVID-19 to compete on one of the biggest sporting stages in the world.
Read MoreAustralia’s personal care workforce is being strengthened and increased under a $91.8 million Morrison Government initiative helping older people live at home for longer. In another comprehensive response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Home Care Workforce Support Program will help administrators attract, train and retain approximately 13,000 new personal care workers by mid-2023.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government today congratulates Australia’s record-breaking 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games team. Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said Team Australia had inspired the nation. “On behalf of all Australians, I would like to congratulate our Olympians for their outstanding success and achievements,” Minister Colbeck said. “You have allowed us to cheer from the sidelines and had us on the edge of our seats, uniting us as a nation at a time when we have never need it more.” Australian athletes were responsible for an equal all-time gold medal haul of 17, with seven silver and 22 bronze.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government today recognises the extraordinary contribution of aged care employees across Australia. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said August 7 marked Aged Care Employee Day – an important opportunity to say thanks to more than 360,000 workers across the sector. “Our aged care employees at every level work tirelessly to ensure the safety and quality of care of senior and vulnerable Australians,” Minister Colbeck said. “These are people who never discriminate and always put the care and wellbeing of others at the forefront. “It is the kind of dedication that deserves recognition. To all those employees we say thank you for providing the respect, care and dignity senior Australians deserve".
Read MoreSenior Australians affected by ongoing lockdowns can access vital support services to ensure they stay socially connected and maintain their health. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said it was important older Australians and their families - particularly those living across hardest-hit local government areas in New South Wales and South East Queensland - understood what was available. “Challenges remain for senior and vulnerable Australians as we continue to navigate the impact of the pandemic, particularly the effect of the Delta strain,” Minister Colbeck said. “Staying connected and healthy has never been more important.
Read MoreSenior Australians in regional and remote areas will benefit from the single largest investment in residential aged care infrastructure in Australia’s history. A total of $150 million in capital grants has been allocated following the conclusion of the competitive 2020 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR). This substantial investment by the Australian Government has funded 72 infrastructure projects worth, on average, $2.1 million each. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck, said the investment reflects the Morrison Government’s commitment to greater respect, care and dignity for senior Australians no matter where they live. “Investing in aged care infrastructure means we can improve the quality and safety of residential aged care from the ground up,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreThe Olympics and Paralympic Games will return to Australia after Brisbane and South East Queensland won the rights to host the 2032 Games of the XXXV Olympiad. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck and Member for Fairfax, Ted O'Brien said it was a huge coup for the nation. “It’s a historic day not just for Brisbane and Queensland, but for the entire country,” Mr Morrison said. “Only global cities can secure the Olympic Games – so this is fitting recognition for Brisbane’s standing across our region and the world.
Read MoreMinister for Sport Richard Colbeck has credited outgoing Paralympics Australia chief executive Lynne Anderson for forging greater pathways for athletes. Ms Anderson has announced she will step down from her role at the end of 2021 after six years leading the organisation.
Minister Colbeck said Ms Anderson had showcased extraordinary leadership during her tenure. “She has championed the needs of the Australian Paralympic movement starting with those who matter most – the athletes,” he said.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is continuing to support residential aged care providers in Greater Sydney and across New South Wales with emergency preparedness and response activities and introducing more stringent reporting requirements to protect senior Australians. Provisions to bolster residential aged care facilities amid the current COVID-19 outbreak include access to a second round of COVID-19 Aged Care Support Program grants and reimbursement for eligible expenses.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is partnering with the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) for an online learning package aimed at helping aged care providers and health professionals prevent, identify, and respond to sexual abuse.
Funded via a $168,000 grant from the Australian Government, OPAN is working with leading researcher Dr Catherine Barrett to develop Abuse of the older person: eLearning program for health professionals.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck said it was an important contribution to reinforce the safety of those we care for most.
Read MoreMinister for Sport Richard Colbeck will travel to Tokyo as a representative of the Commonwealth ahead of the IOC decision regarding the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
The trip represents an important opportunity across both his portfolios.
“This is an exciting time for Australian sport – securing the 2032 Games for Brisbane and Queensland will ensure Australia’s momentum as a host of international sporting events is maintained for years to come,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is helping aged care workers get vaccinated as part of an $11 million grant program.
Applications are now open for aged care providers to apply for the funding following recommendations mandatory vaccinations be introduced.
The program was established in recognition of the individual circumstances of aged care workers now subject to the new requirement.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government today announces a new chairperson for the Australian Sports Foundation.
Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the appointment of businessman and administrator Grant O’Brien marked a new chapter for the organisation as it continues its vital role raising private funds for the development of sport across the country.
Mr O’Brien has been a member of the ASF Board since October 2020.
Read MoreThe allocation of 80,000 new home care packages worth $6.5 billion and a basic daily fee increase for residential providers are the centrepiece of a raft of aged care reforms which start today.
In a continued response to the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the latest measures from the Morrison Government put the health and wellbeing of senior Australians first.
Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said it was another step in the Government’s implementation of generational reform.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is extending emergency leave arrangements for people living permanently in residential aged care who want to temporarily relocate with family to reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19.
The 12-month extension means the emergency leave provisions are now in place until 30 June 2022.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the extension allows aged care residents to continue to take emergency leave during unpredictable COVID-19 outbreaks, rather than using their limited social leave entitlements.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is providing $40 million over two years for multi-purpose residential aged care providers to carry out minor capital works.
In response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the capital grant opportunity is another vital step in reinforcing multi-purpose services (MPS) which play an important part in providing care in regional and remote areas.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the investment will ensure the care of residents, particularly those in regional and remote areas, remained a priority.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is investing $42.8 million to strengthen the health and well-being of senior Australians living in residential aged care by increasing face-to-face contact with their GP.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said Australians living in residential aged care will now better health care with increased access to their GPs.
“This funding boost provides an additional 120,000 GP services to senior Australians living in aged care facilities,” Minister Hunt said.
Read MoreThe opening of a new state-of-the-art change room and recovery facility has given Australia’s women’s hockey squad, the Hockeyroos, a huge boost ahead of the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games.
The “Roos’ Retreat” was officially opened by the Federal Member for Swan the Hon Steve Irons at Perth Hockey Stadium today on behalf of the Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck.
The $600,000 upgrade to the hockey facilities was funded as part of the Morrison Government’s $11.5 million commitment to high performance sport infrastructure.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government continues to deliver on its commitment to reduce the number of younger people living in residential aged care.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck and Minister for Government Services, Linda Reynolds CSC said the Government is investing $10.1 million in a national network to help younger people and their families find age-appropriate accommodation and additional support.
“The aged care system was designed to best support the needs of senior Australians, not younger people,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreThe Australian Government is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of older Australians and keeping them safe from elder abuse.
The abuse of older Australians is a complex health and social problem that can have devastating physical, emotional and social consequences for older people, their families and their communities.
Read MoreThe Australian Government is committed to encouraging more Australians to participate in sport with the latest allocation of core participation grant funding.
For more than 25 years, Sport Australia has been allocating funding to National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) and National Sporting Organisations for People with Disability (NSODs), to help drive sport participation initiatives across the country.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government today welcomes a further step toward South East Queensland securing the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It follows the recommendation overnight from the International Olympic Committee’s executive board that the Queensland bid go to a final vote before its members at the IOC session in Japan next month.
Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck and Member for Fairfax, Ted O’Brien who is also the Prime Minister's representative for Queensland's candidature, said it was another significant milestone.
Read MoreThe Australian Government is helping strengthen the delivery of entry-level aged care services with a $112.1 million investment via the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the latest allocation will provide better access to a range of high demand care services, including meals, transport, social support, respite, gardening and cleaning for older Australians, their families and carers.
Read MoreThe Australian Government is helping nurses receive the extra training they need to care for older Australians.
The University of Wollongong (UOW), the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) and Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) are being funded to establish Aged Care Transition to Practice (ACTTP) programs to attract and retain up to 740 new nurses to aged care.
The programs will guide new nurses in their first year of clinical practice through mentorship, professional development and specialist clinical training.
Read MoreWorld Food Safety Day is an opportunity to recognise Australia’s contributions in providing safe, premium food for consumers here and abroad.
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said food integrity and safety was everyone’s business.
“As a major food exporter, Australia has an outstanding reputation as a trusted and reliable supplier in international markets,” Minister Littleproud said.
Read MoreResidential aged care providers will be required to report how many of their staff have been vaccinated against COVID-19 to provide greater health security for aged care residents.
The data will assist governments and aged care providers in understanding the current status of workforce vaccination, support public health measures on COVID-19 and inform any adjustments needed to support workers’ access to a COVID-19 vaccination.
Read MoreThe Australian Government is investing $60 million to extend support for COVID‑19 response measures for Australia’s impacted aged care facilities until 30 June 2022.
The extension means a second tranche of COVID-19 Aged Care Support Program grants will be available from this week to support providers with costs incurred from 28 May 2021 to 31 March 2022.
Surge workforce arrangements will also remain in place to meet future demand in the event of further outbreaks.
Read MoreFace-to-face support to access and navigate aged care will be the centrepiece of new services to help senior Australians.
The Morrison Government has committed in the Budget to provide face-to-face aged care support in 325 Services Australia centres, aged care specialists in 70 additional service centres and $93.7 million to introduce a network of up to 500 local “Community Care Finders” – staff in local organisations specifically charged with helping vulnerable senior Australians who need specialist support.
It marks another significant step forward as the Government responds to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
Read MoreThe Australian Government has taken an important step to deliver its reforms to aged care by introducing the first legislation in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
The Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response No. 1) Bill 2021 has been introduced into Parliament today, and makes necessary changes to current aged care legislation, ahead of the new aged care act planned for 2023.
This Bill is the first step in the Government’s five year, five pillar, aged care reform plan addressing home care, residential aged care services and sustainability, residential care quality and safety, workforce and governance.
The health, safety and wellbeing of senior Australians is of the utmost importance to the Government, and is driving our plan for generational change of the aged care sector.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is responding to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety by increasing transparency and information on home care prices.
For the first time information has been published relating to the median prices charged for common home care services to help people to make more informed decisions.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said the information is a vital part of empowering senior Australians and their families to take greater control of their care.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government has backed a bid to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Announced by Rugby Australia at a launch in Sydney this morning, Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the nation was ready to showcase one of the most popular sporting spectacles to a global audience.
“The Government remains committed to making Australia the world’s most active sporting nation and reinforcing our reputation as a pre-eminent host of major sporting events,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreSeniors and veterans in Narrabeen, their families, loved ones and carers are benefiting from the largest investment in aged care in Australian history, announced as part of this month’s Federal Budget.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck visited the RSL LifeCare ANZAC Village in Narrabeen today to see how the Australian Government’s aged care reform agenda can deliver benefits to the village residents.
“In response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Government has committed an unprecedented $17.7 billion to improve quality care, increase viability in the sector, and provide services with respect, care and dignity at their heart,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreSenior Tasmanians, their families and carers are set to benefit from the Australian Government’s once-in-a-generation reform of aged care, announced in last week’s Federal Budget.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck said senior Tasmanians are at the heart of the $17.7 billion package.
“We are committed to ensuring that those who have contributed so much – our nation builders, our parents and grandparents, our founders and protectors– get the respect, care and dignity they rightly deserve,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreIn response to the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Morrison Government will deliver a $17.7 billion package of support and a once in a generation reform to aged care to deliver respect, care and dignity to our senior Australians.
Senior Australians built our nation. They are our parents and grandparents, our founders and protectors, and they have contributed so much to our Australian communities.
It is our duty and responsibility to give every Australian the care they need in their later years.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government has strengthened its investment in sport as part of the 2021–22 Budget.
Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the Budget commitment spanned school sport through to high performance programs ensuring the health and wellbeing of Australians at every level.
The Australian Government’s $245.8 million investment in sport includes:
Tasmania’s post-pandemic economic recovery received a boost tonight with a raft of investments for our state.
The 2021-22 Budget supports Tasmanian households and businesses, with funding for important infrastructure projects, investment in essential services, and improving health outcomes for Tasmanians.
Budget investments for Tasmania include:
Tasmanians will also benefit from the Government’s $1.7 billion national investment in child care to cut the cost of living for families and to boost workforce participation.
The Budget is also focused on new apprenticeships and traineeships, higher education short courses and supporting the safety of women and their children from family, domestic and sexual violence.
This Budget will continue the work the Morrison Government has already started in securing Australia’s recovery, ensuring Tasmania’s economy continues to recover.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government has welcomed the opening of a world-class winter training facility in Brisbane.
Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre - the Southern Hemisphere’s only all-year outdoor water ski ramp - would elevate the aspirations of athletes for generations to come.
The Commonwealth Government contributed $5.3 million towards construction of the $6.5 million facility, a collaboration with the Queensland Government, the Australian Olympic Committee and the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia.
Read MoreSport continues to be a driving force in the lives with latest data revealing Australia is still an active nation inspired by our Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
Sport Australia’s latest AusPlay report reveals more than half of all Australians aged 15 or over (10.4 million) have participated in some form of Olympic sport in the last year with 1.8 million people volunteering at local clubs or sporting organisations.
The report includes AusPlay data which identifies sport and physical activity habits across Australia, and Sport Australia’s other survey tool, the Community Perceptions Monitor, which captures public attitudes towards sport.
Read MoreNational Cabinet has today agreed to vaccinate athletes and support staff headed to the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games under priority group 1b.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services and Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck said it offers an assurance to athletes preparing to represent Australia on the world stage.
Supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine will be made available to approximately 2050 Australians identified by the AOC and Paralympics Australia.
Read MoreAustralia will host the 2027 International Netball Federation (INF) Netball World Cup.
In another coup for the nation’s calendar of major sporting events, Netball Australia won its bid for the championship event in what will be its centenary year.
Minister for Women, Marise Payne and Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the event will be another significant step in championing women’s sport and participation.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government’s Devonport Jobs Fair on Thursday 15 April will bring together job seekers and local businesses from across North-Western Tasmania.
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, the Hon Stuart Robert MP, said the jobs fair at Providore Place will promote a wide range of employment opportunities.
‘We are committed to connecting job seekers with businesses looking to hire, because getting Tasmanians back into work is at the heart of our Economic Recovery Plan.’ Mr Robert said.
The Morrison Government continues to make it easier for Australians to eat well and reduce the risk of chronic health conditions linked to diets high in saturated fats, sodium and sugars.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said the Government was working with food companies to reformulate products and improve the nutritional value of many common foods.
“The Healthy Food Partnership Reformulation Program is about improving overall population health and wellbeing,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreFormer Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) CEO Mr Steve McCutcheon has been appointed to the role of acting FSANZ Board Chair following the term completed by Ms Robyn Kruk AO.
Mr McCutcheon will undertake the role while a recruitment process for a substantive Chair is completed.
Ms Kruk led the FSANZ Board as Chair from November 2016 to March 2021.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services and Minister for Sport Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck has welcomed Mr McCutcheon to the role.
Read MoreNew requirements starting today for aged care providers will better protect older Australians.
Launched today, The Morrison Government has invested $67.2 million to implement the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) which offers greater security and peace-of-mind for Australians in residential care settings and their families.
Under the scheme, residential aged care providers are required to manage all incidents of abuse or neglect, with a focus on the safety, health, wellbeing and quality of life and reduce preventable incidents from reoccurring.
Read MoreCities across Australia have received a significant boost after being announced as host venues for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. The major tournament is being held in Australia for the first time and will be co-hosted with New Zealand.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Marise Payne and Minister for Sport, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck said after a challenging year, this would be a win for communities across Australia, as we recover from a health and economic crisis.
The host cities and venues include:
The Morrison Government is helping deliver more sporting opportunities for Northern Territory clubs with Darwin’s first night cricket venue now ready for competition.
The installation of new light towers at Marrara Cricket Ground is expected to significantly boost participation in cricket and AFL competitions, allowing night matches and training across all levels.
The Federal Government contributed $500,000 to the $1.54 million project as part of its Community Sport Infrastructure grant program.
Read MoreThe Easter holidays can be a time of isolation for older Australians, which is why it is important to reach out for help or to look out for those who might need it.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said there are many helpful services available to vulnerable Australians in need.
“After a difficult year, it is vital older Australians stay connected during the holidays, which can be a lonely time for many people,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government has welcomed the launch of a new campaign encouraging Australians to consider jobs in aged care.
The campaign, “Bring your Thing”, commissioned by the Aged Care Workforce Industry Council, highlights the diverse range of skills and professions employed in aged care, including chefs, hair stylists, maintenance workers, and social coordinators.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Senator Richard Colbeck, said he hoped more Australians will consider a career in aged care.
Read MoreOlder Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse communities across the country are set to access more tailored respite care.
The Morrison Government will fund an additional $9.67 million per year over two years through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the funding would support culturally and linguistically diverse senior Australians to live independently and safely in their own homes and local communities and provide respite for carers.
Read MoreThe Australian Government welcomes the Final Report from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which has today been tabled in Parliament, noting its significant and sweeping proposals for reform of the aged care sector.
As a country it is important that we all acknowledge that we need to do more to ensure senior Australians are treated with respect, care and dignity and have access to quality care as they age.
The Royal Commission’s Final Report recognises the immense effort of our nurses and carers but also brings the challenges of aged care services into clear focus. The Government is committed to transforming aged care and the Royal Commission’s monumental report, with 148 recommendations, delivers a challenging, but achievable road to reform.
Read MoreQueensland is a step closer to hosting an Olympic and Paralympic Games for the first time in the state’s history following a decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to enter into exclusive negotiations for the 2032 event.
The decision is a game-changing development for the Bid which has long been supported by all levels of government.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has welcomed the decision from the IOC and reaffirmed the Commonwealth Government’s support to host the Olympic Games for the third time, and Paralympic Games for the second time.
Read MoreAged care providers are being reminded applications for a share of funding in the Australian Government’s largest ever investment in residential aged care infrastructure will soon close.
Funding totalling $150 million is available to providers for capital grants and additional beds as the Morrison Government continues to strengthen the sector and ensure the wellbeing of older Australians.
Two thousand residential care places and 1028 short-term restorative care (STRC) places will be made available as part of the 2020 Aged Care Approvals Round.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is providing $9.7 million in additional funding to Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) as it continues to protect beachgoers and improve volunteer lifesaving skills.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the additional funding would help save lives and builds on a further $21 million over the next three years for the Water and Snow Safety Program.
“Our surf lifesavers play such a vital role at our beaches saving lives and dealing with emergencies in the water and on the beach day in, day out,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
“This additional funding will ensure our local clubs will have the ability to purchase vital equipment and medical supplies that they need to keep Australians safe on our beaches.”
From July 2019 to the end of June 2020, there were 248 drownings in Australia with more than half of the fatalities occurring in coastal areas.
Read MoreTens of thousands of aged care residents in Australia will soon receive their first vaccine dose against COVID-19 next week.
The Australian Government is ensuring those who are particularly vulnerable to the worst effects of the coronavirus receive the earliest protection, so priority is being given to residential aged care facility staff and residents.
The vaccination program will begin in every state and territory and will include regional and rural aged care facilities. It is anticipated that the roll out to aged care facilities will take approximately six weeks.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government today reinforces its commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of older Australians with landmark reform to keep seniors safer.
The Aged care legislation amendment (Serious Incident Response Scheme and other measures) Bill 2020 will ensure tangible steps toward the prevention of incidence of abuse and neglect of older Australians in care.
The SIRS legislation will also provide a range of broader powers for the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, consistent with the Regulatory Powers Act.
Read MoreMore women will reach their leadership potential with the Australian Government investing an additional $3.4 million over four years for the highly regarded Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) program.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, said more than 25,000 women across the country had benefited from the initiative since it started in 2002.
“WLIS is helping improve outcomes for Australian women in areas including job creation, workforce participation and leadership,” Minister Payne said.
“We are focused on ensuring women already working in our sport sector, and those interested in employment opportunities, have the professional development and dedicated support needed to reach their full leadership potential.”
Read MoreThe Australian Government congratulates the Aged Care Workforce Industry Council on its official launch of the Voluntary Industry Code of Practice.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said the Code of Practice is already receiving strong early support from the aged care sector, as some of Australia’s largest providers pledge their commitment to quality care.
“This Code of Practice is the first of its kind for the aged care sector in Australia,” Minister Colbeck said.
“It is based on seven guiding principles for quality care and will be a transformative tool for Australia’s aged care sector.
“Importantly, this Code of Practice tells Australians that the aged care sector has aspirations for excellence, and will hold itself accountable to the community.”
Australian businesswoman and President of Australian Women’s Rugby – Josephine Sukkar AM – has been appointed Chair of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC).
Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said Ms Sukkar is an outstanding leader who brings thirty years of business experience to the role, as the co-founder and principal of Buildcorp Group, as well as a strong understanding of Australian sport.
Read MoreA major upgrade to the Reinhold Batschi Men’s National Training Centre (RBMNTC) for men’s rowing was today officially opened by the Australian Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra.
The $1.7 million development, funded by the Australian Government, through Sport Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), provides the elite rowing facility with improved changing rooms, new laundry, consultation rooms and enhanced disabled access.
“The long-awaited facility upgrade is an enormous boost for Australia’s rowers who are an integral part of our nation’s high- performance sports environment,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The rowing centre was originally built in the early 1980s as part of the AIS Rowing Facility and this significant investment represents the biggest upgrade to the elite training facility in 35 years.
Read MoreCongratulations Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM from the Northern Territory, who has been named the Senior Australian of the year for 2021.
Dr Ungunmerr Baumann was recognised for her contribution to children’s education, demonstrating an admirable commitment to making Australia a better place.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said Dr Ungunmerr Baumann had gone above and beyond in her service to education in the Top End.
Read MoreThe Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has marked a key milestone, celebrating its 40th anniversary this week.
Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck said the AIS remains a lynchpin in Australia’s sporting success and its enhanced focus on athlete wellbeing, athlete pathways, coach development, innovation and collaboration all remain legacies of the AIS today.
“The AIS revolutionised Australian sport 40 years ago and today it remains an important and iconic symbol of Australia’s commitment to sport and the power of sport to inspire and unite our communities,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We celebrate this milestone with the AIS and pay tribute to those who have positively contributed to building Australian sport capability over many years.”
Read MoreThe Australian Government is ensuring senior Australians can live at home for longer thanks to additional assistance under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said allowing older Australians to choose how and where they lived is a priority.
“The choice to live safely and independently in their community has increasingly become a strong preference for senior Australians,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Government continues to invest in measures to make this possible no matter where people live.”
The Commonwealth Government will provide up to $124.4m in additional grants across the 2020-21 and 2021-22 financial years.
Read MoreThe Australian Government will extend grant agreements for programs providing support, training and education for services and individuals caring for people living with dementia.
An extra $44 million will be provided to Dementia Training Australia and Dementia Support Australia to extend the following national programs from July 2021 to June 2022:
The oversight and guidance for sport integrity matters in Australia has been further strengthened with the appointment of a highly experienced nine-member Sport Integrity Australia Advisory Council.
The Advisory Council includes leaders from a wide cross section of sport, governance, government administration, law enforcement and child protection.
Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said each member of the council brought with them a breadth of experience that would reinforce the work of Sport Integrity Australia in strengthening the framework of sport across Australia.
Read MorePerth will host the 2023 World Transplant Games in a major sporting coup for Australia.
The Morrison Government today announces it will provide Transplant Australia with $600,000 towards its preparations for the event which is expected to lure more than 1300 athletes and thousands more supporters from around the world.
Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck and Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton said securing the World Transplant Games would significantly boost awareness and provide inspiration for transplant recipients around the world.
The Australian Government has released the findings of the independent review into COVID-19 outbreaks at two Victorian aged care facilities: Heritage Care’s Epping Gardens and St Basil’s Home for the Aged.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the report underlined the critical elements that led to the tragic outbreaks at the height of the second wave of community transmission across Melbourne following the Victorian Hotel Quarantine failures as outlined in today’s Inquiry.
It highlights the vital role the Commonwealth played to support the residents, staff and management affected by the outbreaks and underlines the lessons from both incidents.
Forty-five residents at St Basil’s Home for the Aged and 38 residents at Heritage Care’s Epping Gardens passed away.
Read MoreSenior Australians in regional, rural and remote areas will benefit from the single largest investment in residential aged care infrastructure in Australia’s history.
The Australian Government will invest up to $150 million in capital grants as part of the 2020 targeted Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR), focussed on key areas of demand.
The 2020 ACAR will also make available 2000 residential care places targeting providers in a position to bring new beds onto the market quickly.
Additionally, 1028 short-term restorative care (STRC) places, will also be made available.
A further 8000 places will remain on hold pending the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
Read MoreThe Australian Government is providing $13.7 million to boost the integrity of sport in Australia through additional funding for both the National Sports Tribunal and Sport Integrity Australia’s efforts to tackle escalating and rapidly evolving integrity risks – critically, including child safeguarding.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the commitment, announced as part of the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO), would strengthen the ability of sporting organisations in Australia to withstand these serious integrity threats.
“We are providing $10.1 million to Sport Integrity Australia to introduce an independent complaints handling process at all levels, from elite sports to the grassroots level,” Minister Colbeck said.
“This complaints handling process will be complemented by the independent dispute resolution mechanism provided by the National Sports Tribunal.”
“This opt-in model will enhance the protections for Australian sport and the community against evolving integrity issues affecting sport domestically and abroad, including harassment, bullying and child abuse, illicit drugs, manipulating outcomes and code of conduct issues.
The Morrison Government will invest an additional $1 billion in funding to help older Australians live at home for longer.
Another 10,000 home care packages - at a cost of more than $850 million - will be released as the Government continues to prioritise the needs of older and vulnerable Australians.
It adds to the Morrison Government’s record investment in aged care, from $13.3 billion in 2012-13 to $21.3 billion in 2019-20.
While the population of those aged 70 and over has jumped by 28 per cent since 2012, home care packages have increased by over 200 per cent with funding tripling - or more than 10 times the growth in population of older Australians.
Estimated funding for aged care will grow to more than $27 billion in 2023-24 – or an average $1.1 billion of extra support for senior Australians each year over the forward estimates.
The latest additional investment means almost 50,000 packages, at a cost of $3.3 billion, have been funded since the Royal Commission’s Interim Report, tabled on 31 October last year.
Young people will have more say on the issues that matter to them under a significant funding package today unveiled by the Morrison Government.
The Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC) will be strengthened in its role as a national peak body advocating to the Commonwealth to ensure the needs of young people are on the national agenda.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck said eight youth organisations will share in an investment of $900,000 to give Australian youth a greater voice.
“The Australian Government is working hard to ensure young people have a platform to voice their concerns about the issues that affect them,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it would be my role to provide a strong voice for issues facing young Australians.
“These funding measures are ensuring we deliver on that promise.
The Australian Government has announced an additional $20 million investment under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme to deliver centre-based respite services for senior Australians from diverse backgrounds.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the funding would support our culturally and linguistically diverse senior Australians to live independently and safely in their own homes and local communities and help provide respite for carers.
“Social interaction and support is essential for older Australians living at home,” Minister Colbeck said. “Our multicultural community members need tailored support and programs that are suited to their needs and the needs of their communities.
The Australian Government has today introduced legislation into the Parliament to support the establishment of the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) for residential aged care. Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the Government, through this bill, is providing safe and quality care as a priority and is putting in place stronger measures to help prevent elder abuse to protect the health and wellbeing of senior Australians. “The Australian Government’s quality reform agenda is strengthening protections and improving delivery of safe, quality care,” Minister Colbeck said.
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The Morrison Government will invest a further $132.2 million in its response to the Aged Care Royal Commission’s recommendations on COVID-19. The Government accepted and is acting on all six recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety as previously announced in October 2020. The $132.2 million package includes $63.3 million for a range of Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) measures including mental and allied health support, and additional allied health group services, $57.8 million to fund jurisdictions to support Infection Prevention and Control training within facilities and a further $11.1 million toward a Serious Incident Response Scheme. These measures mark not only an improvement in access to mental and allied health services for senior Australians in aged care but also provides additional funding to GPs and allied health professionals delivering in-person care in facilities nationwide. |
The Australian Government is ensuring senior Australians get the services and assistance they need with a $2.5 million investment to extend and expand the Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line. Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the support line will be extended until 30 June 2021. “The Government will invest up to $2.5 million so senior Australians can continue to access information about the COVID-19 pandemic and get the support they need,” Minister Colbeck said. “Many vulnerable senior Australians may not have easy access to the internet or be able to readily access information about COVID-19.
Read MoreVisitation guidelines for aged care will be adjusted to better protect senior Australians and those who care for them as the nation returns to COVID-normal. In a move that is likely to bring relief to aged care residents, families and staff, a new three-tier escalation plan, backed by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), will outline how providers can respond to the COVID-19 threat level in the local community and ramp the response up or down as needed. Where there is no community transmission or locally acquired cases (Tier 1) fewer restrictions on visitors, excursions, small gatherings and outdoor exercise are advised. Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Senator Richard Colbeck, said the restrictions which remained were common sense measures.
Read MoreSenior South Australians are being encouraged to seek support as the state responds to the current COVID-19 outbreak. Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the lockdown and subsequent restrictions could increase anxiety and isolation for the most vulnerable. “The care and wellbeing of senior South Australians is a priority for the Australian Government as we collectively deal with this critical issue,” Minister Colbeck said. “It is important senior South Australians, including those in aged care facilities, know support is available – be it to arrange food or medication, access a GP, access information about COVID-19, or just find someone to talk to.”
Read MoreThe Australian Government is providing additional incentives to encourage young people to undertake seasonal work across the country. Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Michaelia Cash and Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the Government was working hard to ensure young people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic had better options for a brighter future. “Young Australians have shown enormous resilience as they face the challenges of 2020,” Minister Cash said. “The Australian Government is committed to providing a clear pathway for young people, particularly those acutely affected as a result of abrupt changes to how they study, work and socialise.”
Read MoreThe Australian Government today recognises the enormous contribution of swim coach and sports administrator, Don Talbot, AO OBE. Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said Mr Talbot, who passed away on Tuesday, exemplified the kind of leadership qualities that resulted in him being regarded as one of Australia’s greatest coaches. “Mr Talbot’s career was not only marked by a golden era in the pool, but also as he continued to create pathways for elite sports men and women as the inaugural director of the Australian Institute of Sport,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreYoung people across Tasmania’s North-West Coast can now rely on a reinforced mental health service, ensuring better access and support for those who need it most.
Devonport’s headspace service has been significantly upgraded as part of a $111.3 million funding commitment from the Australian Government to improve 30 centres across the country.
Minister for Youth, Richard Colbeck, said young people across Tasmania had been affected significantly by the impacts of COVID-19, and access to mental health services and support was more important than ever.
“Mental health and suicide prevention remains one of the Australian Government’s highest priorities,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreThe Australian Government today recognises the enormous contribution of swim coach and sports administrator, Don Talbot, AO OBE. Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said.
Mr Talbot, who passed away on Tuesday, exemplified the kind of leadership qualities that resulted in him being regarded as one of Australia’s greatest coaches.
“Mr Talbot’s career was not only marked by a golden era in the pool, but also as he continued to create pathways for elite sports men and women as the inaugural director of the Australian Institute of Sport,” Minister Colbeck said.
The Australian Government is ensuring the mental health and wellbeing of young people remains a priority during a challenging time.
Today marks National headspace Day – an initiative aimed at helping youth take small steps every day to improve their mental health.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt and Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, encouraged young people to take time out for themselves.
There are currently 124 headspace services in Australia and many are planning headspace Day events and celebrations.
Since 2006, headspace has provided more than 3.6 million services and supported more than 626,000 young Australians to strengthen their wellbeing and manage their mental health.
In 2019–20 alone, headspace supported nearly 130,000 young people.
In 2020–21, the Government is providing over $130 million to support headspace services across Australia, and has also committed to expand the headspace network to 153 services by 2022.
Minister Colbeck said every year one in four young Australians experienced mental health issues.
“More than ever many young people are facing family or relationship conflict, a disconnection from study and work, financial stress and social isolation,” he said.
Read MoreThe Australian Government will provide an additional $563.3 million to extend support for the aged care sector’s response to COVID-19, announced in March and subsequently as part of the Aged Care response plan.
This takes our Government’s support to senior Australians in Aged Care to over $1.5 billion since the pandemic began.
We are committed to supporting senior Australians in Aged Care, workers and providers in Victoria to respond to the ongoing crisis and are putting in place critical actions to ensure we remain prepared across the country.
Building on the $205 million COVID-19 Support Payment provided to all residential Aged Care providers in June 2020, the Australian Government will extend this payment to provide a further $245 million injection into all facilities.
Read MoreSenior Australians have been encouraged to maintain a healthy diet as the COVID-19 pandemic changes the way we live, work, study and socialise.
As part of National Nutrition Week, Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, has urged people of all ages to eat well to boost their immunity and overall health.
He said this is particularly important for senior and vulnerable Australians.
“Eating well is at the foundation of our individual health but this can be challenging for many people during such difficult times,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Australian Government maintains the Australian Dietary Guidelines which provide evidence-based advice about the amount and kinds of food we need to eat for health and wellbeing.
Read MoreThe Australian Government is investing $12.4 million in a Grief and Trauma Response Package to ensure support is available for those affected by COVID-19 across the aged care sector.
This is part of the $171.5 million COVID-19 response plan for aged care support programs announced in August 2020.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said services would be established as quickly as possible to ensure people were able to access the support they need.
“The Australian Government understands the serious emotional and psychological effects that COVID-19 has had on people receiving aged care services and their loved ones, as well as those providing care within aged care residential facilities,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreThe enormous contribution of carers is being celebrated as part of National Carers Week.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said more than 2.65 million carers give their time, effort and love to look after a partner, family member or friend who needs them.
“The commitment of carers across Australia to support senior and vulnerable Australians should not be underestimated,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Carers are integral to the quality of life and independence of many Australians and make an important economic contribution to the community.
“For all those people who put the needs of others before their own, we say thank you.”
Read MoreFlinders University has been awarded the contract to develop the first stage of the Australian Government’s new $34 million Aged Care Centre for Growth and Translation Research.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Senator Richard Colbeck, said the centre, would draw on world best practice and examine new ways to deliver care for senior Australians, and training and education for aged care providers.
Stage 1 will establish the model for the centre and set the research priorities for the first year of operation.
“We expect to see improvements in aged care practice, as well as workforce efficiencies and the use of technology to continue to improve aged care,” Minister Colbeck said.
“It will promote workforce reforms based on evidence from research, provide an incubator to fast-track research into practice, and provide a forum to ensure that innovations can be taken up by the sector.”
Read MoreYoung Australians will be offered more opportunity and increased support to build a better future under key measures announced in the 2020–21 Budget.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck said the Morrison Government’s plan, outlined on Tuesday night, paved the road to recovery, particularly for young people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our Government is focused on making sure opportunities exist for young Australians in education and employment, while delivering appropriate assistance to help them navigate the impact of the COVID pandemic,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Budget clearly outlines how young people remain a key focus as we get Australia back on track.”
Read MoreRecord investment of more than $2.7 billion will continue to drive aged care reform and ensure the needs of senior Australians are prioritised.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the 2020-21 Budget showcased the Morrison Government’s determination to strengthen our aged care system and keep our loved ones safe.
A $1.6 billion investment into home care packages is the centrepiece of this year’s funding for senior Australians, as the Federal Government continues to respond to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
“The Australian Government is listening, acting and working to ensure older Australians are kept safe and quality of care is retained,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreOn this 30th anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons, the Australian Government welcomes the COVID-19 report from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which has been tabled in the Australian Parliament today.
The Royal Commission’s report tells us the COVID-19 pandemic has been the greatest challenge Australia’s aged care sector has faced and makes six recommendations to better prepare the aged care sector, its staff and residents for any future outbreaks.
The Government accepts all six recommendations in the report and has already made substantial progress on four of them.
The recommendations build on the Government’s existing COVID-19 measures.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government today announced new funding and a strategy for reducing the number of younger people living in residential aged care.
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Stuart Robert, and Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Senator Richard Colbeck said the initiative includes $10.6m in the 2020-21 Budget for a national network of system coordinators to help younger people find age-appropriate accommodation and supports to allow them to live independently in the community.
Minister Robert said the Younger People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) Strategy charts the course to meet the strengthened targets set by the Government in late 2019 and builds upon the YPIRAC Action Plan released in March 2019.
'The Morrison Government is committed to ensuring no younger person needs to live in residential aged care,' Mr Robert said.
Read MoreThe Australian Government is extending testing and bolstering the supply of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) throughout residential aged care facilities across Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire to further supress COVID-19 infection rates.
To support the Victorian Government, capacity for asymptomatic testing of aged care workers will be extended and an additional seven million P2/N95 respirator face masks will be provided as the Commonwealth continues to help the sector drive down case numbers.
Urging providers and staff to remain vigilant, Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said “the decrease in community transmission in Victoria was cause for optimism.”
“All facilities will be able to request P2/N95 respirator masks to support their delivery of safe care,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreThe Australian Government is seeking expressions of interest for the position of board chairperson for Sport Australia.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the role offers an opportunity to lead the national agency as it plays a vital part in shaping the future of the sector, with a particular focus on high performance sport.
“It has been a difficult period for sport across Australia, creating challenging circumstances for sporting organisations and athletes at every level,” Minister Colbeck said.
He said the appointment would usher in new leadership as the sporting community works its way through the new COVID-19 environment and towards the Tokyo Olympics.
“This is an exciting chance for a well-credentialed professional with a passion for the advancement of sport, as Australia begins its recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Read MoreSenior Australians who are deaf or hard of hearing will have access to sign language services for a broader range of daily activities as part of a Federal Government funding boost.
A $13 million injection will mean sign language services will be more accessible for deaf elders aged 65 and over.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the initiative marked an important milestone for elders who use Auslan in their everyday communication.
Today marks International Day of Sign Languages.
“Hearing limitations can have a profound impact on the daily activities of senior Australians,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Morrison Government is committed to ensuring anybody dealing with hearing loss can still live life to the full.”
Read MoreSenior Australians who have moved out of an aged care home during the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to benefit from the Australian Government’s emergency leave arrangements.
Under changes to legislation first implemented in May, residents won’t be penalised or disadvantaged if they temporarily move out of their aged care home during a crisis where it is safe and appropriate for them to do so.
The provision was immediately activated for the COVID-19 pandemic and was due to finish at the end of this month.
It is now extended until 30 June, 2021.
Read MoreYoung people will have their say on the issues that matter to them as the Australian Government works towards the release of its National Youth Policy Framework.
Young leaders, youth organisations and relevant government agencies are invited to provide their views ahead of the implementation of the framework which will provide a pathway of continued support for young people around Australia.
The results of an online survey will help shape the priorities, policies and programs that affect youth.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck said this is particularly important as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a widespread impact.
“Many young Australians are dealing with disruptions to their education, sudden unemployment, mental health issues and economic insecurity within the family,” Minister Colbeck said.
Earlier this month, Minister Colbeck met with Ministerial colleagues in Canberra to outline how the Youth Taskforce is in the process of developing a whole-of-government approach to supporting young people.
“We are now providing young Australians, particularly those aged 15 to 24, with an opportunity to give direct advice on the development of the framework and ultimately, a meaningful contribution to the policies that affect them,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Their involvement will be used to create a blueprint that will drive action to improve the lives of young people now and into the future.”
The month long consultation will help the Government identify any gaps or barriers experienced by young people which prevent them from fully participating in Australian society.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is putting a lot of demands on young people and they are rising to the challenge, but together we can do more,” Minister Colbeck said.
“I look forward to hearing about their ideas through this important and timely consultation.”
The survey can be found here.
Discussions will inform the final draft of the National Youth Policy Framework due for completion by December.
Read MoreHelping lift the burden for people living with dementia and those who care for them is the focus of an awareness campaign across Australia this week.
With the theme “A little support makes a lot of difference”, Dementia Action Week starts today, World Alzheimer’s Day.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said both initiatives provide an opportunity to help those grappling with the difficult health diagnosis.
Around Australia more than 447,000 people live with dementia.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form.
“It is very confronting, not just for the individual, but for their family and friends,” Minister Colbeck said.
He said the correct support could make all the difference – particularly as COVID-19 continues to present challenges for aged care facilities across Australia.
“Dementia already affects nearly half a million Australians and the number is rising rapidly,” Minister Colbeck said.
“For Australia, and similar countries around the world, it represents a huge health challenge.
“While dementia is a progressive condition, people can continue to live active and happy lives for many years after diagnosis.
“They deserve support not just from their families but from the community as a whole, to allow them to live their best lives as long as possible.”
By following appropriate infection control protocols, it is important aged care providers continue to allow visitation for dementia patients and their families during the pandemic, Minister Colbeck said.
He urged all providers to consider the industry-agreed Aged Care Visitor Access Code which ensures the response to the pandemic was proportionate and in the best interests of the residents.
Dementia Action Week is organised by Dementia Australia, which receives Government funding of $38 million over three years from 2019 to 2022 to deliver the National Dementia Support Program.
As well as improving awareness and understanding, the program connects people living with dementia with services that support them to self-manage and live well for as long as possible.
Dementia Australia launched an ongoing campaign to reduce discrimination against people with dementia in May 2020.
It aims to increase dementia awareness and understanding, across the public, consumers, and healthcare professionals.
It is also delivering the Government’s $3.7 million Dementia Friendly Communities program.
Additionally, the Specialist Dementia Care Program funds specialist dementia care units in residential aged care homes.
The units provide specialised care to people with very severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and aim to reduce or stabilise symptoms so that people can move into less intensive care settings.
Minister Colbeck said a further investment of $185 million in the Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission was also providing much needed support.
“This vital investment continues to drive support for our researchers as they look for more effective treatments, as well as ways to prevent Alzheimer’s and improve brain health,” Minister Colbeck said.
Dementia Action Week continues until Sunday, 27 September.
More information can be found here.
The Aged Care Visitor Access Code can be found here.
Read MoreThe Commonwealth Government today releases a data snapshot of residential aged care facilities which have recorded COVID-19 infections.
The report provides greater transparency for residents and their families around the situation in aged care facilities.
It will complement the existing reporting of COVID-19 in Australia, including the aged care totals reported daily.
The data includes all aged care facilities where there has been more than one case in either a staff member or resident.
It shows that of the 2,706 aged care facilities in Australia, 213 - or 8 per cent - have had cases of COVID-19.
The data does not include details on facilities that have had a single case - there are 98 of these facilities across the country.
The report compares the current impact of COVID-19 in residential aged care to previous influenza outbreaks and demonstrates how Australia is performing internationally.
Supports described in the report include testing, workforce and personal protective equipment support to help the aged care sector with its response to this pandemic.
The Morrison Government has continued to ensure quality of care for senior Australians remains a priority during the pandemic. It is why more than $1.5 billion to date has been invested.
The report will be updated weekly and can be found here.
Supporting young people around Australia and their mental health is a priority for the Australian Government.
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day and “R U OK?” Day, Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck urged young people not to battle mental health issues on their own.
“It is particularly important this year as younger generations face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Morrison Government has prioritised mental health for all Australians, with a focus on youth and Indigenous Australians.
“It is vital for people to understand that lifting the mental burden starts with a simple conversation – with a friend, a colleague, a family member or somebody in a support role.”
Minister Colbeck said sharing personal issues with somebody is the first step toward a healthier outlook and a better life.
“We lose too many Australians before their time,” he said. “The decision to take your life is a devastating one and has ripple effects for family and friends, often for generations.
“The Australian Government is more determined than ever to turn around these tragic statistics.”
Minister Colbeck said on top of recent actions to engage young people and identify the challenges they face, the Government has made a commitment of $509 million towards the Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan – the largest strategy of its kind in Australia’s history. Key areas include:
Minister Colbeck praised organisers for their work to engage those in need through initiatives like “R U OK?” Day which has established itself as an important annual fixture to raise awareness.
“Starting that conversation isn’t always easy but it is so important,” Minister Colbeck said. “Wherever you are, whatever your circumstance – you are not alone.”
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline
(13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.
More information about R U OK? Day can be found on the website.
Read MoreThe Youth Action Projects Grant Scheme is now open to individuals and organisations supporting activities important to young Australians.
The Australian Government understands the unprecedented impact COVID-19 and last summer’s bushfire season has had on young Australians.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the targeted scheme was an opportunity for individuals and organisations to apply for funding to support projects that will make a difference in the lives of young people.
“It’s a difficult time in our nation’s history and young people are feeling the repercussions of job losses, breaks in education and social isolation,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Life as we know it is not the same, but we know young Australians are keen to take part in activities that will help them and their communities thrive.”
As part of the program, grants of between $5000 and $20,000 are available for projects which respond to the social challenges facing those aged 15–24.
The Government has engaged the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) to administer the scheme.
FYA is a non-profit organisation committed and passionate about improving the outcomes and life opportunities for youth.
Projects need to be either new initiatives that recognise and respond to the hardship young people face now and will face in the future, or existing initiatives which already provide a valuable on-going service to young people, but which need further funding to continue.
Funds can be used to pay for any type of project including but not limited to staffing, equipment purchase, consumables or marketing.
“While grants will be used for projects which support young people in a variety of ways, there will be a particular focus on employment, transportation, mental health and the impacts of COVID-19 and the Australian bushfires,” Minister Colbeck said.
“I look forward to working with FYA and seeing the outcomes of the exciting projects funded by the Australian government for the benefit of young Australians everywhere.”
Successful grant recipients are expected to deliver projects over the 2020-21 financial year.
The grant round opens today, Tuesday 1 September and closes Wednesday, 7 October, 2020.
For more information and to download the application form, visit the website.
Read MoreToday’s Aged Care Employee Day is a timely opportunity to thank all aged care workers for their outstanding devotion to senior Australians in care.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said there has never been a more difficult time to work in aged care.
“The impact of COVID-19 in Victoria and New South Wales particularly has been simply tragic and devastating,” he said,
“The commitment of everyone working in the aged care sector throughout our nation has never been so vital.
“It’s important we promote and recognise excellence across the diverse and dynamic fields of endeavour in the age services sector.
“The passion and achievements of organisations, teams and individuals in the service of senior Australians is paramount as we work to increase community involvement in aged care and services.”
Minister Colbeck encouraged all Australian to reflect on the dedication and sense of duty of aged care workers.
“They devote themselves to the care of our loved ones, each and every day,” he said.
“Aged care employees deserve our gratitude and can be assured that their work is highly valued.”
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Read MoreThe Australian Government today releases the review findings into the spread of COVID-19 at Sydney aged care facility Newmarch House.
In offering further condolences to the families of the 19 residents who died as a result of the outbreak between April and June, Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck said lessons learned are being implemented to offer greater protections as we continue to combat the pandemic.
“The outbreak at Anglicare’s Newmarch House was incredibly challenging and underlined the impact this infection can have within an aged care facility,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Australian Government is committed to learning from the experience at Newmarch House and to doing all we can to ensure aged care providers are prepared to address future outbreaks so that residents receive safe and quality care.”
In June 2020, the Chief Medical Officer and now Secretary of the Department of Health, Professor Brendan Murphy, commissioned Professor Lyn Gilbert and Adjunct Professor Alan Lilly undertook the independent review.
They consulted with stakeholders, including family members of residents, to provide a comprehensive break down of what led to the outbreak and how authorities responded to it.
Minister Colbeck said the review is an important resource for all levels of government which would improve the management of potential future outbreaks and inform advice and guidance to support the aged care sector.
“We continue to integrate the learnings from Newmarch and infections in Victoria into the national response as outbreaks occur,” Minister Colbeck said.
Changes already implemented include:
Additionally, the Australian Government is supporting the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission in its monitoring efforts.
The Commission continues to take decisive steps related to the issuing of corrective action to ensure providers and management respond appropriately and levels of care are met.
Minister Colbeck said throughout the pandemic there has also been regular, ongoing communication to the aged care sector about managing outbreaks, including providing updated advice incorporating learnings from Australia and other countries.
The Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) outbreak guidelines are supported by a ‘First 24 hours’ document, published by the Department, which also provides aged care facilities with practical steps they should take in order, following the identification of a positive COVID case.
“Each of these implemented actions, are another step toward reinforcing the sector and ultimately protecting senior and vulnerable Australians,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Government’s measures to tackle COVID-19 in aged care now exceeds $1 billion.”
The independent review into the impact of COVID-19 at Newmarch House can be found on the website.
Read MoreThe issues facing young Australians have been highlighted in a Youth Taskforce Interim Report released today.
Aimed at informing the Morrison Government of issues and matters of concern for young people, the report will also underline tangible measures to support those in most need, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the report provides a snapshot, informed by extensive consultation, relevant data, surveys and research.
“The major findings in the interim report confirm the key issues for young Australians identified in other youth surveys, including mental health and employment concerns,” Minister Colbeck said.
While the consultations heard of varying issues, the Taskforce stated there were also many ideas for improving services and making a genuine difference in the lives of disadvantaged young people.
“I thank every person who shared their experiences and positive ideas.”
The Youth Taskforce was established in July last year in a tangible step by the Australian Government to ensure young people continued to have a voice.
This was particularly important following the impact of last summer’s bushfire season and the spread of COVID-19, Minister Colbeck said.
“Both events have impacted young people particularly hard and exacerbated many problems, especially for the disadvantaged and marginalised.
“Rather than preparing a final report due to COVID-19, the Taskforce is now concentrating on developing a National Youth Policy Framework which will consider the impact of these emergencies as well as underlying issues.”
The Australian Government is committed to implementing measures to support young people.
It has already delivered more than $126 million in initiatives including extending Jobkeeper and expanding our 50 per cent wage subsidy for apprentices and trainees.
Additionally, the $2 billion JobTrainer fund will provide up to 340,700 vocational education and training places for school leavers and job seekers to gain the skills they need to get a job.
Mental health services continue to be a key focus with more than $174 million for service providers and $1 million in funding for youth advocacy organisations to help young people reach their potential by establishing a sustainable and vibrant youth advocacy network.
The National Youth Policy Framework will be developed by the end of 2020.
Minister Colbeck said young people, youth organisations and relevant government agencies will be consulted on the framework in the coming months.
The Youth Taskforce Interim Report can be found here.
Read MoreToday we recognise and celebrate the contribution of young people across Australia as part of International Youth Day.
Established by the United Nations, International Youth Day offers a chance to raise awareness of the need to ensure the engagement and participation of youth at every level.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said while the COVID-19 pandemic is putting a lot of demands on young people, they are rising to the challenge.
“Australian youth face significant challenges in this unprecedented period,” Minister Colbeck said. “But across every State and Territory, there are shining examples of young people offering hope in hard times.
“Of course, 2020 has been a difficult year for everybody – none more so than for young people trying to navigate through their education or early careers.”
Minister Colbeck said around Australia, a range of projects are providing support and showcasing the important role young people are playing across the community.
Nationally, the Country to Canberra project is empowering rural teenage girls to reach their leadership potential, running programs that provide education, leadership and mentorship opportunities.
Minister Colbeck said the Morrison Government also recently launched a $1 million program to help all young Australians reach their full potential, providing Youth Advocacy Support Grants to organisations advocating on behalf of young people, especially those from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds.
“Projects like these give a voice to our young people,” Minister Colbeck said.
“They help keep young Australians connected in a physically-distant world and they remind the community just how important it is for young people to actively participate in and contribute to our society.”
Additionally, The Morrison Government is delivering unparalleled support for young Australians through the vital JobKeeper program, providing education and new opportunities through the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees package and JobTrainer and helping young people realise the dream of owning their own home and more young tradies to stay in work through HomeBuilder.
Minister Colbeck said work continues on the completion of the 2020 Australian Youth Development Index — a one-stop shop for information related to the most significant issues young Australians face.
“Good public policy hinges on solid evidence-based research and current statistics,” Minister Colbeck said. “It will be a valuable resource.”
Read MoreAged care staff who work in residential facilities or provide home care support across Victoria’s lock down zones will be required to wear surgical masks following recommendations from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).
The latest advice for aged care workers is in addition to all other infection control and staff screening measures already in place across the sector to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt and Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, today said personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, would be vital in preventing the introduction of COVID-19 to senior Australians receiving aged care as well as providing protection for carers.
An additional four million masks will be made available to aged care and home care providers in the areas with restrictions including Greater Melbourne and Mitchell Shires.
This will immediately assist around 449 residential aged care facilities and 425 home care providers, with a total of 60,427 aged care recipients in these services.
This is in addition to the one million masks made available to primary care workers announced last week.
“The Australian Government has worked very hard to ensure there is a sufficient supply of PPE, including masks, in the National Medical Stockpile (NMS) to ensure our heath care workers, and those working in aged care, can access them,” Minister Hunt said.
Since late March, more than 295 million masks, more than four million gowns, more than 41 million gloves, and more than five million goggles and face shields have been received into the NMS.
Substantial amounts of PPE, including additional masks, will continue to arrive over the coming weeks and months.
Additionally, Minister Colbeck said further targeted testing will be conducted on aged care residents and staff in facilities in the affected areas.
Other support measures include:
The Aged Care Quality Safety Commission will continue to conduct site visits where concerns are raised, including in the Melbourne metropolitan area.
The Federal Government is also providing advice to services around screening people entering residential aged care facilities, particularly in hotspot areas.
Minister Colbeck said more than 1.35 million items of PPE had already been supplied to Victorian aged care services since late February 2020.
A large deployment of up to 250,000 surgical masks, 250,000 gowns, 250,000 face shields/goggles and supplies of hand sanitizer is currently underway for services in these areas.
“With the current surge in COVID-19 cases in Melbourne, there has been a particular emphasis on ensuring additional PPE has been sent to Victoria to ensure aged care workers in that state have access to such equipment,” Minister Colbeck said.
PPE is the last line of defence – preventing the introduction of coronavirus into aged care services and protecting our older Australians.
“We need everyone to continue to practise good hygiene and follow limits to public gatherings including keeping 1.5 metres of distance,” Minister Colbeck said.
“If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, stay at home and get tested.”
Aged care providers in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire can contact AgedCareCOVIDPPE@health.gov.au to request masks for in home and residential aged care workers delivering close personal care and clinical care, and other PPE like gloves and gowns to aged care services with a potential or confirmed COVID-19 outbreak.
The email is closely monitored and prioritises facilities with active Covid-19 cases.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is delivering new local female change room facilities to boost women’s sport at the Devonport Strikers Football Club.
The new building houses three additional change rooms, while existing facilities have also been upgraded to provide essential amenities for female sporting participants. The Federal Government is the major contributor to the $528,000 redevelopment, providing $385,000 towards the build.
Senator for Tasmania and Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the project had been delivered at an opportune time as Australia prepares to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“The Devonport Strikers have ambitions for this wonderful sporting facility to be a training venue for teams at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but the most important benefit of this project is the amazing opportunity it creates for women and girls to be involved in football and sport more broadly,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We hope an event like the FIFA Women’s World Cup does inspire more women and girls to play club sport and help boosts participation. Having facilities like these are essential because they help build a safe, supportive environment where players can enjoy playing the game.
“The Morrison Government’s support for this project is not just about building better sporting facilities, it is about building stronger, healthier communities by promoting physical activity, social connection, and creating jobs in the local area.”
Member for Braddon, Gavin Pearce, commended the Devonport City Strikers Football Club for its efforts in growing female participation.
“The Devonport City Strikers have a wonderful history dating back to 1952, and this project is a big step for the Club’s future,” Mr Pearce said.
“This venue is also a valuable sporting hub for the North West Coast, so the new facilities will also see it used by other sports to attract and retain female players.
“It has taken a real team effort to deliver this project, bringing together the support of the Federal Government, Devonport City Council and the Devonport City Strikers.”
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Read MoreThe Commissioner for Senior Victorians, Gerard Mansour, has been appointed as an advisor to the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre.
Federal Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, and Victoria’s Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, Luke Donnellan MP, today announced that Mr Mansour would work alongside other advocacy groups, including Elder Rights Advocacy, the Victorian member of the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) and the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (VACRC) to ensure families were kept informed about the welfare and care needs of their loved ones.
VACRC has been established at the State Control Centre in Melbourne to co-ordinate and expand resources across the Australian and Victorian governments to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 in aged care services.
Mr Mansour will provide advice and consultation for engaging with families of residents in severely COVID-19 impacted aged care facilities, and help connect them to available supports including Elder Rights Advocacy and the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement.
He will also assist with communication and provide timely and ongoing feedback to Elder Rights Advocacy and VACRC, as well as help to promote further prevention measures with staff working in aged care facilities that have not had outbreaks.
Mr Mansour will also engage with the Chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Vivienne Nguyen, to ensure appropriate supports are provided to families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The former chief executive of Leading Age Services Australia, Mr Mansour was the inaugural appointment as Commissioner for Senior Victorians in 2013 and is also Victoria’s Ambassador for Elder Abuse Prevention, advocating for the needs of those older people at risk of elder abuse.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck:
“We continue to mobilise resources to assist senior Australians to manage the impacts of COVID-19.”
“Mr Mansour’s extensive networks in Victoria will be invaluable to our collective efforts.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan:
“While we respond to the urgent health needs of these Victorians, we must also do everything we can to keep their families informed and ensure their emotional needs are front of mind too.”
“We’ve got the best emergency, medical and nursing teams on the job, and I know Gerard will ensure the rights of these older Victorians and their families are not forgotten in this response.”
Quotes attributable to Commissioner for Senior Victorians, Gerard Mansour:
“I understand just how challenging it is for so many families. It is vital that residents and families receive appropriate and timely communications and I will work to ensure we will embed this into the response work.”
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is encouraging youth advocacy organisations to apply for grants under a $1 million program designed to help all young Australians reach their full potential.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the Youth Advocacy Support Grants will help organisations advocating on behalf of young people, especially those who are from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds.
“I encourage organisations advocating for young people to apply for a grant so they can continue to give youth a voice,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We want all young people to be active participants and contribute to Australian society.
“This is where youth advocacy organisations have a role to play providing practical help and professional guidance.”
Youth advocacy can empower young people in their everyday lives by providing support and advice about jobs, mental health, education, housing, relationships and more.
“There are a lot of demands on young people and being able to get help where and when they need it is important no matter what their background or circumstance in life,” Minister Colbeck said.
“COVID-19 is having an enormous health and economic effect on young Australians which is why it’s more important than ever that they continue to have the support they need to reach their full potential.”
Organisations applying for a grant should have a track record demonstrating extensive experience delivering youth advocacy services and the ability to engage effectively with young people.
Successful grant recipients are expected to deliver programs over the 2020–2021 financial year.
The grant round will open Monday 3 August. For more information and to apply for a Youth Advocacy Support Grant please visit Grant Connect at www.grants.gov.au.
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Read MoreProtection from COVID-19 for aged care staff and residents in Victoria will be increased, with reusable face shields and additional face masks being supplied from the National Medical Stockpile to help prevent the spread of the virus.
The Australian Government will:
This will immediately assist around 770 residential aged care facilities.
The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and face shields is vital in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
All aged care workers across Victoria are now required to wear face masks and, as an additional precautionary measure, will be advised to wear face shields.
The new release of face masks from the national stockpile is in addition to the four million surgical masks made available to aged care services on July 13.
Our Government is committed to supporting aged care workers and residents in Victoria during this difficult period.
Both workers and residents are at risk of contracting the virus, with elderly and frail residents highly vulnerable to the disease.
Face shields are designed to cover the sides of the face and below the chin. Face shields may be reusable or disposable, and are worn together with surgical masks.
The latest advice for aged care workers is in addition to infection control and staff screening measures already in place across the sector.
The Australian Government has to date dispatched more than 52 million masks in response to COVID-19, including 11 million to Victoria.
Since late March, more than 300 million masks, more than eight million gowns, more than 41 million gloves, and more than 10 million goggles and face shields have been received into the stockpile.
Substantial amounts of PPE, including additional masks and face shields, will continue to arrive over the coming weeks and months.
Read MoreI congratulate Joan Rylah on her significant contribution to Tasmania, the North West, West Coast and King Island as the Member for Braddon.
Since coming to Parliament in 2014, Joan has been a fighter for rural and regional communities and has proudly stood up for the Tasmanian way of life.
Joan has been instrumental in the revival of our bedrock industries such as agriculture, forestry and mining. Her unwavering support for these industries has helped create jobs and provided greater prosperity for regional Tasmanians.
Her support for our world-leading forest industry stands out along with her strength of compassion for the people of our local communities.
Joan is passionate about the enormous potential of our region and has been a true grassroots leader in our community.
Joan has excelled as Parliamentary Secretary to Premier Peter Gutwein during the greatest health and economic crisis in generations – COVID-19.
I wish Joan, Rod and their family well for the next step in their journey together.
Read MoreThe Australian Government has today held a meeting with families of residents at St Basil’s Home for the Aged.
The online information session was aimed at strengthening the lines of communication with families who remain concerned about the health and wellbeing of their loved ones.
It was used to outline the processes in place and strategies which lay ahead as the Commonwealth Government continues to manage the COVID-19 outbreak.
The meeting brought together representatives of Commonwealth and State Governments, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, OPAN and a representative from the new Victorian Aged Care Response Centre.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said expert teams at the site were ensuring quality standards in care were being met.
“We understand the emotional impact the situation is having on residents, staff and families,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Our priority remains the health and wellbeing of those residents who remain on site while also ensuring families have the information they need.”
Additionally, from tomorrow the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre will co-ordinate efforts to manage the impact of the pandemic across facilities.
Supported by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Victoria, Emergency Management Australian (EMA) and Emergency Management Victoria (EMV), the response centre will offer a scalable and coordinated response mechanism as we continue to respond to the pandemic.
The Response Centre will be led by an executive team including clinical and operational leads, enabling a rapid response as required.
It will include staff from Department of Health, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, DHHS, EMA, EMV and Defence.
The Commonwealth is already providing a surge workforce and supplementation support of more than 450 in aged care facilities.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a challenging situation for the aged care sector in Australia,” Minister Colbeck said. “But the Australian Government continues to work pro-actively to ensure measures are in place to prevent the spread of the virus and save lives.”
Read MoreThe Australian Government is establishing a Victorian Aged Care Response Centre to co-ordinate and expand resources to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 in age care services.
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre will bring together Commonwealth and State government agencies at the State Control Centre in Melbourne in a co-ordinated effort to manage the impact of the pandemic across facilities.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt and Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the Federal Government-led centre would offer a clear and direct oversight to managing outbreaks.
Supported by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Victoria, Emergency Management Australian (EMA) and Emergency Management Victoria (EMV), the response centre will offer a scalable and coordinated response mechanism as we continue to respond to the pandemic.
“This co-ordinated approach will not just prioritise the quality of care and protection of residents but it will also ensure rapid and effective responses for providers and ensure communication with families” Minister Hunt said.
The Response Centre will be led by an executive team including clinical and operational leads, enabling a rapid response as required.
It will include staff from Department of Health, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, DHHS, EMA, EMV and Defence.
In addition there will be stakeholder liaison arrangements with Older Persons Advisory Network, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, the Australian Medical Association, Leading Aged Services Australia, Aged and Community Services Australia, the Aged Care Guild, Seniors Australia, Dementia Australia and Council Of The Ageing.
Minister Colbeck said the co-ordinated response offered an additional layer of confidence for residents in aged care, families and staff during an unprecedented time.
“We stand ready to offer the support needed to protect senior Australians, their families and care providers in what is the greatest challenge the sector has faced,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We are listening and understand the complex issues that lay ahead. Together we can ensure provisions are in place to reinforce the sector at every level and ultimately protect the lives of those people we care for most.”
The Commonwealth is already providing a surge workforce and supplementation support of more than 450 in aged care facilities.
Additional resources include undertaking a process for staff to work at a single site to minimise COVID-19 spread, disbursement of PPE, testing in facilities where positive cases are identified and additional testing in areas identified as high risk.
Read MoreThe Australian and Victorian Governments, in collaboration with representatives from the aged care sector, are today announcing additional measures to ensure aged care providers are equipped to minimise the spread of COVID-19 and can continue providing quality care.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Senator Richard Colbeck, and the Victorian Minister for Disability, Aging and Carers Luke Donnellan, recognise the aged care workforce has been doing an outstanding job in very difficult circumstances.
However, with widespread community based infection in Victoria, more needs to be done to help aged care providers minimise the risk of transmission within and across facilities.
This includes specific support to reduce the need for aged care workers to provide care across multiple aged care facilities.
Both tiers of Government, in partnership with Victorian Aged Care Industry leaders, will introduce measures to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 into Aged Care services.
The measures include:
Workforce funding support
Funding will be made available by the Federal Government to residential and home care providers to:
The Victorian Government is providing financial support to Victorian workers who are self-isolating or in quarantine.
A one-off $1,500 payment will financially support Victorian aged care workers who have been instructed by the department to self-isolate or quarantine at home because they are either diagnosed with COVID-19 or are a close contact of a confirmed case, but can’t rely on sick leave while missing work.
Industry program to reduce workforce sharing across sites
Victorian Aged Care Industry representatives have agreed principles and an urgent process to ensure aged care workers work in a single aged care facility where possible. The industry will commence a cooperative process to identify existing workforce sharing and negotiate safer arrangements across the sector to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission in aged care. A key component of the principles will be to ensure that no aged care worker is disadvantaged by the arrangements.
More Infection control training
The Victorian Government will also commence additional intensive training in infection control for aged care workers, building on the training program released by the Morrison Government earlier in the year. From 22 July 2020, Monash University, through its nursing students, will provide face to face training to the aged care sector.
Enhanced surveillance and contact tracing
The Morrison and Victorian Governments will focus additional resources on testing in aged care facilities. We will continue to prioritise contact tracing for aged care workers and residents.
Increased contact tracing
In addition to direct support for aged care workers, the Australian and Victorian Governments are prioritising contact tracing in aged care facilities. The Australian Government has set up a National Incident Centre which will provide information to help states and territories respond to the situation, including data for contact tracing and public health follow up.
Testing
The Morrison Government has deployed five new COVID-19 testing teams to test staff and residents in residential aged care services located across metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire. The five new teams are dedicated to testing in residential aged care facilities and are in addition to the in-reach pathology services deployed to residential aged care services with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case.
Additional capacity to care for aged care residents from outbreak sites
The Australian and Victorian Governments are working with private hospitals so they can support the response to outbreaks in aged care facilities.
Private hospitals with capacity, adequate staff resourcing, and appropriate infection control procedures will be available to open wards to ensure appropriate care for residents of aged care facilities requiring medical attention, or who cannot safely isolate in their facilities.
These measures announced today demonstrate the Governments’ unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of the aged care sector. The combination of contact tracing in aged care facilities, workforce training, ensuring workers are based in one facility for their placement, and the provision of accommodation or financial support for infected workers are critical to minimise the spread of COVID-19.
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Read MorePregnancy warning labels will be mandatory on alcoholic beverages under recommendations agreed to today by representatives of The Australian and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation.
Manufacturers will now have three years to implement the “PREGNANCY WARNING” label across all alcoholic beverages.
The Minister with portfolio responsibility for food regulation, Richard Colbeck said it was an important step toward protecting the health of pregnant women and infants.
“The Australian Government is strongly committed to mandatory pregnancy warning labels on alcoholic beverages to inform pregnant women and the broader community of the advice for pregnant women to not consume alcohol in order to prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD),” Minister Colbeck said.
“The decisions made today underpin the efforts across the sector to improve standards and ensure the health of consumers, while giving consideration to the pressures on producers.”
The forum brought together all Australian State and Territory Ministers responsible for food, as well as the Commonwealth and New Zealand ministers.
Representatives considered the Review Report for mandatory pregnancy warning labels completed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
The review focussed on the colours and signal wording in the draft pregnancy warning label design.
The FSANZ Review Report proposed two amendments to the mandatory pregnancy warning labels and these were accepted by the Forum: a change to the signal words from ‘HEALTH WARNING’ to ‘PREGNANCY WARNING’, and an extended transition period for implementation, from two years to three years.
Additionally, The Australian Government proposed an amendment to remove the colour prescriptions for the label and adopt the general legibility requirements of the Food Code that the statement and pictogram should contrast distinctly with the background of the label.
The intent of the amendment, which was supported by New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland, was to achieve the pregnancy warning objective while at the same time minimising the cost and regulatory burden on business, particularly small and medium enterprises, in these challenging economic times.
In response the Forum accepted the proposed draft standard for pregnancy warning labels. The standard for pregnancy warning labels will now be gazetted and included in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. An implementation period of three years will apply from the date of gazettal.
Read MoreThe Australian Government is continuing to work closely with Victorian authorities and Menarock Life Aged Care to manage a COVID-19 outbreak at its service at Essendon.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, confirmed today all remaining residents would be transferred from the aged care facility to hospital.
“This is able to occur because the Australian Government partnered with the private hospital sector to ensure all resources, staff and beds were ready to support this response to the COVID-19 outbreak,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We understand this is a very stressful time, both for the residents being moved, and their families.
“However, we believe this is a necessary step to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of the residents currently living in the Menarock Life facility.”
Minister Colbeck said decisions to transfer residents from residential aged care facilities to hospitals were made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account individual residents’ clinical care needs and preferences, the clinical and other advice of the experts helping to manage the outbreak, and the capacity of the facility to manage infection control.
“Due to the layout of the facility and the unique challenges of effectively isolating and grouping residents on site at Menarock Essendon, the decision was taken to transfer all residents to hospital,” Minister Colbeck said.
Twenty residents from this facility have already been transferred to Royal Melbourne hospital.
Sadly, two residents from Menarock have died.
Fifteen residents still being cared for at Menarock Life, Essendon and three residents at Royal Melbourne hospital, will now be moved into Healthscope’s La Trobe Private Hospital in Bundoora where they will be provided with the care and support they need during this stressful time.
La Trobe Private Hospital and other private hospitals in Melbourne will provide beds for aged care residents where on-site isolation and grouping cannot take place in residential facilities.
“I want to thank these private hospitals for standing with us to ensure we protect and look after residents during this stressful time,” Minister Colbeck said.
Healthscope CEO, Steven Rubic, said the dedicated and highly trained staff at La Trobe Private Hospital and will work to ensure these residents receive the best possible care.
“Our collaboration with both state and federal health authorities has been one positive aspect of this pandemic and we look forward to playing our role in the care of these residents,” Mr Rubic said.
Transferred residents will also receive follow-up testing for COVID-19 and be closely monitored for any signs and symptoms of the virus to ensure appropriate and timely clinical treatment can be provided.
To assist the service to respond to the outbreak, Menarock has received significant support from the Australian Government including the sourcing of an infection control specialist, personal protective equipment from the National Medical Stockpile, additional pathologists for COVID-19 testing and emergency surge workforce supplementation including a clinical first responder, registered and enrolled nurses, personal care workers and general practitioners.
“Protecting vulnerable people in residential aged care facilities from the threat of COVD-19 is our top priority. We will continue to work with state health authorities and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to support aged care providers in COVID-19 hotspots,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreThe Australian Government will provide $2.5 million to the National Health and Medical Research Council to review the 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines.
The review of the guidelines will ensure that Government dietary advice is based on the best and most recent scientific evidence about the types and amount of food we need to have a long and healthy life.
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the review would ensure the guidelines remained a trusted resource.
“A healthy diet is essential to help lower the risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity as well as chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some types of cancers,” Minister Hunt said.
“By preventing disease and the disease risk factors, significant suffering can be averted and the costs to our health system reduced.”
Since the 1980s, the Australian Dietary Guidelines have been a trusted source of information about healthy eating for consumers, health professionals, educators and the food industry.
The NHMRC will soon begin the task of reviewing the dietary guidelines, with the first step being a review of the latest nutrition science research and evidence from Australia and overseas. Consultation with stakeholders will be undertaken throughout the review.
The Minister with portfolio responsibility for food regulation, Richard Colbeck, said, ensuring Australians had up-to-date information about diet and nutrition was important.
“The ability to choose food wisely will help contribute to a balanced diet and lead to better health,” Minister Colbeck said.
The Health Star Rating system featured on packaged grocery items is underpinned by dietary guidelines and it is important to ensure this system is based on robust and up to date evidence.
Minister Colbeck said a review of the dietary guidelines was an opportunity to shape nutrition policy and programs.
“This will ensure more Australians can stay on the right nutritional track and live better for longer.”
For more information about the current Australian Dietary Guidelines visit www.eatforhealth.gov.au.
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Read MoreThe opening of an Australian-first community care facility has set a new precedent for the delivery of high-quality care for senior Australians living with dementia.
Senator for Tasmania and Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, today joined Governor of Tasmania Professor Kate Warner and Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff for the opening of the Glenview Community Services new Korongee residential aged care facility in Hobart.
Minister Colbeck said it was a brilliant example of how meticulous design can reinforce support for residents and their families.
“This development will greatly reduce the stress of having a loved one with dementia, which sadly is increasingly common as we live longer,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Morrison Government is determined to work with aged care providers and workers to ensure that every senior Australian receives the quality care they deserve,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Korongee is now a shining example of what can be achieved – a purpose-built facility that supports people with dementia, by creating a home-like, community environment.”
In the 2015 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR), Glenview received an allocation of 50 residential aged care places and a $3 million grant towards construction of the new service.
The new site consists of 12 “houses” situated in four cul-de-sacs that make up the residential village.
Each house contains eight bedrooms, its own living and dining area, as well as a kitchen for preparing and serving meals.
The landscape of the development reflects dementia design principles, providing residents with multiple visual cues to help them easily find their way around the gardens and village grounds.
The development includes a café and library, community centre including cinema screening area and multi-function space, a salon, wellness centre staffed by allied health professionals and a grocer.
Minister Colbeck said Glenview also worked with the University of Tasmania to develop an innovative matching process.
“This is a very thoughtful addition, aiming to put residents in the house that best suits their interests and experiences,” he said.
“It’s about real caring, not just keeping people safe - the result will be increased social engagement, less confusion, and less conflict.
“Calmer, happier people equals greater all-round wellbeing.”
In addition to Korongee, Glenview operates three home care services within Hobart and a 100-place residential care service.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government continues to drive job opportunities for young people despite the current challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, today welcomed the new $2.5 billion JobTrainer package, announced this week by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
It comes as the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Labour Force figures released this morning, show that despite a rise in the youth unemployment rate to 16.4 per cent in June - seasonally adjusted the increase of 101,500 across the month is still 233,100 (or 11.9 per cent) below March 2020 levels.
Minister Colbeck said it was an encouraging sign given the challenges of 2020.
“Young people have been heavily impacted by the pandemic because they are largely represented in the hardest hit industries, including food services, accommodation, tourism, and the arts sectors,” Minister Colbeck said.
“As the Prime Minister has said, in order to get young people back into work, everything is on the table including what we are already doing in industrial relations, Youth Jobs PaTH initiatives and apprenticeships.
The Morrison Government will invest $2 billion to give hundreds of thousands of Australians access to new skills by retraining and upskilling them into sectors with job opportunities, as the economy recovers from COVID-19.
The JobTrainer skills package will also guarantee support for thousands of apprentices in jobs across the country by subsidising their wages to keep them employed and their training secured.
“Young people have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Australian Government continues to take action to limit the fallout,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The pandemic is a national health emergency and the economic impact is widespread.
“This is why the Government continues to invest in programs that give young Australians the assistance and encouragement to learn new skills which will help them become job ready and enter the workforce as the labour market improves.”
Minister Colbeck said the JobTrainer Package will expand and extend existing wage subsidies for apprentices and trainees.
“We moved rapidly to introduce the JobKeeper and JobSeeker payment so young people have the financial support they need to get through this difficult time and JobTrainer boosts and strengthens this support,” he said.
“The Government does not underestimate the significant challenges resulting from COVID-19 that lie ahead and we are investing in more ways to help young people gain new skills and be ready as the economy picks up.
“We are also making record investments in mental health services and support so I encourage young people feeling overwhelmed in these unprecedented times to reach out for help—you are not alone, we are in this together.”
Since January this year, the Government has provided approximately $500 million in additional funding for mental health services and support, including $64 million for suicide prevention, $74 million for preventive mental health services, and $48 million to support the pandemic response plan.
Further, a significant proportion of the $669 million telehealth package supports MBS-subsidised treatments provided by GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals.
With expenditure estimated to be in excess of $5.2 billion this year alone, the Government continues to demonstrate its firm commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians.
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), headspace or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.
Read MoreFive new COVID-19 testing teams will be deployed to test staff and residents in residential aged care services located across metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the new mobile testing teams will help health authorities identify where community transmission is occurring, before there are COVID-19 outbreaks.
“We know Australians living in aged care are among those most vulnerable to becoming seriously unwell with COVID-19,” Minister Colbeck said. Stopping this virus from spreading across Victoria’s aged care facilities is our top priority.
“It remains one of the greatest challenges the sector has faced and we need to be proactive in our fight against it.”
Minister Colbeck said the new testing teams will give health authorities the chance to identify people with COVID-19 who are living and working in aged care, even before they appear unwell.
The five new teams will be dedicated to testing in residential aged care facilities and are in addition to the in-reach pathology services deployed by the Australian Government to residential aged care services with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case.
Testing teams will begin today (16 July).
The COVID-19 testing will be carried out on a voluntary basis and providers will be contacted to participate before the arrival of a mobile testing team.
The Australian Government has contracted Aspen Medical to provide qualified staff, including medical practitioners and registered nurses, to attend aged care facilities and collect the specimens. Sonic Healthcare will then do the testing.
While this additional testing capacity will help health authorities in their fight to contain
COVID-19, Minister Colbeck urged everyone living and working in aged care to remain vigilant.
“COVID-19 tests are only a point in time indication of whether someone has the virus, and everyone working and living in aged care must maintain good hygiene measures, be alert to symptoms of COVID-19, and be retested if they become unwell,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreMore than 6,100 older Australians will live independently for longer following a $325.7 million investment in new home care packages by the Morrison Government.
The extra 6,105 home care packages brings the total number of additional packages to over 50,000 since the 18-19 Budget, at a cost of more than $3 billion.
Home care package numbers will increase to 164,135 in 2022-23 - up more than 170 per cent since Labor were last in office - with funding increasing by 258 per cent due to growth in high-level packages.
Following a request from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Federal Government has agreed to extend its reporting period for a further three and a half months due to the impact of COVID-19.
The Commission will now deliver its final report by 26 February, 2021.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government remained focused on the needs of older Australians, particularly as the country battled the impacts of COVID-19.
“Our number one priority for older Australians is to keep people safe and healthy and to live independently,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister said the suspension of Royal Commission hearings had reduced the ability to engage with stakeholders at the height of the pandemic.
“While these delays are have been caused by unprecedented circumstances, we’re committed to ensuring the Royal Commission has the time and resources it needs to do its important work.”
As part of its inquiry, the Royal Commission has recently announced it will examine the impact of the virus on residential aged care and home care, including responses from the sector and governments.
Minister Hunt said it would serve as an important review.
“This further investment in home care supports our senior Australians who are seeking assistance to stay longer in their homes,” Minister Hunt said.
“The extension of the Royal Commission is in response to the delays due to COVID-19 and the opportunity for the Commission to inquire into the impact of the pandemic on aged care.”
Minister Colbeck said the latest investment of $325.7 million toward 6,105 home care packages was another step toward reducing wait times and connecting more senior Australians to essential care sooner.
“We remain focused on ensuring the health and wellbeing of those people we love most,” Minister Colbeck said.
“From additional home care packages, to improvements to medication management, additional dementia training support for workers and funding to ensure younger people can move to more age-appropriate support – the Federal Government continues to prioritise the needs of senior Australians.
“We look forward to receiving the Royal Commission’s final report. The Government will carefully consider the Commissioners’ recommendations.”
As part of the extension, the Hon Tony Pagone QC will be formally appointed as the Chair of the Royal Commission.
Commissioner Pagone has been acting in the role since late 2019, following the death of the Honourable Richard Ross Sinclair Tracey AM RFD QC.
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Read MoreA new era to keep competitive sport clean starts today with the official launch of Sport Integrity Australia.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said Sport Integrity Australia would offer a clear and definitive approach to keep sport in Australia fair.
“This is another important step as we continue to drive reforms to stay ahead of the dopers, extortionists and cheats,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Australians love their sport but not the underhanded actions of those who seek to take advantage of it.
“The Federal Government’s decisive action will help reinforce the sector and offers assurance to athletes and fans.”
SIA will be led by former Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner and sport administrator David Sharpe.
Mr Sharpe will oversee the new body, bringing together the current functions of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA), the National Integrity of Sport Unit (NISU) in the Department of Health, and the nationally focused integrity functions of Sport Australia.
Sport integrity issues include:
“The opening of Sport Integrity Australia is the result of extensive community and stakeholder consultation and all Australians will benefit,” Minister Colbeck said.
“From today, sporting organisations and athletes will have access to a single source of assistance and guidance under one roof.
“Athletes will benefit from having greater access to education on sports integrity issues and knowing they have an ‘even playing field’.
“Australian sports fans will benefit from knowing the sports they follow are protected from cheats.
“And all taxpayers benefit knowing the Government’s investment of nearly $300 million each year in sport is safe from dopers and cheats.
The opening of Sports Integrity Australia is in addition to the passing of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Amendment (Enhancing Australia’s Anti-Doping Capability) Bill 2019 and the introduction of landmark reforms to Australian sport’s anti-doping rules.
“These major reforms will keep Australia at the forefront of efforts to keep competition clean, safe and out of the hands of criminals,” Minister Colbeck said.
Sports Integrity Australia was a recommendation of the Review of Australia’s Sports Integrity Arrangements, chaired by Mr James Wood AO QC and commissioned in 2017, as part of the development of the Australian Government’s National Sport Plan.
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Read MoreMigrant groups, people with physical and intellectual disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be the focus of a new initiative aimed at ensuring all Australians can participate in sport and physical activity.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, says 57 clubs and organisations across the nation will benefit from a $19 million funding allocation aimed at addressing issues facing the vulnerable and disadvantaged.
The program, Driving Social Inclusion through Sport and Physical Activity, is designed to strengthen communities through participation.
“Sport and physical activity is a key element of a stronger, more resilient, more connected life,” Minister Colbeck said. “This is even more important as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The grants are the outcome of an open competitive process run by the Federal Government last year, with more than 850 applications received.
All projects that have been awarded funding were recommended by the Department of Health.
The program will also target female sporting groups. It is part of the Government’s $71 million investment in social cohesion initiatives to build stronger communities.
“It is important for all Australians to have opportunities to lead an active and healthy lifestyle,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Supporting organisations to promote sport and physical activity as a powerful tool for inclusion is a key part of addressing this problem.
“Australians want to get moving again. We want sport and recreation – with all the health, economic, social and cultural benefits – back in our communities.”
As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and community-based group sport and physical activity resumes, grant recipients have been given an extended timeframe to December 2022 to deliver funded activities.
Senator Colbeck reiterated advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), recommending the resumption of sport and recreation activities must be done safely and not compromise the health and safety of individuals and the community.
Further information about the Driving Social Inclusion through Sport and Physical Activity program is available here.
A list of the successful applicants can be found below.
Read MoreAustralia and New Zealand have won their bid to host the premier event in women’s football – the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Marise Payne and Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the two countries were perfectly placed to make the most of the Women’s World Cup and lift the women’s competition to new heights.
“This is a great win for two true sports-loving nations,” Minister Payne said. “Football is the most universally followed of sports and the World Cup is one of the biggest events in the world.
“Australia and New Zealand are ready to host a fantastic tournament for fans at home and around the globe to enjoy.
“The 2023 World Cup will strengthen our already solid reputations as world leaders in women’s sport.”
Minister Colbeck said we had already witnessed the capacity of both nations to host world-class sporting events.
“This will be another opportunity to put on a showcase for hundreds of millions of football fans around the globe,” he said.
Minister Colbeck said the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will also be a tournament of firsts.
“This will be the first ever co-confederation hosted FIFA World Cup, the first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in the Asia-Pacific region, and the first ever to be held in the southern hemisphere,” he said.
The Australian Government provided $5 million to Football Federation Australia (FFA) over three years from 2016-17 to develop the joint bid “As One” with New Zealand Football.
It will be the largest FIFA Women’s World Cup in history, with FIFA expanding it from 24 to 32 teams.
Minister Payne said the host nations would use the opportunity to drive the rising popularity of women’s football, creating greater opportunities for women and girls in sport.
“Australia and New Zealand are strong believers in the capacity of sport to empower women and girls,” Minister Payne said.
“This competition will champion the further development of women’s football in both our countries, the Asia-Pacific region and globally, creating a profound and enduring legacy for the women’s game,” she said.
“This will inspire the next generation of female footballers.”
The Federal Government’s support for the event aligns with both health and sports initiatives under the national sport plan – Sport 2030 – to inspire girls and women to participate in sport and increase their physical activity.
Minister Colbeck said Sport 2030 has a key focus on improving attitudes towards gender equality in sport.
“The Government is passionate about raising the profile of women’s sport and driving increased participation in sport by both girls and women,” he said.
“Hosting the Women’s World Cup will showcase improving attitudes towards gender equality in sport and strengthen Australia’s reputation as a world leader in promoting women’s sport and as a premier host of major international sporting events.”
The past two years have seen landmark achievements in Australia for women in sport, including football, with improved pay and conditions and record crowds turning out to support our female athletes.
Australia and NZ have a successful history of both staging and co-hosting major international sporting events – most recently the Rugby League World Cup 2017 and the Cricket World Cup 2015.
Australia most recently hosted the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, whose final attracted the largest crowd ever for a women’s sporting event in this country, with over 86,000 fans attending.
Read MoreThe eyes of the world will be fixed on Tasmania when Launceston serves as a host city for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Senator for Tasmania and Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, today celebrated the decision by FIFA to award the hosting rights for the spectacle to Australia and New Zealand.
Launceston’s UTAS Stadium was nominated as one of 12 sites under the comprehensive Trans-Tasman bid.
“The inclusion of UTAS Stadium as part of the playing program will bring football fans from across the world to Tasmania,” Minister Colbeck said.
“It will be great for tourism and local economies from the State’s north down to Hobart and it will help elevate the women’s game like never before.”
Launceston is numbered among 12 cities to host matches including Adelaide, Brisbane, and Newcastle and New Zealand centres Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
It could also mark the first time the Matildas run out before a parochial crowd in Tasmania.
Football Tasmania chief executive Matt Bulkeley said it was a huge coup for the State.
“Witnessing the world’s best female footballers play in Launceston will be inspiring for women and girls across Tasmania,” Mr Bulkeley said.
“It is likely to result in a significant surge in interest in local competition and that is something to celebrate.”
Minister Colbeck said the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will also be a tournament of firsts.
“This will be the first ever co-confederation hosted FIFA World Cup, the first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in the Asia-Pacific region, and the first ever to be held in the southern hemisphere,” he said.
“Tasmania will now play an important part in that.”
The Federal Government’s support for the event aligns with both health and sports initiatives under the national sport plan – Sport 2030 – to inspire girls and women to participate in sport and increase their physical activity.
“Sport 2030 has a key focus on improving attitudes towards gender equality in sport,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Government is passionate about raising the profile of women’s sport and driving increased participation in sport by both girls and women.
“Hosting the Women’s World Cup will showcase improving attitudes towards gender equality in sport and strengthen Australia’s reputation as a world leader in promoting women’s sport and as a premier host of major international sporting events.”
He said the past two years have seen landmark achievements in Australia for women in sport, including football, with improved pay and conditions and record crowds turning out to support our female athletes.
Australia and NZ have a successful history of both staging and co-hosting major international sporting events – most recently the Rugby League World Cup 2017 and the Cricket World Cup 2015.
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Read MoreThe Australian Government is backing high performing athletes by investing $50.6 million over the next two years to ensure Australia remains a world-leading sporting nation.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Senator Richard Colbeck, said the Government is committed to helping Australia’s sporting sector impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With the Tokyo 2020 Games rescheduled to 2021, the Olympics and Paralympics are likely to be one of the first major international sporting events to take place following the COVID-19 pandemic, with Australian athletes set to inspire the next generation of athletes,” Minister Colbeck said.
“This funding will support our Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches as they prepare for Tokyo, as well as the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.”
Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Chair John Wylie said it was fantastic news for Australian sport.
“The ASC and the AIS have been working hard to assist our sport partners through these challenging times, so this news is a huge boost for the athletes returning to training who, despite the obstacles, remain resolutely focused on achieving their dreams and making our country proud at the pinnacle of world sport,” Mr Wylie said.
AOC President John Coates AC also welcomed the funding.
“This is the certainty that our Olympic athletes and sports were looking for as they pick up the pandemic pieces and resume training for the Tokyo Games next year,” Mr Coates said.
Paralympics Australia President Jock O’Callaghan said: “We are grateful for the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to high performance sport which has been underlined by this important announcement today.
“This new investment will enable our aspiring Paralympians to continue their preparations for Tokyo, Beijing and Birmingham with confidence and assurance.”
Commonwealth Games Australia President Ben Houston applauded the Government’s decision.
“This funding provides certainty for our member sports, many of whom are facing significant challenges,” Mr Houston said. “It’s also a huge boost for our athletes.
“With the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics and Commonwealth Games now back-to-back in 2021 and 2022, this funding will allow sports to ensure the best possible preparation for our teams in Tokyo and then Birmingham.”
Minister Colbeck said the measure ensures core funding for our athletes and coaches is maintained at record levels and builds on the Morrison Government’s recent investments to support athlete wellbeing and pathways for young aspiring Olympians and Paralympians.
“The Australian Institute of Sport will distribute the high performance grants to our national sporting organisations who will identify, train and develop their most promising athletes,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Government is aware many national sporting organisations have had to stand down staff and reduce their hours because of COVID-19.
“Without this investment to high performance funding, there is a significant risk our best coaches and high performance support staff will face an uncertain future.”
Additionally, as part of the previously announced $70 million Supporting Sport and Physical Activity election commitment, Minister Colbeck said more than $3.9 million will be brought forward to invest in five projects to improve infrastructure at high performance facilities across Australia.
It forms a part of the $11.5 million to support infrastructure upgrades at high-performance facilities.
“One of these recipients will be the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia, which will receive $800,000 to improve training equipment available for aerial skiing and snowboarding,” Minister Colbeck said.
Other recipients include Swimming Australia which receives $725,000 to equip at least one pool in each state with the latest technology, including cameras and instrumented turning plates and Paddle Australia which will benefit from an allocation of $1.25 million to improve its high performance facilities.
Minister Colbeck said the investments support the Australian Government’s Sport 2030 objective of backing our best athletes, coaches and sporting bodies to develop a high-performance culture.
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Read MoreA Serious Incident Response Scheme will be introduced by the Morrison Government to protect vulnerable and senior Australians from abuse and neglect.
The initial $23 million investment will be rolled out from July 1, 2021.
The announcement coincides with World Elder Abuse Awareness day on Monday.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, says the scheme will be an important measure to guarantee transparency and keep our loved ones safe.
It follows the release of findings of a prevalence study which provides a framework for the appropriate implementation of the scheme.
“The Federal Government continues to take huge steps towards the ongoing protection and welfare of vulnerable and senior Australians,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Any abuse of a care recipient is unacceptable and that is why we committed to implementing a Serious Incident Response Scheme for residential aged care in the 2019-20 Budget.”
The SIRS will drive quality and safety improvements at the individual service and broader system level.
As part of the scheme, residential aged care providers will be required to manage all incidents, with a focus on the safety and wellbeing of consumers and reducing preventable incidents from reoccurring.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will receive incident reports and will have enhanced powers to administer the SIRS, including taking regulatory action where needed.
Reporting under a SIRS will include a broader range of incidents, including neglect, psychological or emotional abuse and inappropriate physical or chemical restraint.
Significantly, it will also lift the current exemption on the reporting of resident on resident incidents, where the perpetrator has an assessed cognitive impairment.
This reform was recommended in the Australian Law Reform Commission’s Report Elder Abuse – A National Legal Response and the Review of National Aged Care Quality Regulatory Processes (Carnell-Paterson Review).
The funding allows for the provision of a prevalence and feasibility study to inform future Government decisions on the potential introduction of a SIRS in home and community aged care.
Additionally, the package includes funding to continue investigating the design, implementation and regulation of a worker register for aged care.
Minister Colbeck says the implementation of the scheme was another important measure toward reinforcing the sector.
“We understand there is still much work to do,” Minister Colbeck said. “Improving aged care for senior Australians continues to be one of the Morrison Government’s key priorities.”
Public consultation on the Aged Care Worker Regulation Scheme is now open. Submissions closing on 29 June 2020.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government has welcomed the launch of a toolkit aimed at ensuring community sporting clubs and associations have a clear path to competition as COVID-19 restrictions are eased.
The suite of practical resources, provided by Sport Australia, focus on giving grassroots organisations a roadmap for the safe return to sport at all levels.
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 1 May
“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.
“The safe return of competition relies on a responsible rollout where everybody follows advice and takes precautions.”
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.
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.
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.
“We have a big challenge ahead of us – but together the National Principles, the AIS framework and Sport Australia’s toolkit offer tangible advice to ensure community sporting groups are prepared to control and deal with the virus in this new era,” Minister Colbeck said.
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.
Read MoreThe National Cabinet has today endorsed measures for the resumption of sport and recreation activities across Australia.
A set of National Principles along with the Australian Institute of Sport’s, Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment, will be used to guide the staged return of activity as efforts to stop the spread of the virus continue.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the announcement signalled an important step as Australia, slowly and resolutely, emerges from the pandemic.
“The National Cabinet decisions map out a careful and sensible road ahead for the safe resumption of sports and recreation in Australia,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Both the National Principles and the Framework recognise the key role sport and recreation plays in the Australian community and the many health, economic, social and cultural benefits it provides.”
He said emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic would not be easy or fast – but planning for the future of sport and recreation would be a critical part of our national recovery.
“I fully support the National Cabinet’s firm resolution that the resumption of sport and recreation activity — at any level — must not compromise the health of individuals or the community,” Minister Colbeck said.
The National Principles make clear how sporting and recreational activities can only happen where stringent, public and personal health measures are observed and required standards met.
The Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment was developed by the AIS after extensive consultation with sports organisations.
It guides the staged resumption of sport and recreation at high performance, community, and individual levels.
The National Cabinet also agreed to establish a specialist COVID-19 Sports and Health Committee.
The committee will include relevant sports medicine and health experts from the AIS, sports, and governments to monitor and support the resumption process.
It will report to the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee
“I want to stress that the resumption process will at all times be subject to the current circumstances of jurisdictions and under the direction of relevant public health authorities,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We can expect some variation because of local factors including COVID-19 epidemiology, risk mitigation strategies, and public health capacities.
“Today’s endorsement by the National Cabinet of the resumption of sport and recreation in Australia is a great step forward.
“However, we must all continue to play our part to keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe from spread of COVID-19.”
The Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment can be found here.
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Read MoreThe Australian Government is determined to ensure a safe environment exists in aged care facilities as we work together to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck says while providers shared a responsibility to protect the wellbeing of Senior Australians in care, total lock downs of facilities were not supported by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) or the National Cabinet.
It follows calls by Prime Minister Scott Morrison who reminded providers not to impose tougher visitor restrictions.
“As the Prime Minister emphasised today we are calling on aged care providers to voluntarily implement the AHPPC guidelines and if this does not occur we will consider moving to mandating these requirements and any exemptions would need to be authorised,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Contact with family and friends during this difficult time can be a vital link to ensure the health and wellbeing of Senior Australians in care.
“The AHPPC is concerned that in some cases this level of contact is not being maintained.
“It is not okay that residents should remain completely cut off from loved ones or their carers.
“This is particularly important for those residents with dementia.”
But Minister Colbeck said the call to work to the AHPPC recommendations was not a green light to go back to pre-COVID visitation routines.
“We all need to remain vigilant in managing the protection of Senior Australians,” he said.
“The advice to National Cabinet has not changed.”
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has issued guidance to providers reminding them to be conscious of their responsibility to ensure the health of residents and required quality of care levels.
“This guidance draws on what has already been learned from experiences with recent COVID-19 outbreaks,” Minister Colbeck said.
The Commission’s Chief Clinical Advisor has also offered advice around strategies to minimise the risk of transmission through staff and visitor screening.
“It is important to ensure those people in residential aged care facilities remain safe and appropriate screening is carried out for anybody entering for work or to visit a loved one,” he said.
“These guidelines apply to all visitors and staff.”
Additionally, the AHPPC has advised that all residential aged care staff and visitors should be vaccinated by 1 May 2020.
State and Territories have issued directions to give effect to these requirements. These directions will be enforced and persons who fail to comply could face penalties including fines for individuals and for bodies corporate.
ACQSC advice on visitor restrictions is available here.
Entry screening advice from the Chief Clinical Advisor is available here.
Read MoreThe Federal Government is helping more Senior Australians access personal monitoring technology during self-isolation.
At the push of a button or via automated technology, the monitoring systems send an alert to a staffed centre or family member in an emergency.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said Commonwealth Home Support Programme service providers are being given additional flexibility to fund monitoring services.
This will include monitoring subscriptions for one year.
Older Australians in receipt of home care packages will also be able to access the technology.
“These personal monitoring systems allow a person to seek help even when they can’t use a phone,” Minister Colbeck said.
“They can provide peace of mind and a sense of security to vulnerable senior people and their families and carers during self-isolation.
“Even though the number of new cases of COVID-19 in Australia has dropped to lower levels, this pandemic is far from over.
“Ensuring vulnerable people can get help when they need it, is a top priority during this difficult time.”
Service providers will be able to choose from a range of monitoring and alert services available on the market, many of which have indicated an ability to expand their operations during the COVID-19 crisis.
Minister Colbeck has also indicated that the Federal Government would continue to contribute to the South Australian Government’s Personal Alarm Rebate Scheme, which is already available to support older Australians living in South Australia.
The Morrison Government has also announced welfare checks for people who have suspended their home support packages, and a $10 million funding injection for the Community Visitors Scheme for aged care.
In addition, Senior Australians, their families and carers can now call a dedicated free call support line aimed at supporting the mental health of those impacted by the spread of COVID-19, 1800 171 866.
“These continued measures provide a safety net for those in need and an element of reassurance for families and carers,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreFree daytime webinars are now available to help improve the online skills of Senior Australians as they increasingly turn to the internet to access online services and connect with loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These online courses are being delivered by the eSafety Commissioner as part of the Federal Government’s “Be Connected” initiative, aimed at empowering all Australians to develop the skills needed to thrive in a digital world.
Hosted by professional eSafety Commissioner trainers, the courses will offer participants guidance to help build basic online skills and confidence required to carry out video chats, telehealth, shopping and banking.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, and Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck said the online training is available to around four million older Australians aged 65 and over, providing the opportunity to improve their digital skills and knowledge of how to avoid common online risks.
The classes commence today and feature key topics specifically for remaining connected while social distancing measures are in place, including:
The eSafety Commissioner has worked closely with Scamwatch to integrate information and advice about current scams into the webinar materials.
Minister Fletcher said the eSafety webinars would reinforce skills and prepare users for problems they may encounter. “The online world can often be daunting for senior Australians but it needn’t be,” Minister Fletcher said. “These online courses offer practical advice to empower users to navigate online services that support their daily needs.”
Minister Colbeck said the training was a vital tool as more Senior Australians switched to online services.
“With the Federal Government urging people aged over 70 to stay at home and limit face-to-face contact, the internet can be a lifeline,” Minister Colbeck said.
“But many Australians in this age group are not always confident using digital technology.” “Older Australians don’t need to leap into the digital world by themselves. Family members can be their digital mentors, using Be Connected and joining in the webinars.”
Those interested in participating can register via the dedicated website – beconnected.esafety.gov.au/bookings – available here.
For help setting up, there’s also the Be Connected support line on 1300 795 897. These webinars are part of the Morrison Government’s $47 million
Digital Literacy for Older Australians initiative that was launched in 2017 to increase the confidence, skills and online safety of older Australians in using digital technology.
Read MoreSenior Australians, their families and carers can now call a dedicated free call support line aimed at supporting the mental health of those impacted by the spread of COVID-19.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said talking to someone who understands and listens was an important outlet for anybody struggling to cope as the spread of the virus creates additional pressure on individuals and communities.
Established by the Morrison Government in conjunction with the Council on the Ageing Australia, National Seniors Australia, the Older Persons Advocacy Network and Dementia Australia, the phone line will be staffed with advisers who can offer practical help and advice.
“Each of these long-standing organisations is well regarded, passionate and very experienced in supporting Senior Australians and their loved ones,” Minister Colbeck said.
In addition, the Department of Health is currently working to enable existing home support and home care providers to source technology-based personal monitoring systems for vulnerable Senior Australians who are self-isolating.
It builds on measures announced by the Federal Government including welfare checks for those who have suspended their home support packages and a $10 million funding injection for the Community Visitors Scheme aimed at keeping people connected.
Minister Colbeck said the COVID-19 phone line is a great initiative that reinforces the message of support for those in isolation, particularly if contact with family or friends is limited.
“I urge people to call this support line if they are feeling lonely or distressed, troubled or confused, or need to talk to someone about their concerns caring for a vulnerable person during the COVID-19 outbreak,” he said.
He said specifically targeted funding packages of $101.2 and a further $444 million announced in March had reinforced the aged care sector and provided an important safety net.
“The Federal Government is acting to ensure our most vulnerable residents across Australia stay connected and receive the support and care they need,” Minister Colbeck said.
The support line will operate Monday to Friday, except public holidays, from 8.30am to 6pm.
Call the COVID-19 support line on 1800 171 866.
Read MoreThe Federal Government will act immediately to test for COVID-19 at three aged care facilities
across Tasmania’s North West Coast as the campaign to stop the spread of the virus continues.
It follows confirmation from the Tasmanian Government that contact tracing from the North West
Regional Hospital and Private Hospital had identified a health care worker who had also worked at
three aged care facilities.
The worker tested positive to the virus today (Thursday).
Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck said Commonwealth emergency response teams will also be
mobilised as a matter of urgency to work with the three aged care centres to provide:
• additional workforce where required to maintain safe levels of care;
• adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE); and
• support and advice on COVID-19 infection control procedures.
“We will have teams on site at each facility to start testing all residents and workers tomorrow
(Friday),” Minister Colbeck said.
“We will provide assistance as necessary for surge workforce given diminished capacity in the region.
“All steps are being taken to ensure requisite workforce is available to ensure continuity of care.
“It is vital that we act quickly to understand the situation and get on top of any potential cases.”
Minister Colbeck said he was working closely with Tasmania Health Minister Sarah Courtney, the
State Government and providers.
Tasmanian Public Health Services said there are so far no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at any of the
three centres.
However, results from one patient who had experienced mild respiratory symptom were expected
tomorrow (Friday).
“This is a difficult time – but we are ready to ensure we continue to stop the spread and save lives,”
Minister Colbeck said.
“We will work with providers to ensure residents in aged care facilities across the North-West, the staff who care for them and their families are kept informed as the situation unfolds.
Minister Colbeck said the Federal Government responded immediately once informed, including the arrangement of priority testing for residents and staff.
Read MoreThe Federal Government continues to offer its support to residents across Tasmania’s North West Coast in the unprecedented fight to combat COVID-19.
Senator for Tasmania, the Hon. Richard Colbeck, today urged people, particularly senior Tasmanians, to ensure they were taking advantage of the vital links aimed at keeping them fit, healthy and connected.
“While the spread of COVID-19 is having an enormous impact on the North-West Coast, there are opportunities to draw together as a more responsive and connected community,” Senator Colbeck said.
“It is heartening to see the strengthened sense of community across the Coast as we pull together to support one another, especially senior Tasmanians, the vulnerable and isolated.
“This isn’t just a fight for personal wellbeing – we are taking a stand together and setting an example for the nation as we work toward protecting lives and defeating this virus.
“It’s an enormous responsibility but an achievable one.”
As Minister for Aged Care, Senator Colbeck said a string of Federal Government measures offered a safety net for Senior Australians, including those in aged care and the workers who care for them.
The services include:
• The My Aged Care contact centre 1800 200 422 - the main entry point for aged care information and services;
• Prioritised supermarket delivery services for residents registered for My Aged Care;
• Telehealth services ensuring residents can arrange appointments by phone or video. If you require a prescription you can ask your doctor to forward it to your pharmacy so the medicines can be delivered to your door or you can ask if it is mailed to you. Telehealth services are available to all Australians with a Medicare card.
• A free Community Visitors Scheme to provide a link for the most vulnerable and isolated residents. Phone and online connection will be used until social distancing measures are lifted. Volunteers can register via My Aged Care.
Meals on Wheels and similar services have also be reinforced and prioritised with a $59.3 million injection to ensure more prepared meals, food staples and essential daily items are delivered to those who need them most.
The Federal Government is also working with advocacy groups to provide welfare checks for senior Australians who had cancelled or deferred their home care packages during the crisis, Senator Colbeck said.
An additional $70.2 million has been announced for Commonwealth Home Support Program providers in recognition of the extra support needed.
Senior Tasmanians in isolation or directly affected by COVID-19 can also access CHSP services for up to six weeks without an assessment.
“These support mechanisms established by the Federal Government are aimed at ensuring everybody receives the help they need,” Senator Colbeck said.
“It is critical senior Tasmanians stay connected and remain strong as we navigate this crisis together,” Senator Colbeck said.
Read MoreWelfare checks will be conducted on Senior Australians who have elected to defer aged care home services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said home care recipients who had suspended services to avoid the risk of contracting the virus would now receive phone calls to ensure their wellbeing.
“We don’t want people to fall through the cracks,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Elderly people who receive home care visits are often extremely vulnerable.
“It’s clear some Senior Australians are anxious about the risks of visits from providers.
“Of course, it’s their choice to receive or not receive care – but we remain determined to ensure those who need support are still receiving it.”
Minister Colbeck said it was another measure to ensure Senior Australians received the support they needed during a difficult time.
“Care providers are trained in infection control to help stop the spread of coronavirus and protect clients in their care,” he said.
“All the proper procedures are being put in place to ensure the highest level of protection.”
Minister Colbeck said the Australian Government is working with a number of consumer organisations – including the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) - to provide the additional supports.
“From today, OPAN will be able to receive referrals from home care and CHSP providers where the client or their family are reducing or cancelling services due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Colbeck said.
He said referrals could also be made for people needing extra support as a result of the restrictions.
“The aged care provider has a responsibility to notify the care recipient or family of the referral to OPAN and that they will receive a call-back,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The welfare of people in care is our absolute priority and I’m determined to ensure they can continue to access the services they need.”
Senior Australians who need support with aged care advocacy can contact OPAN on 1800 700 600.
A video with tips on how to assist Senior Australians during this difficult time can be found here.
Additional information and resources can be found here.
Read MoreSenior Australians and young people will benefit from a $1.1 billion funding package aimed at ensuring they stay healthy and connected during the campaign to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The additional boost announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison will target mental health services, domestic violence support, Medicare assistance for people at home and emergency service relief.
Minister for Aged Care Richard Colbeck said the package provided targeted support for those who needed it most.
It includes $10 million for a Community Visitors Scheme to help ensure Senior Australians are not socially isolated as a result of visitor restrictions.
The funding will support extra staff to train volunteer visitors, who will connect with older people in aged care both online and by phone, and assist seniors to keep in touch with the community and loved ones.
“Connecting with each other has never been more important,” Minister Colbeck said. “This support will ensure the most vulnerable Australians remain connected with family, friends and the vital support services they need.”
Younger Australians will also be able to stay on track in their education and training and prepare them for the workforce with $6.75 million provided to deliver the headspace digital work and study service and “eheadspace”.
Minister Colbeck said mentors and headspace vocational specialists working in an integrated team will offer technical and life skills, providing a comprehensive digital support service for all young Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic and after.
More broadly, a $669 million injection will be used to expand Medicare-subsidised telehealth services for all Australians.
This will give people of all ages access to support in their own home using phone or video conferencing features like FaceTime to connect with GP services and a wide range of services including support to patients in aged care facilities, children with autism, after-hours consultations and nurse practitioners.
Minister Colbeck said the delivery of health services at home remained a key weapon in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
“Limiting unnecessary exposure of patients and health professionals to the virus through phone and video conferencing will be a necessary mechanism in ensuring we focus on saving lives and saving livelihoods,” he said.
Minister Colbeck said guidelines for Aged Care facilities remained in place.
A fact sheet for Senior Australians is available here.
Advice for retirement villages is available here.
Guidelines for in home care workers is available here.
Guidelines for workers in residential aged care is available here.
Information for families and residents regarding visitation is available here.
Media inquiries: Aaron Langmaid 0456 889 018
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, Tasmania
Read MoreWith considerable resources from the Aged Care sector and Government now required in the campaign to keep Senior Australians safe during the COVID-19 outbreak – several long term measures will be put on hold for at least six months.
The Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) assessment trial, the 2020 Aged Care Approval Round and the implementation of the home care payment alignment project will all be postponed as the Morrison Government deals with an unprecedented health emergency.
But Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the support for our loved ones would remain a priority.
Additional funding of $444.6 million is expected to strengthen the industry, with specific mechanisms to reinforce the aged care workforce and training.
An online infection prevention and control training module is among measures and has been completed by over 25,000 staff so far.
“Making sure aged care providers can continue to provide safe, quality care for residents is our combined goal,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The risk of serious illness from COVID-19 increases with age so we want to make sure Senior Australians are not at increased risk by exposure to non-essential visitors, including assessors.”
Minister Colbeck said the Government committed $4.6 million to the AN-ACC trial with more than 7,000 assessments completed across 120 facilities – but it would not be rolled out at any new sites until further notice.
“So far, the trial has provided valuable information and insights into the AN-ACC assessment process and I know many facilities are still eager to participate when it recommences at a later date,” Minister Colbeck said.
He said the 2020 Aged Care Approval Round (ACAR) was initially due to open in March, but would now be set back for at least six months.
“The Government will work with aged care peak bodies and other key stakeholders to determine the precise timing of the next round,” Minister Colbeck said.
“By delaying the 2020 ACAR, providers can concentrate their efforts on helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 instead of filling in application forms.”
Application forms, guidance materials and other resources will be published on the 2020 ACAR page when the round opens.
The implementation of improvements to payment administration arrangements for home care packages to align with other Government programs, such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme, will also be placed on hold.
Minister Colbeck said consultations with the home care sector would help determine when this would recommence.
“In the meantime, the current advance and claim payment cycle with Services Australia will continue,” he said.
“The health and wellbeing of older people receiving aged care services is the overwhelming priority for the Government.
“I thank aged care providers for their commitment to ensure continued quality of care for our senior Australians throughout this very difficult time.”
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Media inquiries: Aaron Langmaid 0456 889 018
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, Tasmania
Read MoreAged care facilities around Australia are now required to restrict visitation as the Federal Government continues to combat the spread of coronavirus.
Visits should be limited to two people per resident at one time each day, restricted to rooms, outdoor or specific areas designated by providers.
Children should not visit aged care centres at all.
Large group visits or gatherings, including social activities or entertainment should also be ruled out until further notice.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Senator Richard Colbeck said the tough measures were the best way of protecting older and vulnerable Australians in care.
“None of this is easy, but we are facing an extraordinary health challenge and we need to work together to protect the Australians most vulnerable to COVID-19,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We know the risk of serious illness and death increases with age.
“There is currently no vaccine so preventing exposure is the single most important step we can take.”
Minister Colbeck said providers should use discretion when dealing with family of residents in palliative care. Decisions on visitation should be made on a case-by-case basis.
“Social distancing measures will still apply for families of loved ones in end-of-life phase,” Minister Colbeck said. “However, providers are expected to show compassion and make sensible decisions on a case-by-case basis.”
He said while the decision to stop children visiting was difficult but necessary.
“We know older Australians love to see children in their lives, but the fact is, children are not reliable when it comes to practicing the good hygiene necessary to stop the spread,” he said.
Aged care providers will be asked to ensure video calls are available to all residents to enable them to stay in contact with their loved ones.
Residential aged care facilities should also consider screening all visitors for signs of COVID-19, including taking temperatures.
Hand washing facilities and alcohol-based rub must be made available at the main entrance and at the entrance to each resident’s room.
Minister Colbeck said the welfare of senior of Australians in care would remain a priority in the ongoing response to the outbreak.
“If you don’t absolutely have to go to support a resident in care, please don’t,” he said.
“No one should be entering an aged care facility if they have returned from overseas in the last 14 days.
“No one should be entering an aged care facility if they have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
“And no one should be entering an aged care facility or if they have symptoms of an acute respiratory infection, including a cough, sore throat or shortness of breath.
“This applies to visitors and this applies to staff,” he said.
Minister Colbeck said any member of the Aged Care workforce who have been overseas or had contact with somebody with the virus should isolate for 14 days and get tested.
Sick leave policies must also support aged care workers to stay home.
Fact sheets are available at the Department of Health’s website and advice for the prevention, control and public health management of COVID-19 will be updated as new information becomes available.
A 24-hour Coronavirus Health Information Line, run by healthdirect, has also been set up for public enquiries at 1800 020 080.
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Media inquiries: Aaron Langmaid 0456 889 018
Read MoreThe Australian Government has announced new community sport guidelines to combat the spread of COVID-19.
This follows ongoing consultation with sporting organisations and is focused on providing relevant advice on change room access, physical contact, travel, and social distancing and hygiene practices.
These guidelines were developed by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), comprising all state and territory Chief Health Officers and is chaired by the Australian Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy.
The guidelines were subsequently endorsed by the newly formed National Cabinet which is made up of all Premiers, First Ministers and the Prime Minister.
AHPPC COVID-19 Community Sport Guidelines
All community sport participants must play a role to help reduce the transmission of COVID 19, including those organising, attending or supporting attendance at these activities.
Participants should not attend and participate in Community Sport if they:
Attendance at Community Sport activities
Only essential participants should attend activities, i.e. players, coaches, match officials, staff and volunteers involved in operations and parents/guardians of participants;
All players, visitors should practise the following social distancing measures at Community Sporting activities:
It is acknowledged that contact sports have a greater risk of transmission than other sports, and as such, should be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, other mitigation strategies for match socialisation and contact must be employed to reduce the risk to players, visitors, and officials more broadly.
General hygiene measures at facilities
Facilities should ensure that:
Gyms, indoor fitness centres and swimming pools
Settings like gyms, indoor fitness centres and swimming pools are not required to close at this time providing they meet these requirements for social distancing and hand hygiene. Such venues should take actions to ensure regular high standards of environmental cleaning take place.
The Prime Minister’s media statement can be found at https://www.pm.gov.au/media/update-coronavirus-measures
The most recent advice released by the AHPPC can be found at https://www.health.gov.au/news/australian-health-protection-principal-committee-ahppc-coronavirus-covid-19-statement-on-17-march-2020-0
Additional information relating to the Government’s response to COVID-19 can be found at www.health.gov.au
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Media inquiries: Aaron Langmaid 0456 889 018
Read MoreToday is International Youth Day (IYD), an annual celebration of the role of young people in driving change, while also raising awareness of youth issues and challenges.
Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck today recognised IYD 2019 and its theme Transforming education.
“In 2016 there were almost 3 million young people aged 14 to 24 in Australia—around 12.8 per cent of the population,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The theme for 2019 highlights efforts to make education more relevant, equitable and inclusive for all young people.
“Education is a focus for this Government, and we are investing an additional $37 billion in schools over the next decade—tailoring funding to student’s needs.
“We are also focused on getting more young Australians into work, with more than 100,000 young people aged between 15 and 24 getting a job in 2017–18—the best ever result in a financial year.
“The Government’s new Skilling Australians Fund will also create more apprenticeships over the next four years.
“Mental health remains a priority, with approximately 560,000 children and adolescents in Australia estimated to have mental health condition and one in four young Australians aged 16 to 24 experiencing mental ill health in any given year.
“The $503 million Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan is the largest suicide prevention strategy in Australia’s history and has a particular focus on Indigenous suicide prevention and mental health support for children and their families, including strengthening the headspace network by expanding from 110 to 145 centres nationwide by 2021.
“The Government has also committed up to $117 million for Reconnect services over five years”. Reconnect is a community-based early intervention and prevention program for young people aged 12 to 18 years (or young people aged 12 to 21 for new arrivals) who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and their families.
“Australia’s future is bright with the calibre of young people in our ranks, but we need to ensure this significant part of population is supported to address their challenges and educated to reach their potential.”
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Read MoreResidential aged care providers will be encouraged to limit visits from today under national guidelines aimed at the prevention and control of coronavirus.
Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck said the advice from the Communicable Disease Network of Australia issued to aged care facilities around Australia outlines the precautionary measures for residents, staff and their families as the Federal Government continues to implement strategies to contain the virus.
It includes the recommendation that family and friends limit visits to residential care centres, particularly for residents already suffering from chronic illness.
``Given the risks to older Australians from COVID 19, particularly those with chronic disease and other frailties, we now recommend that residential aged care providers restrict visitor access,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Our plan is to slow the spread, to save lives.”
Minister Colbeck said he was aware of the emotional burden restrictions would have on families of residents in palliative care.
“We know that visitations are important and we will ensure that this is respected,” he said.
“The restrictions will be handled professionally and sensitively.
“All residential aged care facilities are required to have an infection control plan which can be activated in the circumstance of an infectious outbreak like Norovirus or influenza.
“Access restrictions are a normal part of those plans.”
The Health Department will continue to work with aged care peak bodies to finalise more detailed guidance developed by the Communicable Diseases Network (CDN) regarding visitor access, the management of non-compliant residents and physical distancing.
It follows the release of AHPPC recommendations for wider distancing measures.
Minister Colbeck said the measures are of most importance for people over 60, particularly those with chronic illness.
“COVID-19 can be much more serious, even fatal, for people who are more vulnerable,” he said.
The Minister said two forums and a webinar with specialist clinical infection control experts focused on primary care, aged care and in-home care had so far successfully outlined how providers could play their part of helping keep senior Australians safe.
“These discussions provided invaluable feedback from both sectors,” Minister Colbeck said.
The Chief Medical Officer has also written to the aged care sector with advice about preparedness to support aged care recipients.
It’s hoped the implementation of the guidelines will reinforce the Australian Government’s comprehensive $2.4 billion health package which includes allocations to fund a new Medicare telehealth service, a dedicated COVID-19 national hotline, bulk-billed pathology tests within aged care facilities and infection control training for residential and in home aged care workers.
“Communication with the sector - and with each other - will remain key during this season of uncertainty,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We continue to encourage residents, staff and their families to practice good hygiene, act on advice as it becomes available and importantly, understand this situation will improve.”
Additional advice will be provided following further considerations by the CDN.
Fact sheets are available at the Department of Health’s website and will be updated as new information becomes available.
A 24-hour Coronavirus Health Information Line, run by healthdirect, has also been set up for public enquiries at 1800 020 080.
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Read MoreSenior Australians in aged care and at home remain the focus of a plan of action from the Morrison Government aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, today outlined the measures in place to protect residents, staff and their families at facilities across the country.
The front line of defence starts with a funding boost of $101.2 million with a focus on:
• Upskilling aged care workers in coronavirus infection control;
• Boosting staff numbers, support and training for residential care homes where an urgent health response is required;
• A telehealth consultation service provided by doctors, both GPs and specialists, for anyone over the age of 70;
• Specialist onsite pathology services ensuring residents don’t have to leave facilities and to quickly respond to potential cases; and
• Additional funds allowing the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to work with providers on improving infection control.
“Our objective is to ensure Australia’s aged care sector is ready and able to protect our most vulnerable. It remains our highest priority,” Minister Colbeck said.
“While those aged over 70 are at greater risk from the virus, it’s important to understand Australia has a robust health system.
“We are already ahead of the curve with practical guidelines and protocols to assist with containing outbreaks while ensuring those who contract the disease have access to the best treatment.”
The Government is investing in the national medical stockpile and will support aged care providers with personal protective equipment (PPE) resources for staff where it is needed, as part of the infection control measures.
The Primary Health Networks will co-ordinate distribution to ensure effective management of supplies to areas of need.
Minister Colbeck said clear communication across the aged care sector and to Senior Australians was key.
He said the Government will deliver a $30 million National Communications Campaign – across all media – to provide people with practical advice on how they can play their part in containing the virus and staying healthy.
The campaign will keep the health and aged care industry informed with up-to-date clinical guidance, triaging and caring for patients, the development of an app and advice to workers in looking after their own safety.
“We understand that clear communication is important and as a government we are working to ensure Senior Australians get the information they need,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The implementation of infectious disease guidelines is nothing new for Australia’s aged care sector.
“While the spread of COVID-19 presents significant problems, the Federal Government stands ready to offer support when and where needed. We will get through this together.”
An online forum later this week would offer a platform for providers to have additional questions answered.
It follows a meeting with aged care providers last week where Minister Colbeck and the Commonwealth Chief Medical Advisor Brendan Murphy outlined strategies aimed at ensuring the continued delivery of safe, quality care to senior Australians.
Measures discussed included the need for providers to maintain infectious control protocols, the activation of the COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan when and where needed and ensuring lines of communication between aged care residents and their families.
The Communicable Diseases Network of Australian (CDNA) will also soon be releasing guidelines for the prevention, control and management of COVID-19 in residential aged care facilities.
Fact sheets are available at the Department of Health’s website and will be updated as new information becomes available.
A 24-hour Coronavirus Health Information Line, run by healthdirect, has also been set up for public enquiries at 1800 020 080.
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Read MoreI have today asked the Secretary of the Department of Health and the CEO of Sport Australia to provide me with an assurance that documents provided to the media today relating to the assessment of Community Sport Infrastructure Grants did not come out of their agencies.
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Media inquiries: Aaron Langmaid 0456 889 018
Read MoreHundreds of aged care workers in bushfire-affected communities have been recognised for their tireless efforts to keep our oldest and most vulnerable Australians safe.
During a visit to the hardest-hit regions in southern New South Wales, Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, has thanked staff for going above and beyond.
More than 750 people were evacuated from aged care centres as fires threatened townships.
But it was the efforts from committed workers that Minister Colbeck said showcased the determined spirit of locals.
“Some staff members stood outside with hoses, others came in to work even as fire threatened their own homes,” Minister Colbeck said.
“These people chose to remain at work and ensure the care of residents.
“It is a remarkable and humbling effort.”
The same staff continue to provide essential care as communities start the long process of recovery, Minister Colbeck said.
In all, 405 care recipients from 10 residential aged care services were safely evacuated in New South Wales.
“In addition, 73 people were evacuated from three multi-purpose services and 15 people had to leave a retirement village,” Minister Colbeck said.
“In Victoria, aged care workers evacuated about 260 people, including 174 from four multi-purpose services and 81 from a residential aged care service.”
Six services in the South Coast towns of Dalmeny, Tura Beach, Warrowing Heights, and Pambula have been able to re-open their doors, enabling 162 residential care recipients and 15 retirement village residents to return home.
The Minister said the Government was actively engaging with aged care providers and assessment teams to ensure senior Australians continued to receive the care they need.
“I am very aware of the challenges facing some providers and the government will continue to work with them to ensure residents receive appropriate care not only during a crisis but in the days, weeks and months following,” Minister Colbeck said.
In speaking to staff and management at several centres, Minister Colbeck said there would also be lessons to learn in relation to ensure crisis management plans are improved.
Aged care residents and their families in areas affected by fires can call My Aged Care Contact Centre on 1800 200 422 (Freecall) for updated information and advice.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is ensuring the needs of young Australians affected by the tragic bushfires are recognised and supported.
Minister for Youth, Richard Colbeck, has visited the bushfires zones on the New South Wales South Coast, to hear directly from those on the ground about the additional support they need and what young people are experiencing.
“Having talked to you people across the country since becoming the Minister for Youth, I hear regularly about the challenges our young Australian are facing” Minister Colbeck said.
“Challenges such as mental health and access to employment, education and transport have been regularly raised with me and the Youth Taskforce.
“For young people living through the impacts of the bushfires, and who are now facing additional hardship, the Coalition Government is working hard to provide additional assistance and support.
“Supporting the long term mental health of young people living in the hardest hit bushfire affected regions will become a key focus as communities begin the process of recovery.”
The Morrison Government last week announced they will provide $8 million to extend Beyond Blue’s “Be You” mental health in education program for schools and early learning services across bushfire zones
“We know that the Mental Health of Young people who have lived through these tragic bushfires, will be something that is very vulnerable over the immediate and ongoing future,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Yesterday I heard direct from service providers on the ground in bushfire zones who are already seeing the mental and emotional complications associated with having lived through the experience.”
Stakeholders at mental health support service, headspace, at Bega, underlined the pressures on staff, the wider issue of clinician numbers and how “compassion fatigue” was already taking a toll on local professionals.
But it was the long term support that remains the most daunting challenge as young people head back to school.
“We want to ensure young people have access to the support and services they need to ensure they can find a clear way ahead.”
The Morrison Government is also providing additional funding to Primary Health Networks to support headspace services in bushfire affected regions.
Minister Colbeck said Coalition Government was proud to be able to provide additional and expanded mental health support services in the bushfires zones.
“Up to $300,000 will be provided to headspaces located in Bairnsdale, Albury-Wodonga, Gosford, Penrith, Bega, Nowra, Queanbeyan, Lithgow, Victor Harbor and Mount Barker.”
The Government is also providing $4.4 million to fast-track the establishment of a new headspace service in Batemans Bay and upgrade the service to a full centre. It is expected to open in late 2020.
“This funding will allow headspace services in affected regions to ensure young people can get support when they need it,” Minister Colbeck said.
“I will continue to talk to Young people and listen to the challenges they are facing, and the Coalition Government will always continue to provide support to young people to ensure they have every opportunity.
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Read MoreSenator for Tasmania, the Hon. Richard Colbeck today welcomed the appointment of the State’s new Premier Peter Gutwein and Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockcliff.
Mr Colbeck said both members showcased a wealth of political experience and determination to ensure the State continued on a pathway of stability and prosperity.
“Having presided over the State’s steady economic growth during the last six years as Treasurer, Tasmanians can be assured of a secure future in Mr Gutwein as leader,” Senator Colbeck said.
It was fitting that Mr Rockcliff would continue in his role as Tasmanian deputy leader, he said.
“Mr Rockliff is passionate about the needs of all Tasmanians and what is required to drive opportunity for years to come,” Senator Colbeck said.
“They will make a great team. I wish them every success in their new roles.”
Read MoreMinister for Youth and Sport the Hon. Richard Colbeck today visited Deloraine Community Complex where the completion of two new netball courts has been widely welcomed by the local community.
After a wait for more than a decade for new infrastructure, the centre’s netball courts were funded and completed as part of the Federal Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Grants Program.
The Federal Government between 2018 and 2019 delivered 684 projects by investing more than $100 million into the initiative.
Minister Colbeck said the grants had been vital in the delivery of provisions for grassroots sporting organisations and local communities around the country.
“Better sporting facilities build stronger, healthier communities by promoting physical activity and social connection,” Minister Colbeck said. “These grants enable more people from right across the country to get more active, more often.”
The Deloraine Community Complex secured $50,000 under the program which contributed to the construction of two netball courts and associated facilities including fencing and lights.
The upgrade is expected to provide greater opportunity for growth in local competition.
In all, the Community Sport Infrastructure program delivered 684 projects aimed at supporting upgrades to female change room facilities, club lighting and surface upgrades to ensure safer sporting environments. Minister Colbeck said each successful grant application was
individually assessed by the Australian Sport Commission using criteria including local participation, community need and project design and delivery.
Over 2050 applications totalling nearly $400 million were made to the program.
“The program is supporting the construction of new community infrastructure and upgrading so many sporting facilities to help support local jobs, increase participation in sport and get more Australians moving,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreThe Government acknowledges the recommendations of the ANAO performance audit into the Community Sport Infrastructure program and will take action, with Sport Australia, to address the report’s findings.
I welcome Sport Australia’s quick action to address the recommendations. The Government will continue to work with the board and senior management to implement the measures the agency is putting in place to strengthen future grant delivery.
The Federal Government has invested more than $100 million in the Community Sport Infrastructure grant program to deliver 684 projects.
We have seen first-hand the positive impacts that the Community Sport Infrastructure Grant Program has been delivering for so many grassroots sporting organisations and local communities around the country.
The program is supporting the construction of new community infrastructure and upgrading so many sporting facilities to help support local jobs, increase participation in sport and get more Australians moving.
Projects include upgrades to female change room facilities, lighting upgrades for local sporting clubs and surface upgrades to ensure a safer sporting environment.
Over 2,050 applications totalling nearly $400 million were made to the program which has seen:
As the ANAO report found, no applications assessed as ineligible were awarded grant funding.
Since the program was announced in August 2018, we’ve already seen 245 of the 684 Community Sport Infrastructure projects completed, across all states and territories. These completed CSI projects are valued at $17,958,484.
The Government has also been advised by Sport Australia, that a number of the projects in the Community Sport Infrastructure grant program may have been damaged as a result of recent bushfires.
Sport Australia as a priority will work proactively with the clubs and organisations to assess the number of projects affected and what reconstruction work may be required.
Read MoreSenator the Hon. Richard Colbeck has today praised the leadership of Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman following news of his resignation.
Senator Colbeck credited Mr Hodgman for having set Tasmania on a new path of prosperity.
``Under his steady leadership, Mr Hodgman guided Tasmania into a new era of stability and growth,” Senator Colbeck said.
“His experience as the state’s longest serving Liberal Leader and measured approach in Government earned the trust of all Tasmanians.”
His refusal to form a minority government with the Greens in 2010 was an example of his steely resolve and political integrity, Senator Colbeck said.
The Senator also credited Mr Hodgman’s sound financial management – and the ability to connect with the grass root needs of all Tasmanians – as key to helping him secure a second term in 2018.
“There is more optimism as a result of his leadership,” Senator Colbeck said. “His tireless efforts have re-invigorated the state, restored pride and ensure a legacy of construction and growth for years to come.
“I wish Will, his wife Nicky and his family well in the next phase of their lives.”
Read MoreThe quality of aged care provided to senior Australians will be significantly strengthened as Government measures come into effect today.
From 1 January 2020, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will be bolstered with additional functions and responsibilities to safeguard the sector into the future, supported by a series of targeted investments aimed at improving compliance and quality.
In addition, new restrictions for prescriptions of the drug Risperidone today mark a tangible step toward reducing the level of chemical restraint used in aged care.
The changes support the Government’s initial response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s Interim Report.
Minister for Aged Care Richard Colbeck said while important Government reforms – including the development of a new funding model – would continue, waiting for the final recommendations from the Royal Commission was vital to ensure long-term sustainable change.
“As the Government has said all along, with all matters of quality of care, investment in compliance and preventive actions will be undertaken as and when required,” Minister Colbeck said
“But it is important that the key long term challenges investigated by the Royal Commission are explored thoroughly to ensure the development of a sturdy response and recommendations for future reform.”
The additional functions and responsibilities for the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission are aimed at creating a one-stop shop for aged care regulation, while strengthening regulatory oversight of the sector – a recommendation of the Carnell Paterson Review.
The passage of the Aged Care Legislation Amendment (New Commissioner Functions) Act 2019 resulted in the transfer of aged care regulatory functions of the Secretary of the Department of Health to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner from today
The additional functions include the approval of aged care providers, compliance and enforcement action for non-compliance and the administration of approved providers’ compulsory reporting of assaults.
Meanwhile, Minister Colbeck said restrictions for the drug Risperidone, effective from today, would now require doctors to apply for additional approval if the medication is required for more than a 12-week period.
“The Royal Commission identified an over-reliance on chemical restraint as a priority concern in aged care and the Government has taken this action among other measures to ensure senior Australians receive the care they expect and deserve,” Minister Colbeck said.
Education resources for prescribers are also being developed to support the appropriate use of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines in residential aged care, he said.
The Government is also continuing its record funding for aged care in 2019-2020 through a further $623.9 million investment in a series of targeted measures, including the Government’s $537 million response to the Interim Report in November which included 10,000 new home care packages, and other measures to ensure quality in the sector.
Minister Colbeck said the investments to date represented a significant down payment by the Government on the key areas identified as requiring action by the Commission as it awaits the recommendations to be contained in the Royal Commission’s Final Report, to be delivered by November 12.
The determination of some of Australia’s most inspiring female sporting champions and administrators are being supported as part of a Federal Government grant initiative.
More than 280 women across 39 sports will benefit from the 2020 Women Leaders in Sport program.
With an aim of assisting with professional development, 53 individuals and eight organisations will share $254,000 in funding with another 160 women invited to participate in leadership workshops around the country.
Minister for Women Marise Payne said the program was part of the Australian Government’s commitment to increasing the number of women in leadership positions.
“It’s been an incredible year for women in sport,” Minister Payne said. “Ash Barty’s French Open singles triumph was the first by an Australian woman in 46 years, Hannah Green took out the Women’s PGA Golf Championship and Australia’s unstoppable female cricketers won The Ashes.
“These high-profile achievements must be matched by opportunities for women to become industry leaders so that females at every level of sport have role models to look up to.
“This program helps deliver stronger outcomes for sporting organisations and supports economic growth.”
Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck said the program would help female coaches, officials and administrators shape the future of Australian sport from grassroots to elite level.
“It will provide development opportunities to help aspiring women reach their leadership potential,” Minister Colbeck said.
He said while 53 recipients would benefit directly, another $133,000 will be invested into organisations including athletics, gymnastics, motorsport and gridiron.
The pool of talented grant recipients include experienced administrators like Paralympics Australia chief financial officer Lori Dotti through to Australian weightlifter Kaitlyn Fassina and Geelong Cats AFLW team captain Melissa Hickey.
“The Australian Government is delivering significant investment to benefit women in all roles across sport, including $150 million to support the development of female change rooms at sporting grounds and community facilities,” Mr Colbeck said.
The Women Leaders in Sport program, a partnership between Sport Australia and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Office for Women, has provided professional development to more than 24,000 women since its inception in 2002.
A full list of recipients is available on the Women Leaders in Sport website.
Read MoreLatest figures reveal a steep increase in the number of senior Australians taking up home care packages as the Morrison Government continues to deliver on its commitment to help the elderly stay at home longer.
The Home Care Packages Program Data Report (1st Quarter 2019 –20) shows nearly 135,000 senior Australians now have access to home care – an increase of 30 per cent in the 12 months to 30 September.
In all, the number of people waiting for a home care package has fallen 11 per cent in 12 months.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said the results were another promising step toward reducing wait times and improving lives.
“We know that most people want to stay at home for as long as possible,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The latest figures show the huge changes we have made to give people this option.
“The Australian Government has put a high priority on creating more home care services for elderly people, to help them to continue living in their own homes.”
The figures reveal 48,100 home care packages were released in the three months to 30 September.
Additionally, almost 98 per cent of all people who were waiting for a package at their approved level had already been offered a lower level package or had been approved to access support through the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
Last month the Prime Minister committed more than $496 million for an additional 10,000 home care packages.
These additional packages are already being rolled out, with priority to level three and level four packages which give a high level of care.
It brings the Government’s total number of additional home care packages to 44,000 since the 18-19 Budget, at a cost of $2.7 billion.
More information about the Home Care Packages Program Data Report (1st Quarter 2019–20) is available here.
Read MoreAustralians have been urged to look out for the elderly and vulnerable as hot weather sweeps across the nation in the lead up to Christmas.
The increase in temperatures, expected to be widely felt across most States and Territories from today, has earlier prompted a Department of Health notice to the age care sector, urging providers to be prepared.
Minister for Aged Care Richard Colbeck said while it was important for people of all ages to follow advice and stay safe, it was vital the needs of the elderly remained a priority.
“It’s really important for people to stay hydrated, keep cool and look after one another – particularly vulnerable members of the community like children and the elderly,” Minister Colbeck said.
“If you have an elderly neighbour or somebody you know who may need help in the trying conditions, pay them a visit and make sure they are OK.”
Aged care management were key to ensuring the welfare of staff and recipients as conditions heat up, Minister Colbeck said.
“Providers should stay informed of current activity by monitoring local media and regularly checking for updates on the Bureau of Meteorology website and through their own state emergency agencies.”
Signs of heat stress include muscle cramps, pallor, dizziness, headache, nausea, increased heart rate, fainting, excessive sweating or no sweating with high temperature and hot, dry skin.
People who experience severe symptoms such as these should seek urgent medical advice. In an emergency please ring 000 (Triple 0).
The department has specific resources outlining the precautions aged care providers should take. These are available online:
o Residential Care Service - Caring for older people in warmer weather
o Home Care / CHSP – Caring for older people in warmer weather
Australians in affected regions can limit their risk of heat-related illness by drinking more water, limiting exposure to the sun, stocking up on food and medicines, having a plan and know to call for help.
Read MoreSenior Australians in areas of need will benefit from the availability of new government subsidised aged care places released as part of the 2020 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR).
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the Government is committed to delivering further targeted aged care places and investment in quality building-stock.
Ten thousand new residential care places and 750 short-term restorative care spots will be offered under the 2020 ACAR.
Another $60 million will be used to assist residential aged care providers with building works.
A targeted stakeholder consultation for the 2020 ACAR starts today and remains open until January 31, 2020.
“The consultations will help identify unmet needs for residential aged care in terms of both geographic locations and the types of people whose needs should be targeted,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Increasing the number of residential places in areas where they are in short supply will help to ensure people have a safe option, as close to home as possible.
“We also want to make sure that care is accessible for people who may be missing out — whether it’s because they are homeless, they have dementia, or they come from different cultural backgrounds.”
National peak aged care organisations, Aged Care Assessment Teams, Primary Health Networks, local councils, consumer groups and approved providers are invited to take part.
Organisations which are not initially invited to take part in the consultation can access the consultation survey by contacting the Department of Health at acar@health.gov.au.
New and prospective providers will then have two months between March and May 2020 — the longest application period ever provided — to develop and submit their proposals.
Minister Colbeck said improvements and possible changes to the system for allocating residential care places were being considered, but in the meantime it is important to maintain a future supply of residential care places.
“It can take a number of years for places to be brought online after they are allocated. The 2020 ACAR is an important element of meeting future need for residential care in Australia,” he said.
More information about the 2020 ACAR is available here.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government has delivered funding for 28 additional aged care beds as part of the expansion of the Peace Haven aged care facility in Norwood, Tasmania.
The beds in the new Lenstan Kensington wing were opened today by Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck.
Minister Colbeck said providing quality and choice for senior Australians in aged care is a priority for the Morrison Government.
“The Morrison Government has delivered 28 additional aged care beds for seniors in Northern Tasmania to support the extension of this important facility,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We will provide around $7.2 million over four years in ongoing recurrent and will support quality and choice in aged care for local families.”
Member for Bass Bridget Archer said residents are able to move into the newly completed $4 million Lenstan Kensington wing immediately.
“I am delighted that people will be able to move into the beautiful new Lenstan Kensington wing, which features 28 new rooms, each with an ensuite and kitchenette, and two new lounge rooms,” Ms Archer said.
“Peace Haven was built 33 years ago, and a lot has changed in aged care in Tasmania since then.
“The Government’s ongoing investment in this facility enables residents to enjoy their retirement in modern facilities that are custom-built to meet their needs.”
“Peace Haven has undergone extensive redevelopments over the last decade, with the Government also providing $9.5 million in funding through two low-interest loans and a capital grant to support the capital works.”
“In Tasmania we have the highest proportion of people over the age of 70 anywhere in Australia. As a Government, we are supporting Tasmanians, having invested $458 million in Tasmanian aged care in 2017-18.”
Minister Colbeck said the opening of the new wing was timely, with the demand for aged care on the rise across Australia.
“The number of Australians receiving aged care is expected to almost triple by 2050 to 3.5 million people,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We are building a genuinely people-centric aged care system, fully integrated and sufficiently sustainable to meet the needs of our ageing population.
“That’s why I’m so pleased to open what is not just a new wing–but also a new home and a new place for friends and family to gather.”
The Morrison Government invested $20.5 billion in aged care funding across Australia last financial year—an increase of $2.5 billion over the previous year.
In 2023-24, annual Government funding will be $25.4 billion, an increase of almost $5 billion on last year.
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Read MorePure and highly concentrated caffeinated food products will be banned from today as the Australian Government continues to deliver on its earlier commitment to protect consumers.
Minister Richard Colbeck, who has a portfolio responsibility for food regulation, said the ban would be implemented after all five recommendations from a report into the safety of caffeine products were accepted.
Earlier this year the Morrison Government vowed to tighten regulations following the death of Lachlan Foote, a day before his 22nd birthday.
“I’m pleased with the swift action that has been taken to prevent the risk of more unnecessary deaths from consumption of these dangerous products,” Minister Colbeck said.
The ban applies to foods for retail sale where total caffeine is present in a concentration of five per cent more in solid or semi-solid foods, like powders, and one per cent or more if the food is in liquid form.
Minister Colbeck said the ban did not affect caffeinated products like coffee, energy or cola drinks and sports foods, which have much lower concentrations.
“An assessment by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) found that a heaped tablespoon of caffeine powder containing five per cent caffeine would deliver around 825 mg of caffeine,” Minister Colbeck said.
“This is a significant dose at which the risk of serious health effects start to increase and should not be available for retail sale.”
Across the next year, FSANZ will be working to provide clarity under the Food Standards Code on safe levels of caffeine. An education campaign will also start shortly to help inform Australian consumers about the risks of caffeine powders and purchasing these products online.
Read MoreThe Coalition Government will commission the delivery of the 2020 Australian Youth Development Index – a one-stop shop for information related to the most significant issues young Australians face.
Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck said the updated Australian Youth Development Index would be a valuable resource.
“In July this year we established the Youth Taskforce to develop a joint whole-of-government approach towards ensuring young Australians are heard,” Mr Colbeck said.
The Youth Taskforce was set up to improve the co-ordination of programs impacting young people, to identify gaps and challenges faced by young people through existing policies and programs and to improve engagement and consultation.
“The Morrison Government is focussed on ensuring that young people feel as though they have a voice.
“By delivering the 2020 Australian Youth Development Index, we will be able to further identify issues and challenges.
“This builds on direct engagement myself and the taskforce have already had and will continue to have with service providers, youth organisations and young people.
“Good public policy hinges on solid evidence-based research and current statistics,” Minister Colbeck said.
The Australian Youth Development Index 2020 will consolidate information relevant to young Australians in health, education and employment.
It will be commissioned from the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC) and Numbers and People Synergy (NAPS) and managed by the Youth Taskforce in the Commonwealth Department of Health.
Media enquiries: Aaron Langmaid 0456 889 018
Read MoreThe Australian Government tonight, as Oceania’s representative on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) executive committee has voted to support sanctions against the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA).
It follows a recommendation from the independent Compliance Review Committee, based on the results of ongoing investigations by WADA, that RUSADA be declared non-compliant under the World Anti-Doping Code.
RUSADA has the ability to appeal tonight’s decision via the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The WADA investigations revealed a clear and calculated intent to covertly manipulate data within the laboratory information management system, hide evidence and falsely blame others for it.
It follows earlier revelations of the Russian state-sponsored doping program.
Our athletes deserve to compete on a fair and even playing field both domestically and internationally.
The Australian Government will continue to advocate for clean and fair competition.
Key reforms are currently being implemented to safeguard the integrity of Australian sport and to combat present, emerging and future threats including doping, match-fixing, illegal betting, organised crime and corruption.
The Government is also establishing a new single national sports integrity agency, Sport Integrity Australia, bringing together ASADA, the National Integrity of Sport Unit and the national sports integrity functions of Sport Australia.
A new National Sports Tribunal has also been established to provide transparent, independent, and cost-effective resolution of sports disputes and will be trialled over two years, from early 2020.
(ENDS)
Media inquiries: Aaron Langmaid 0456 889 018
Acting Minister for Health, the Hon. Alan Tudge Hunt MP, and Minister for Aged Care, Senator Richard Colbeck have announced the Morrison Government is investing $22 million in research into aged care and better outcomes for older Australians, as a part of more than
$400 million commitment to world-leading medical research projects aimed at improving the health of Australians.
This includes $5 million under the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Synergy Grant scheme, developing intervention strategies for age-related macular degeneration.
In addition, three grants worth $4.2 million will back research into how frail people can be supported to safely avoid hospitalisations, receive optimal care when admitted and achieve the best health outcomes through integrated and coordinated in-and post-hospital support.
In 2017, more than one in every seven Australians were aged 65 or over. That equates to 3.8 million people – an important and growing part of our community who may benefit from this research.
Minister Tudge said, “The Government is investing in research to improve the health of older Australians.”
“We want to help older Australians reduce the need to be hospitalised and have better care through their journey.”
Eighteen grants have been funded across Australia, with a diverse range of research supported across the schemes.
Minister Colbeck said, “The health and welfare of older Australians is a priority for the Morrison Government.”
“This latest allocation of funding contributes to ensuring the needs of the elderly will be met, now and into the future.
“It is another step forward toward more tangible support, and serves as reassurance for families of our most vulnerable senior Australians.”
The Morrison Government will continue its commitment to supporting lifesaving medical research with a $5 billion 10-year investment plan from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
This 10-year plan builds on $3.5 billion in health and medical research funding provided through the National Health and Medical Research Council, and the $500 million Biomedical Translation Fund.
This investment in health and medical research will place Australia at the leading edge of research in areas like genomics, and will support the search for cures and treatments including for rare cancers.
A full list of grant recipients is available on NHMRC’s website: www.nhmrc.gov.au.
Young Australians with a disability will have the opportunity to enjoy greater participation in sport due to an Australian-first program launched by tennis champion Dylan Alcott and supported by a $2 million investment from the Morrison Government.
Celebrating the International Day of People with Disability, the Get Skilled Access program Sports 4 All was launched at Parliament House in Canberra by co-founder Dylan Alcott and Federal Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck.
Sports 4 All will deliver education programs to schools and local sporting clubs, helping more Australians with a disability stay active.
Minister Colbeck said the program will increase community engagement, provide employment opportunities and empower people with a disability to participate in sport at all levels, whether it be as a player, coach, official, administrator or volunteer.
“One in five Australians have some form of disability and research tells us it can impact participation in sport.
“We’re backing organisations like Get Skilled Access to keep breaking down barriers, bringing people together and improving the health, wellbeing and social outcomes for people with a disability.
“Participation in sport and physical activity has enormous benefits, including helping people stay healthy, happy and socially active. By promoting inclusive participation our sporting clubs are strengthening communities and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of our nation.”
International Day of People with Disability aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.
Find out more about Get Skilled Access and International Day of People with Disability.
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Read MoreFederal Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck and the Prime Minister’s representative for a 2032 Olympic Games Ted O’Brien are delighted the Queensland Government is finally locked-in to bid for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“This is good news for Australia and great news for Queensland,” said Minister Colbeck in response to today’s announcement that the Queensland Cabinet voted in favour of progressing an Olympics bid.
“We are now officially off and running to secure the Games in 2032,” Ted O’Brien declared.
The Morrison Government led the charge for an Olympics bid earlier this year, which was backed up with a commitment of up to $10 million to progress the bid process.
“We know that sport contributes billions to the Australian economy every year and it also leads to a healthier nation,” said Minister Colbeck.
“Bringing the Olympics to Australia in 2032 would provide a unique opportunity to motivate and inspire Australians young and old to get active and engage in sport.
“The real value for Queensland, and for Australia, is not just those couple of weeks when the eyes of the world are on us, but the decades of positive legacy,” said Mr O’Brien.
“If we are successful in our bid for 2032 it will give us a decade long run-up to accelerate the delivery of infrastructure, improve health and wellbeing, boost tourism and trade, build grassroots and high performance sports and so forth, and this legacy will last for generations.
“But we’re not there yet,” Mr O’Brien cautioned.
“Well done to the Queensland Government for making the right decision, now let’s get on with it.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Aaron Langmaid, Office of Minister Colbeck (0456 889 018)
Media Advisor, Office of Ted O’Brien MP (0401 257 064)
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is taking strong action to respond to the three priority areas identified in the Aged Care Royal Commission’s Interim Report released on October 31, by increasing home care packages, reducing chemical restraints, and getting younger people out of residential aged care.
The Royal Commission’s interim report is clear - as a country, the Government, the Aged Care Sector and the entire Australian community, we can and must do better in providing improved support for our older Australians.
We will deliver a $537 million funding package to respond to the Interim Report, across the identified three priority areas, including;
Increasing the number of Home Care packages
The additional 10,000 home care packages will be focused on the Royal Commission’s identified areas of need and is strongly weighted towards level 3 and level 4 packages, which provide a high level of care.
These packages will be rolled out from 1 December 2019.
Since the 2018-19 Budget, the Government has invested $2.7 billion in 44,000 new home care packages.
We have also more than doubled the number of home care packages available to a record 150,412 this financial year, up from 60,308 in 2012-13 under Labor.
Better medication management and dementia training
The Royal Commission has identified an over-reliance on chemical restraint in aged care, therefore from 1 January 2020, we will also establish stronger safeguards and restrictions for the prescribing of repeat prescriptions of risperidone.
Doctors will still be able to prescribe it but will be required to apply for additional approval if risperidone is to be prescribed beyond an initial 12 week period. These changes have been developed following recommendations from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, and in collaboration with doctor’s groups and the broader health sector.
Education resources for prescribers will also be developed to support the appropriate use of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines in residential aged care and targeted letters will be sent to high prescribers.
Funding for medication management programs will be increased by $25.5 million, including support for pharmacists to ensure more frequent medication reviews can occur.
The Royal Commission directed that restraint must only be used as a last resort, and amendments to regulations will make this clear.
The Government is also providing an additional $10 million over two years from 2019–20 to increase dementia training and support for aged care workers and health sector staff.
This will better equip them to manage behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, deliver best practice dementia care and comply with the new standards for reducing the use of physical and chemical restraints in aged care.
We have also responded immediately to the Royal Commission’s findings on antipsychotics in aged care facilities by declaring “Quality Use of Medicines and Medicines Safety” a National Health Priority.
Younger people in residential aged care
In March, the Government announced the Younger People in Residential Aged Care Action Plan. Since this time there has been a reduction in the number of younger people in residential aged care, including a decline in the number of younger people entering the aged-care system.
However, in response to the Royal Commission, the Government will strengthen the initial targets of the Younger People in Residential Aged Care Action Plan.
The new targets, apart from in exceptional circumstances, will seek to ensure there are;
The Government will invest $4.7 million to help remove young people from residential aged care and further support these goals by:
Building on longer term reforms
These measures will complement the major reforms the Morrison Government has been undertaking to improve standards, oversight, funding and transparency in the care of older Australians.
In line with the long-term direction as identified by the Royal Commission, we will also progress further measures, including;
We will unify the Home Care and Commonwealth Home Support Programs, in line with the Royal Commission’s direction to deliver a seamless system of care, tailoring services to the needs of the individual.
These changes will be guided by the final recommendations of the Royal Commission and will have the goal of improving care and ending the wait for home care packages.
Simplifying the system for consumers
The Government will streamline assessment by creating a single assessment workforce and a single network of assessment organisations that are able to undertake all aged care eligibility assessments.
This will help people to be connected to care sooner, reduce duplication and inefficiencies, and stop a revolving door of assessments where vulnerable older people get sent to multiple organisations depending on the programs for which they are eligible.
Key reforms continue
The Royal Commission’s final report is due on 12 November 2020, however the Government’s rigorous oversight of the sector and reform program continues.
The Government has established a new independent aged care watchdog in the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, upgraded Aged Care Quality Standards and introduced regulations to minimise the use of restraints, and we are developing a Serious Incident Response Scheme.
The Government is also expanding the powers of the Commission, with the new Commissioner responsible for the approval of aged care providers, compliance and enforcement actions in relation to the care being provided, and the administration of the responsibilities of approved providers to report assaults.
While we undertake these reforms we will continue to deliver record funding for older Australians of $21.7 billion in 2019-20, growing to an estimated $25.4 billion in 2022-23, up from $13.3 billion in 2012-13.
There will be more work to do across aged care as we continue to listen and respond to the issues raised by the Royal Commission.
Like every Australian, we were appalled by the revelations of the Interim Report, however we will do everything we can to build an aged care system of the highest quality.
Media Contacts:
Prime Minister’s office: Press Office, (02) 6277 7744
Minister Hunt’s office: 0447 534 427
Minister Colbeck’s office: Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
Minister Robert’s office: James Larsson, 0427 100 431
The Hon. Scott Morrison MP, Sydney
Press Office of the Hon. Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister, Canberra
Read MoreAlmost $20 million is now available to help communities promote social inclusion and improve health outcomes through sport.
The Morrison Government’s Driving Social Inclusion through Sport and Physical Activity grants program is open for applications from not-for-profit organisations including local community groups, sporting clubs and local government entities.
The program is part of the Government’s $71 million investment in social cohesion initiatives to build stronger communities.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck said the grants will also contribute to the Government’s plan to make Australia the world’s most active sporting nation.
“Playing sport and engaging in physical activity is great for our physical and mental health, so we want to make sure more Aussies get more active, more often,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Our Government’s national Sport 2030 plan is to make Australia the world’s most active sporting nation, and to do that we need everyone joining in.
“We have also invested $190 million to grassroots sporting infrastructure to encourage female participation, because everyone should feel welcome at their local sporting club.”
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, David Coleman, said getting involved in sport was a great way for migrants to build connections, improve English language skills and feel more at home.
“Sport plays an important role in the lives of so many Australians and is a great way to bring communities together and strengthen Australia’s multicultural successes,” Minister Coleman said.
“So many of our greatest athletes have migrated to Australia, and the achievements in sport of people of all backgrounds is a key part of the Australian story.
“We want everyone to feel welcome to join in at our local sporting clubs and it is important we provide a helping hand for people to get involved.”
The grants are open to applications from not-for-profit organisations including local community organisations, sporting organisations and local government entities and are available assist the following community groups get involved in sport and recreational activities:
Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
Further information about the Driving Social Inclusion through Sport and Physical Activity Grant Opportunity (GO2645) is available from the GrantConnect website.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government supports all 23 recommendations made by the report of Inquiry into Events at Earle Haven, which was produced by Ms Kate Carnell AO and released today.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck commissioned the inquiry to examine the circumstances leading up to the collapse in provision of aged care services at the facility, and the impact of the events on the safety and wellbeing of the affected residents.
The report found that effectively what led to the forced evacuation of the residents was a breakdown in the relationship between the approved provider of aged care services at Earle Haven, People Care Pty Ltd, and the company engaged to deliver these services, Help Street Villages (Qld) Pty Ltd.
The report’s recommendations have a significant focus on greater regulatory oversight of approved providers and their commercial arrangements.
The report supports the Government’s structural reform to give further regulatory power to the independent Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, which will further strengthen the tough new cop on the beat for the aged care sector.
These powers are set to come into force on 1 January 2020, subject to the passage of the Aged Care Legislation Amendment (New Commissioner Functions) Bill 2019 currently before Parliament.
The Government has also already delivered on the major recommendation regarding the obligation to report changes in key personnel.
Minister Colbeck said the events at Earle Haven were devastating, unprecedented and completely unacceptable.
“We owe it to the residents and families caught up in this tragedy to do all that we can to prevent situations like Earle Haven occurring again,” Minister Colbeck said.
“As I said at the time, this inquiry is about ensuring we understand why the situation occurred, that we do what we can to prevent this type of event in the future, and that those responsible are held to account.
“I will be pushing for swift passage of the Bill before Parliament to beef up the powers of the independent aged care regulator. I will work methodically to implement all the recommendations from the report, particularly in the context of the findings of the Royal Commission final report, as well as incorporating the interim report.
“In addition, I have already written to Chair of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Advisory Council, Angela Coote, for advice on what further powers the Commission needs and to report back before Christmas.
“I will refer this report to the Advisory Council for inclusion in that advice.
“Delivering safe, high quality care for senior Australians is a priority for the Morrison Government and the entire Australian community.”
The report makes 23 recommendations that fall into six broad categories:
“The report also acknowledges the staff of the facilities who went to great lengths to stay and care for Earle Haven residents, including working through the night with emergency responders as they were relocated. I again also acknowledge and thank them for their care for, and dedication to, the residents,” Minister Colbeck said.
The independent Aged Care Royal Commission is also examining the events at Earle Haven and may make further findings.
Since the events at Earle Haven, People Care has been subject to significant sanctions, including the revocation of all residential aged care places and home care packages.
The Government has also worked to ensure the former residents of Earle Haven have been able to transition to new residential providers of their choice following the terrible events at Earle Haven.
The full report is available here: www.health.gov.au/earle-haven-report
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Read MoreThe Australian Government welcomes the Interim Report from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which has been tabled in the Australian Parliament today.
The Government will carefully consider the findings in the interim report – and continue to listen to the issues as they emerge through the course of this important inquiry.
The interim report and the Royal Commission’s hearings to date tell us some aged care providers are falling far short of delivering the safe, high-quality care expected by senior Australians and their loved ones.
We acknowledge that the Government also has work to do and will consider and act on the Royal Commission findings, whilst noting significant reforms are in progress.
The problems raised today in the Interim Report have challenged governments, industry and the community over many decades and require a coordinated response from all involved.
Establishing the Royal Commission was one of Scott Morrison’s first decisions as Prime Minister.
As the Prime Minister said at a media conference at the time, Australia had to brace itself for some difficult stories arising out of the Royal Commission – but confronting these stories honestly and in a way that helped us to learn and ensure they were not repeated was all part of the Royal Commission’s process.
We are shocked by the stories that have arisen but we must and we will learn from them – bringing Australians together to ensure as a community we are providing the care and respect senior Australians deserve.
At the same time, it is also clear there are many aged care providers and workers who are delivering outstanding care.
It is important to stress that as the Royal Commission undertakes its work, the Government is continuing to act. We have invested more than $1 billion in aged care reforms since the Royal Commission was announced in September 2018.
The Morrison Government is delivering record investment across the Aged Care system from $13.3 billion in 2012-13 under Labor, growing to $21.7 billion in 2019-20 to an estimated $25.4 billion in 2022-23.
The Government’s reforms include:
The Royal Commission was given a broad remit to inquire into the quality of aged care services provided to Australians. The Government provided it with funding of $104.3 million over four years to enable it to undertake its work. The Commission has already held
13 rounds of hearings and received more than 6,600 submissions.
It is important the Royal Commission has sufficient time to conduct its inquiry thoroughly and develop a set of recommendations that are both comprehensive and practical.
On 13 September 2019, the Royal Commission was granted an extension to enable it to undertake further hearings and inquiry work to address the remaining matters in its Terms of Reference.
The delivery date for the Commission’s final report has been extended from 30 April 2020 to 12 November 2020.
We also wish to acknowledge the professionalism, compassion and leadership demonstrated by the late Commissioner Tracey in his work on this Interim Report and continue to extend our condolences to his family.
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Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Read MoreFewer aged care residents will have the expense and inconvenience of having to go to hospital for x-rays under changes to Medicare.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said, “For the first time, from 1 November 2019 a Medicare rebate will be available as a call-out fee for the provision of mobile skeletal x-ray services conducted at a residential aged care facility.”
“These services include x-rays of the shoulder, pelvis, ribs and sternum; chest x-rays for suspected pneumonia or heart failure; and abdominal x-rays for acute abdomen or bowel obstruction.”
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Senator Colbeck said, “This new Medicare subsidy will mean fewer aged care residents will have to go to hospital for their x-rays.”
“Residents within a residential aged care facility who would otherwise need to be transferred to a hospital through an emergency department will get timely diagnosis and treatment.”
“This will significantly improve access to medical treatment for older Australians, and save on expensive costs, often including an ambulance, that come with transferring a resident from an aged care facility to a hospital,” Senator Colbeck said.
As well as saving patients time and money, the new call-out fee demonstrates the Morrison Government’s commitment to keeping health care more affordable.
Minister Hunt said, “Overall, the Morrison Government is delivering an additional $6 billion for Medicare services through to 2022–23.”
“Our Government is providing record funding for the health system, including Medicare. In 2019–20, a record $104 billion in health will be invested, up from $75 billion seven years ago.”
The Morrison Government’s health reform agenda will make health care more accessible, more affordable and more patient-centred.
The four pillars of our long term national health plan are: guaranteeing Medicare and improving access to medicines, supporting our hospitals, prioritising mental health and preventive health, and investing in health and medical research.
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Read MoreThe Morrison Government is investing $22 million for CanTeen to continue delivering cancer services for young people, as CanTeen marks National Bandanna Day.
Now in its 25th year, National Bandanna Day aims to raise awareness and support for young people living with cancer.
About 6,300 young people with cancer are expected to benefit from the Government’s continued investment in CanTeen’s Youth Cancer Services (YCS) program, with funding extended for four years from 2020–21.
In the four years to 2014, 4,843 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in young Australians aged 15-24, an average of more than two people per day.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said, “No young person deserves to go through cancer and that is why the Morrison Government is proud to continue its support for the YCS program.”
“The Program is tailored to meet young people’s unique health, social and emotional needs.”
The YCS program provides access to expert multidisciplinary teams which work together to plan and provide the best treatment, management and social and emotional support for a young person with cancer wherever they are.
Minister Hunt said, “It helps young people with cancer access clinical trials and link to appropriate community based support services following their treatment.”
There are five state-wide YCS hubs based in major hospitals in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, which work with a network of more than 25 hospitals and health services across Australia.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck said, “The service has been a resounding success.”
“Up to 70 per cent of newly diagnosed adolescents and young adults with cancer are now being treated and supported through YCS.”
“Our Government’s investment will allow this valuable service to continue providing better cancer treatment for young people.”
The Morrison Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued record investment of funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines and treatment, Medicare and hospitals.
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Read MoreThe Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, and the Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, have paid tribute to the Honourable Richard Tracey AM RFD QC, who passed away on Friday, 11 October.
Commissioner Tracey was one of three Commissioners presiding over the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety – and was the Commission’s Chair.
“We wish to acknowledge the professionalism, compassion and leadership demonstrated by Commissioner Tracey in his work on this important Royal Commission,” the Ministers said.
“Commissioner Tracey travelled widely to hear evidence from across the country and his work will play an integral role in the Royal Commission’s recommendations.”
Prior to his appointment to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, Commissioner Tracey was a judge of the Federal Court of Australia, the President of the Defence Force Discipline Appeal Tribunal, and Judge Advocate General of the Australian Defence Force. Commissioner Tracey also served in the Australian Army, achieving the rank of Major-General.
Minister Hunt and Minister Colbeck extended their deepest sympathies to Commissioner Tracey’s family at this difficult time.
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Read MoreAustralian destinations will this week be splashed across the television screens of millions of Indian households, with the Morrison Government today launching its campaign to lure more Indian tourists to next year’s ICC T20 World Cup.
Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said Tourism Australia’s latest campaign was all about boosting visitation to both the women’s and men’s tournaments and raising Australia’s profile as a highly sought-after tourism destination among Indian tourists.
“Australia’s hosting of these two T20 World Cup tournaments has the potential to deliver huge benefits for our tourism industry and overall economy,” Minister Birmingham said.
“This campaign is all about encouraging Indian cricket lovers to book a ticket, pack their bags and head Down Under to experience the highs of world-class T20 cricket.
“Given India is our fastest growing tourism market and currently worth $1.8 billion to Australian tourism, the T20 World Cup provides an exciting opportunity for Australia to well and truly cash-in.
“This campaign is all about encouraging Indian cricket fans to watch a few games, but also travel beyond our major gateways and get out into our regions to explore the incredible tourism experiences on offer.”
“That’s why experiences such as skydiving in Cairns, hot air ballooning in our nation’s capital and exploring Uluru are all front and centre in this campaign, and will entice Indian travellers to spend an extra week or a few days here.”
Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the campaign was all about celebrating our two country’s shared love of cricket.
“Cricket is undisputedly the national sport of India and we know from our research that over a quarter of high value Indian travellers are willing to travel to long haul destinations to attend cricket tournaments and other sporting events.
“By harnessing the excitement around this significant event, we hope to encourage more Indian fans to come and cheer on their women’s and men’s teams in stadiums across Australia next year.
“Major sporting events are known to be significant drivers of visitor demand, with around 16 per cent (or 1.4 million) of all international visitors reporting that they attended a sporting or cultural event while in Australia.
“Delivering more major international sporting events is a key part of our Governments Sport 2030 plan to grow Australia’s $12 billion sport industry and the 220,000 jobs it supports.”
The new campaign features voiceovers from renowned Indian cricket commentator and Friend of Australia ambassador Harsha Bhogle; Indian media personality and television anchor Shibani Dandekar; and Australian former cricketer Brett Lee.
The trio are heard commentating on what seems at first to be a cricket match but is in fact a beautiful showcase of Australia, with the footage taking the viewer on a journey to some of our country’s most iconic destinations.
It will run across television, digital and social media channels in India up until June 2020 to drive awareness for the tournaments during key booking periods for Indian travellers.
For the first time in its history, the T20 World Cup is being played as two standalone tournaments for women and men so as to maximise exposure for both events. Together they are expected to be attended by more than one million fans from around Australia and the world and deliver significant benefits to Australia’s $143 billion tourism industry.
The women’s tournament will kick off on Friday 21 February when Australia take on India at Sydney Showground Stadium, with the final to be held on Sunday 8 March – International Women’s Day – at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The men’s tournament will run from 18 October to 15 November 2020, with the 45 matches expected to be broadcast to two billion people.
The two tournaments will be contested across eight host cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Geelong, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
More information on the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 is available at www.t20worldcup.com
Media Contacts
Benn Ayre: +61 428 342 325 (BIRMINGHAM)
Felix Ellis: +61 457 517 734 (COLBECK)
Authorised by Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, South Australia.
Read MoreAustralia will host the world’s largest elite sporting event for intellectually impaired athletes in Brisbane over the coming week.
The 2019 INAS Global Games will be held on 12–19 October with around 1,200 elite athletes with an intellectual impairment from around 80 countries expected to participate.
The Morrison Government has delivered $2 million towards staging this major international sporting event.
Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck said the Government is proudly backing the Games, which represents the peak of sporting achievement for athletes with intellectual impairment.
“The athletes competing here are simply inspirational and demonstrate what amazing achievements are possible with hard work, dedication and a commitment to fair play.
“For many athletes, competing at the INAS Global Games is a dream come true and it is an important platform for athletes striving for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
“Australia is strongly placed to win a swag of medals and I have no doubt the Games will inspire the next generation of Australians, particularly those with an intellectual impairment, to stay active, healthy and get involved in sport.”
The Government’s national Sport 2030 plan is to ensure that every Australian ‘at all stages of their life regardless of gender, ability or ethnicity, and no matter where they live, is able to undertake the exercise they need and want in a safe, fun and inclusive way, whether it is through sport or other types of activity’.
Sport 2030 also focuses on the strategic and coordinated delivery of major sporting events in Australia to grow the $12 billion Australian sport industry and the 220,000 jobs it currently supports.
This is the first time the INAS Global Games will be staged in Australia and athletes will compete in 10 internationally sanctioned sports – athletics, basketball, cricket, futsal, road cycling, rowing, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo and tennis.
The International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (INAS) is the recognised international sporting body for athletes with intellectual impairments.
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Read MoreI congratulate outgoing Tasmanian State Director Sam McQuestin on his appointment as State Director of the Victorian division of the Liberal Party.
Sam has been a formidable State Director of the Tasmanian division since his appointment in 2011 and has worked tirelessly to ensure two Liberal State and three Federal election victories, as well as strengthening the Party’s grassroots organisation.
Sam leaves the Tasmanian division with a strong record of increased professionalism, majority governments and significant structural reform, including increased female Parliamentary representation.
The Tasmanian Liberal division is now a standout in the nation and the close relationships built with the Federal division has enabled Tasmanian voices to be prominent in our national leadership.
I look forward to working closely with Sam as he takes on a new challenge with his role in the Victorian division and thank his family for the sacrifices they have made and wish them well for the future.
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Read MoreThe Morrison Government is delivering new wellness services for Launceston seniors to stay active, healthy and independent with the opening of a new Wellness Centre in Mowbray.
The services at the new centre will receive funding through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and has been established by integratedliving Australia.
Member for Bass Bridget Archer said that the Morrison Government is committed to providing more support services for people to stay active and healthy in their retirement.
“This beautiful new centre will make a real difference to seniors in and around Launceston because keeping physically active is one of the best things people can do to improve quality of life as they age,” Mrs Archer said.
“Our Government will be funding the delivery of a whole range of fitness services in the gym and some amazing wellness activities including memory, digital, diabetes and foot wellness.
“In 2019-20 we are delivering more than $4 million for these and other entry-level aged care services through integratedliving in Northern Tasmania, which will benefit up to 1,550 local seniors.”
The Morrison Government is also delivering entry-level home support services to over 800,000 senior Australians through the CHSP.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said that with Australians living longer it is important to provide preventative health measures such as wellness services for seniors.
“By investing in wellness services our Government is enabling seniors to enjoy independent, healthy lifestyles, as well as reducing the number of people needing hospital services,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Delivering a strong Budget means we can deliver the care services seniors need and support their choice to live in their own homes for longer.
“Providing more high quality aged care choices for senior Australians is a priority for the Morrison Government.
The Morrison Government is investing a record $21.7 billion in aged care in 2019-20, up from $13.3 billion in 2012-13 under the Rudd-Gillard Labor Government.
Initiatives such as the More Choices for a Longer Life package, the Supporting Activity in Older Australians initiative, record funding for home care packages, and the CHSP are all providing more aged care choices for senior Australians.
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Read MoreLiberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck has congratulated outgoing Tasmanian Liberal State President Geoff Page on his outstanding contribution to the State and the Party during his seven years in the role.
“Geoff Page has an exceptional record as head of the organisational wing of the Liberal Party in Tasmania.
“Under his tenure the Liberal Party has won two State elections and three Federal elections in a row, including regaining Bass and Braddon in 2019, a result in which Geoff made a major contribution.
“Geoff’s time as President is without doubt one of the most successful periods for the Tasmanian Liberal Party in history.
“The organisation has made significant strides thanks to Geoff’s leadership – including addressing several major issues for the Party, particularly gender balance at a State and Federal level.
“Geoff leaves the role with the Party in a strong position organisationally and politically.
“I congratulate Geoff and thank him for his service. As a former State President I understand the time and pressures involved and I acknowledge the contribution made by his family in supporting him in this role.”
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Read MoreThe Morrison Government is delivering new community swimming grants to enable or improve opportunities for people with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds to enjoy this great Aussie pastime.
Working in partnership with Swimming Australia, the Community Swimming Grants Program allows organisations the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $10,000 and has been delivered as part of the Morrison Government’s $28.9 million Move It AUS – Participation Grants Program.
Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck said the initiative aims to make swimming as accessible as possible so more Australians could benefit from sport and physical activity.
“Swimming is a hugely popular sport in Australia, and the great thing about swimming is that it can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life, at every stage of life.
“Supporting more Australians to get more active more often is a priority for our Government and we’re delighted to be working with Swimming Australia to deliver greater access to swimming and aquatic activities for up to 3,200 people through this program.
“Within this program, grants may be used to subsidise the costs associated with delivering swimming and aquatics activities such as entry fees, lane hire or membership fees.
“The Morrison Government’s Sport 2030 plan is to make Australia the world’s most active and healthy nation. To do that, we need to break down the barriers that limit Australians from being more active.”
The Move It AUS Participation Grant Program is already delivering 62 projects across the country to provide great new ways to get more Australians moving.
The Morrison Government has also committed $36.1 million in the Water and Snow Safety Program for water safety initiatives by trusted organisations including Surf Life Saving Australia, Royal Life Saving Society Australia, AUSTSWIM and Laurie Lawrence Swimming Enterprises.
Swimming Australia’s Chief of Sport Performance, Matthew Kennedy, said it was fantastic to be able to offer the grants through the Move it AUS campaign.
“We are aiming to increase physical activity and remove barriers to participation that will assist in getting more Australian’s moving,” Kennedy said.
“These barriers can include cost, transport and language and cultural differences.
“We know physical activity delivers a range of physical and mental health benefits and has a positive flow on effect within communities.”
For more information and to apply for Swimming Australia’s Community Swimming Grants Program, go to www.swimming.org.au/community-swimming-grants.
Who can apply for funding?
Organisations with the capability to provide or facilitate the provision of swimming and aquatics activities (including but not limited to learn to swim, water safety, aquatics fitness or play and competitive swimming programs and activities).
Eligible organisations may include:
• Learn to swim providers
• Aqua fitness providers
• Aquatics facilities
• Swim Clubs
• Other aquatics sport clubs (e.g. Water Polo Clubs etc.)
• Community organisations
• Charity organisations
• Councils
• Schools
• Universities
• State or Territory Sport Organisations
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Read MoreToday marks International Day of Older Persons, with the theme for this year being “The Journey to Age Equality.”
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said senior Australians are vital contributors to communities all around the country.
“Senior Australians built this country and they continue to be role models for younger generations,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Today we pay tribute to our elders and acknowledge the value of their experience, their knowledge and their deep connection with the communities where they have lived, worked and raised their families.
“As our population is living longer we face new challenges and opportunities, and I am confident that senior Australians will continue to help lead the way for our nation.
“Ensuring senior Australians are cared for with dignity and respect is a priority for the Morrison Government.”
Australians are now expected to live almost 10 years longer than was the case 50 years ago. Our average life expectancy is now 82.5 years and it is projected by 2050 there will be more than 40,000 centenarians.
The Morrison Government continues to support senior Australians through a range of measures, including the More Choices for a Longer Life package. Measures from the package which are now in effect include:
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Read MoreMore senior Australians in rural areas will have access to high quality, higher level aged care choices with the opening of a new funding round by the Morrison Government.
The Government is delivering ongoing funding for up to 150 high needs rural aged care beds with $5 million available in the round.
Multi-Purpose Service approved providers are invited to apply for the funding, with the round open on 1 October 2019 and closing on 12 November 2019.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said providing more aged care choices for senior Australians, particularly in rural areas, is a priority for the Morrison Government.
“This is about providing more high quality aged care choices for people in small towns across Australia and I particularly encourage providers in drought-affected communities to apply,” Minister Colbeck said.
“In the past, many seniors small rural and remote communities had to leave their home town or go to the local hospital to get the care they need.
“Instead, these Multi-Purpose Service beds integrate health and aged care services by pooling Federal Government aged care funding and State Government health funding to deliver flexible care that best meets individual communities’ needs.
Providers can apply for these high care residential beds to expand existing services or establish new services, or to change the level of care designated to existing flexible aged care places.
“The Morrison Government is committed to providing more aged care choices to all older people. These 150 high care beds will improve care for people in rural and remote areas,” Minister Colbeck said.
“It means quality care, flexibility, and keeping rural families together, and we can provide these essential services because we have a strong Budget and a strong economy.”
Multi-Purpose Services are currently located in all states and the Northern Territory. Find more information and the application form on the Department of Health website.
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Read MoreThe Penguin Men’s Shed has been awarded a grant of $4930 from the Turnbull Government for new tools and building maintenance under the Government’s National Shed Development Programme.
Read MoreThe Morrison Government today announced it is taking decisive action towards banning the sale of pure and highly concentrated caffeine food products (including pure caffeine powder) for personal consumption.
The ban comes after receiving a report into the safety of caffeine powders and high caffeine content products commissioned by Minister Colbeck and Minister Hunt following the tragic death of 21-year-old Lachlan Foote from acute caffeine toxicity.
Minister Richard Colbeck, who has portfolio responsibility for Food Regulation, said the Government is acting to prevent avoidable deaths from these dangerous products by accepting all recommendations of the report.
“Lachlan Foote’s death was an absolute tragedy and our Government is determined to prevent something like this occurring again,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The dangers of pure caffeine powder cannot be underestimated.
“Pure caffeine products can contain the maximum recommended daily dose of caffeine in 1/16th of a teaspoon, with a potentially fatal dose – the equivalent of between 25 to 50 cups of coffee – in a single teaspoon.”
Minister Colbeck said the average “safe” quantity of pure caffeine products often could not be accurately measured on standard kitchen scales.
Minister Colbeck added that the proposed ban would not affect caffeinated products such as coffee, energy drinks, cola drinks and sports foods, which have much lower concentrations of caffeine, and may already be prescribed in the Code.
Minister Colbeck said the ban would be accompanied by an education campaign to get that message out and to ensure that people, particularly young people, are not unwittingly harming themselves with a supplement they believe to be safe.
“Australians are also reminded to be cautious about the products they may be purchasing from overseas or online, which may not be safe,” Minister Colbeck said.
In July Minister Colbeck and Health Minister Greg Hunt wrote to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) requesting a review into the safety of caffeine powders and high caffeine content food products. Minister Colbeck has accepted all the recommendations of this review.
FSANZ will now work closely with the appropriate agencies and jurisdictions in implementing the recommendations.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has also taken steps to limit the risk of accidental overdose of caffeine, including new restrictions on the concentration of pure caffeine allowed in listed medicines.
“I acknowledge the work of Lachlan Foote’s family and friends, as well as the NSW Coroner and FSANZ, and I sincerely hope that this action will prevent such tragedies occurring again,” Minister Colbeck said.
The Review can be read at http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/CaffeineReport2019
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The FSANZ review made five recommendations:
The Morrison Government is delivering on its commitment to better support people living with dementia.
Dementia is one of the nation’s greatest health challenges and has an impact on every family in Australia.
Dementia Action Week, from 16 to 22 September, is creating awareness and important discussions around discrimination and dementia.
The theme for this year is ‘Dementia doesn’t discriminate. Do you?’
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck encouraged all Australians to get involved with Dementia Action week, an initiative coordinated by Dementia Australia with funding support from the Morrison Government.
“Dementia is increasingly prevalent in Australia, and in the coming years most of us will be touched by this condition in some way,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Because of this, I’m encouraging all Australians to participate in the week and join in a conversation about dementia.”
The Morrison Government’s funding measures include:
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said this announcement demonstrates the Morrison Government’s strong commitment to developing dementia research and ultimately finding a cure.
“Our Government has invested $200 million through the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Boosting Dementia Research Grant scheme,” Minister Hunt said.
“Over ten years through the landmark Medical Research Future Fund we will invest a further $185 million into dementia, ageing and aged care.”
“As our population continues to live longer we need to keep pace by undertaking research, and developing technology and tools to manage the effects of this condition.”
“Maintaining a strong economy is enabling our Government to continue to make these crucial investments for all Australians,” Minister Hunt said.
People can create or attend local events to play a part in the conversation a during Dementia Action Week, with more information at https://www.dementia.org.au/
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Read MoreTownsville artist Jane Hawkins has been commissioned to sculpt a life-sized statue of NRL star Johnathan Thurston to stand in the northern entry plaza of the new North Queensland Stadium.
Jane will team with Dean Rusling, owner and operator of Chalkos Fine Arts Foundry, the same company that fabricated the bronze statues of the football legends Arthur Beetson, Mal Meninga and Alfie Langer that stand at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that her Government had worked with Johnathan and Samantha Thurston, Townsville City Council and the stadium architect to select the winning design.
“It’s a fitting tribute to have a statue of JT’s NRL Grand Final-winning field goal in honour of his contribution to the sport and the North Queensland community.
“The life-sized bronze statue will stand tall in the northern entry plaza and welcome locals and visitors who attend games and events at this world class stadium,” she said.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the Morrison Government’s $100 million commitment was helping make the North Queensland Stadium a reality.
“The Morrison Government is proud to be helping to deliver this world-class stadium while also celebrating one of the all-time great Queenslanders,” Mr Tudge said.
Artist Ms Hawkins said JT is an outstanding ambassador for North Queensland, Indigenous culture and the community.
“It is a great honour to create a tribute to a man who is such a legend both on and off the football field,” she said.
“As a local resident of Townsville and an avid follower of the North Queensland Cowboys, I am excited by the project and being able to celebrate JT.
“I watched him kick that winning field goal in 2015 with my breath held, and time seemed to be suspended in that moment.”
Member for Townsville, Scott Stewart, said having a Townsville local craft the JT statue was something of which his entire community could be proud of.
“Ms Hawkins, a well-established North Queensland figurative sculptor, has a proven reputation for creating realistic life-size bronzes.
“Locals know her for her statue of British colonial businessman Robert Towns, after whom Townsville is named, that stands near the Victoria Bridge in the city’s CBD.”
Minister for Housing and Public Works and Sport Mick de Brenni said the statue will represent the inspiration that JT has provided and will continue to provide, to the next generation of sports stars and community leaders.”
“From the outset, the North Queensland Stadium project has been focused on maximising opportunities for North Queenslanders and the statue of JT is no different,” Mr de Brenni said.
“Jane Hawkins and the local sub-contractors and suppliers she engages will join more than 488 other North Queensland business that are already engaged in the project’s extended supply chain.
“I’m pleased that this project sets up a great local artist to work in the famous Queensland Chalkos Fine Arts Foundry, where NRL greats are cast in bronze.”
Dean Rusling owner-operator of Brendale-based Chalkos Fine Arts Foundry said he was thrilled to once again be working with Jane with whom he has completed many other bronze commissions over the past 25 years.
“It’s always an honour to be selected as the foundry that casts NRL legends in bronze,” said Mr Rusling.
“We took pride in being able to cast and finish Mal, Artie and Alfie, and now to be doing JT is extra special,” he said.
“The process will ensure a high-quality finish to the likeness of this legend that Jane sculpts.”
Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said he was delighted to see a local artist selected to portray a local sporting hero.
“The North Queensland Stadium project has been owned by North Queenslanders from its inception, and it’s great they will be able to make their mark with this statue.” Mr Thompson said.
Federal Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck said immortalising JT would help inspire generations of Queenslanders to take up the sport and stay physically active.
“Our greatest sporting heroes are often our children’s greatest inspirations and I hope this serves as a lasting reminder of both JT’s talent and his commitment to helping the local community get active.”
Townsville Acting Mayor Les Walker said JT deserved the recognition as one of the greatest sporting champions of a generation and for his community work.
“Last year we temporarily renamed Townsville’s iconic Goat Track the JT Track, but it’s fitting that he has a permanent monument like this one,” Mayor Hill said.
The North Queensland Stadium is a joint project of the Queensland Government, Australian Government and Townsville City Council and is supported by both the National Rugby League and the North Queensland Cowboys. The stadium forms part of the Townsville City Deal signed in December 2016.
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Read MoreToday, Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck launched the WNBL’s 40th season alongside past and present legends of the game.
The WNBL began in 1981 and is one of the longest running elite women’s sporting competitions in Australia.
Minister Colbeck said opportunities for girls and women in all sports are continuing to grow because of pioneering competitions like the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL).
“It has been fantastic to see the accelerated growth of elite women’s competitions in a broad range of sports in recent years,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The WNBL can be very proud of its contribution to the growth of women’s sport in Australia but also how it has helped pave the way over such a long history.
“The WNBL has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected women’s basketball competitions in the world.
“The Australia Opals national team has been a force on the world stage for decades and many of our Australian players have become international stars like Michele Timms AM, Robyn Maher AM, Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor and Liz Cambage, just to name a few.
“I congratulate the WNBL on reaching this amazing milestone, it’s wonderful to celebrate the league’s achievements and I’m looking forward to watching all the action during the upcoming 40th season.
“The Morrison Government will continue to work with Basketball Australia and all our national sports to support even more Australians to get more active, more often.”
The Government is delivering more than $3.5 million for female high performance basketball, including funding for our national women’s teams, the Opals and wheelchair basketball team the Gliders.
At a grassroots level the Morrison Government has prioritised upgrading female-friendly community sport facilities, including more than $11.9 million in grants for 73 basketball facility upgrades.
Basketball is one of the most popular team sports in Australia, with more than one million participants every year.
The WNBL 2019/2020 season begins in Adelaide on October 11. For more information visit: https://wnbl.basketball/
Read MoreTasmania has lost one of its forest industry giants with the passing of forest industry champion Glenn Britton last Friday.
Member for Braddon Gavin Pearce noted that Tasmania has had three Parliamentarians in the Federal Forestry portfolio in recent times who were all greatly assisted by Glenn’s personal knowledge and insights.
Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said Glen Britton’s leadership of Britton Timbers continues a generational family legacy of excellence in the forest industry exceeding 110 years that continues today.
“Glenn has led Circular Head-based Britton Timbers through the turbulence of many years of conflict in the forest industry to shape the business into a strong and sustainable one that is a leader in high-quality and specialty timber supply in Tasmania and enjoys a quality reputation nationally.
“Glenn also played a frontline leadership role as chair of the Forest Industry Association for many years, leading the push to defend the importance and sustainability of the native forest sector to the Tasmanian economy and regional communities.
“Glenn is also a good friend, I have enjoyed many warm conversations around the magnificent Blackwood table in Britton’s Smithton board room and at many forest industry events around the country.
“I extend my warmest sympathies to Glenn’s family, members of the Britton’s business family and those in the broader forest industry community.”
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonathon Duniam said Mr Britton would leave behind a lasting legacy in the state’s North West.
“Britton Timbers has been synonymous with the industry for a long period of time in the North West and Glenn was a key part of its continued success and evolution into an international timber powerhouse.
“His tireless work in growing the business has provided work to hundreds of Tasmanians, as well as being a key driver for the State’s North West economy.”
Former Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, Senator Eric Abetz, said, “Glenn will be missed by all who knew him. On behalf of the Tasmanian Federal Liberal Team I extend sincere condolences to his wife Anita and their children, his broader family and members of his forest industry family and friends.”
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Read MoreStatement on the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, following the signing of letters patent by his Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (retd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia this afternoon.
The Morrison Government has agreed to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s request for an extension of six months to continue to hear evidence from Australians and conduct its deliberations.
This Government has Aged Care front and centre of its agenda as one of our key priorities. We have committed to invest over $90 billion into the sector over the next four years to enable senior Australians to remain in their homes for longer, support their choices, have their needs better understood and improve their quality of life.
It is important that our aged care sector continues to provide high quality care and that we understand where we can make improvements. The Government has continued to implement reforms while the Commission progresses, as we said we would, including the commencement of new Aged Care Quality Standards and Charter of Aged Care Rights and strengthened provisions around the use of restraints.
I welcome the appointment of an additional commissioner, the Hon Gaetano (Tony) Pagone QC.
I look forward to receiving the comprehensive analysis of the Royal Commission and their recommendations
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Read MoreThe Morrison Government is delivering a trial for a new model of care designed to improve access to mental health services for people living in aged care facilities.
Local not-for-profit organisation Richmond Fellowship Tasmania will deliver the support for residents by giving them access to a targeted course of mental health services without out-of-pocket expenses.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck recognised the importance of seniors in aged care being able to access high quality mental health care.
“Seniors in residential aged care have a higher rate of mental illness so this program provides affordable access to additional mental health care,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The program is designed to sit alongside the care and social support seniors already receive from facility staff and other service providers.
“Around 10% of the population over 65 suffer from mental illness and this trial service will provide assistance to around 120 people in the first year.
“While it’s early days, we’re very hopeful this new approach will help improve the quality of life of Tasmanians living with a mental illness in residential aged care.”
In the program’s initial stages, Richmond Fellowship Tasmania will partner with a residential aged care operator in each region of Tasmania – South, North, and North West – to offer residents a range of evidence-based treatment options to be delivered within the facilities.
The psychological services offered may vary between facilities, according to the needs of residents, and are likely to include both face-to-face and group therapy sessions.
Member for Braddon Gavin Pearce said the ensuring seniors in the local area were supported was a key priority for the region.
“I’m very pleased to deliver more health services for people in the North West and particularly for seniors in aged care who might be having a hard time with their mental health,” Mr Pearce said.
“As a former RSL President I’ve seen how challenging it can be for people to manage their mental health as they age and how important it is that we support people who have contributed so much to our country.
“This is good news for seniors in Ulverstone and in the other trial sites across Tasmania.”
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Media Contacts
Minister Colbeck: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Mr Pearce: Denise Fletcher 0438 022 726
The Morrison Government is delivering a trial for a new model of care designed to improve access to mental health services for people living in aged care facilities.
Local not-for-profit organisation Richmond Fellowship Tasmania will deliver the support for residents by giving them access to a targeted course of mental health services without out-of-pocket expenses.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck recognised the importance of seniors in aged care being able to access high quality mental health care.
“Seniors in residential aged care have a higher rate of mental illness so this program provides affordable access to additional mental health care,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The program is designed to sit alongside the care and social support seniors already receive from facility staff and other service providers.
“Around 10% of the population over 65 suffer from mental illness and this trial service will provide assistance to around 120 people in the first year.
“While it’s early days, we’re very hopeful this new approach will help improve the quality of life of Tasmanians living with a mental illness in residential aged care.”
In the program’s initial stages, Richmond Fellowship Tasmania will partner with a residential aged care operator in each region of Tasmania – South, North, and North West – to offer residents a range of evidence-based treatment options to be delivered within the facilities.
The psychological services offered may vary between facilities, according to the needs of residents, and are likely to include both face-to-face and group therapy sessions.
Member for Braddon Gavin Pearce said the ensuring seniors in the local area were supported was a key priority for the region.
“I’m very pleased to deliver more health services for people in the North West and particularly for seniors in aged care who might be having a hard time with their mental health,” Mr Pearce said.
“As a former RSL President I’ve seen how challenging it can be for people to manage their mental health as they age and how important it is that we support people who have contributed so much to our country.
“This is good news for seniors in Ulverstone and in the other trial sites across Tasmania.”
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Media Contacts
Minister Colbeck: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Mr Pearce: Denise Fletcher 0438 022 726
Read MoreToday is a great day to acknowledge the tremendous contribution made by Australia’s hundreds of thousands of volunteers, carers, nurses, allied health professionals, cleaners, administrative staff and the many others who work in aged care.
I am immensely proud of our aged care workforce and your commitment to care for and enrich the lives of others.
The Australian Government and the aged care industry are partners in a national effort to ensure our aged care system delivers quality and safe care for all senior Australians.
While the Royal Commission is challenging, it is also an important opportunity to deliver the reforms that will improve care and confidence in the sector for the next decade and beyond.
As aged care employees, you are the heart and soul of our nation’s efforts to ensure that our parents, grandparents, friends and loved ones are able to age with dignity, care and respect.
I’ve been extremely impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the many aged care employees I’ve had the opportunity to meet so far.
I look forward to hearing more of your stories and listening to the great ideas you have about how we can make Australian aged care even better.
I thank you for your commitment to improving the lives of so many.
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Read MoreSenior Australians in North West Tasmania will have better access to residential aged care following a major expansion of Strathdevon, the Uniting AgeWell Community in Latrobe.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Senator Richard Colbeck, today congratulated Uniting AgeWell on delivering the $10 million expansion which nearly doubles the number of places at Strathdevon, from 37 to 67.
“Strathdevon was built 38 years ago and a lot has changed in aged care in Australia in that time,” Minister Colbeck said.
“This beautiful home shows the commitment Uniting AgeWell and our Government have to delivering more aged care choices and quality that meets the needs of local seniors and their families.
“In this year’s Budget the Morrison Government provided a major $5 billion boost for aged care and, of the record 13,500 new aged places funded in the 2018-19 Aged Care Approvals Round, more than 5,200 are in rural and regional areas such as North West Tasmania.
“I am delighted that locals will be able to be access the care they need in the community where they have lived, worked and raised a family.”
The capital works at Strathdevon were funded by Uniting AgeWell and is backed by around $4.5 million in annual recurrent funding from the Australian Government.
Member for Braddon Gavin Pearce said supporting aged care choices is a priority for the local community.
“Senior Australians built this country and we owe it to them to make sure that we’re constantly working to provide even higher standards of care,” Mr Pearce said.
“These additional 30 aged care places will help local families support their loved ones as they age without having to travel too far.
“People on the North West Coast know how important it is to our way of life that families can maintain their close connections across the generations.”
Providers in Tasmania were allocated a total of 161 new residential care places in the
2018–19 ACAR, and $4.2 million in capital works grants.
Once operational, these additional places in Tasmania will attract more than $10.8 million in annual recurrent funding from the Government.
“By working with organisations like Uniting AgeWell, the Government is improving access to care, quality of care and quality of life for senior Australians, no matter where they live,” Minister Colbeck said.
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Read MoreThe Morrison Government will use a new Walking Football initiative to deliver an additional one million active hours over the next two years for senior Australians.
Walking Football One Million+ is being delivered through a $1.8 million grant from the Morrison Government and aims to improve physical and mental health for seniors.
Minister for Youth and Sport and Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said Walking Football is a great initiative to help older Australians get more active, more often.
“Walking Football is a game designed to expand participation among senior Australians who love their football or those who just want a fun new way to get active,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Walking Football is a great version of the game that can be played by the whole family, irrespective of fitness levels or football experience. It’s non-contact and low-impact which makes it ideal for older Australians.
“The fun and social aspect is just as important as the physical health benefits. Pilot programs have shown it’s a great way to make new friends and reduce social isolation, with many of the participants meeting up outside game times.”
Walking Football will start soon with full programs in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and the ACT. Pilot programs will also commence in South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and Northern NSW.
There will be 110 hubs established in the first 12 months, growing to 148 in the second year.
As well as structured matches, activity coordinators will be appointed in each hub to advise participants on training exercises for home which include stretching and balance exercises.
“With structured matches and the at-home exercises, we’re aiming to deliver more than one million active hours across Australia,” Minister Colbeck said.
The Government’s $22.9 million Move It Aus - Better Ageing grants program is being managed by Sport Australia to deliver innovative ways to help older Australians across the country get more physically active.
Sport Australia Chair John Wylie said: “Sport needs to be adaptable so it can be enjoyed for life, at any age, and I congratulate Football Federation Australia and Active Ageing Australia for partnering on this initiative. Australia’s population is ageing and our grants program is helping Australians over 65 benefit from the health, wellbeing and social aspects sport provides.”
Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop said Walking Football was adaptable and affordable.
“The time, location, venues and numbers on each team can be adapted depending on the needs of participants in each area,” Mr Gallop said.
“We also want to make this program affordable to encourage as many older Australians as possible to participate. It’s all about getting active, having fun and making new friends.
“In the United Kingdom there more than 800 Walking Football clubs and we’re optimistic Australians will love this modified version of the World Game too.”
For more information on Walking Football go to
www.playfootball.com.au/ffa-walking-football
For more information on Move It Aus – Better Ageing grants go to www.sportaus.gov.au
How it’s played:
The Morrison Government has thrown its support behind the ICC T20 World Cup being held in Australia next year, announcing a new campaign to promote the tournaments and Australia to cricket fans in India.
Federal Minister for Tourism Simon Birmingham said the $5 million campaign would be used for marketing activities to drive visitation to both the women’s and men’s tournaments, as well as increase Australia’s broader destination appeal in India.
“Australia stands ready to welcome the world to the ICC T20 World Cup tournaments, which are set to deliver significant benefits to our tourism industry and the broader economy,” Minister Birmingham said.
“We know from research that major sporting events have far reaching impacts and are significant drivers of visitor demand, with 16 per cent of all international visitors attending a sporting or cultural event during their trip.
“These visitors are also known to stay longer and spend more than the average international traveller.
“The Indian tourism market is currently worth $1.7 billion and is our fastest growing inbound tourism market, with visitation forecast to grow four-fold to reach nearly 1.2 million by 2035.
“The recently released India Economic Strategy specifically identified the need for increased tourism marketing activity in India to ensure the market reaches its full potential.
“These World Cups represent the perfect opportunity to encourage Indians to book a flight to Australia to cheer on their team from cities and stadiums all over the country, while also taking the time to explore our wonderful tourism offerings.”
Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 would shine a spotlight on the nation as a global leader in sport and major events.
“Securing major sporting events for Australia is crucial to nurturing our rich sporting culture,” Minister Colbeck said.
“These elite events invigorate and unite the industry from the grassroots level up and encourage all Australians to get active and fit.
“The ICC T20 World Cup 2020 is no exception. More than one million fans are expected to attend this significant event, which will be played as two standalone tournaments for women and men.
“This will ensure that each tournament receives maximum exposure and will allow Australians the rare opportunity to enjoy world-class cricket right on their doorstep throughout the year; while continuing to advance cricket as a sport for women and girls and inspiring the next generation of kids across Australia to play cricket.
“These events will also reaffirm Australia’s reputation for delivering world-class sporting events and ensure we continue to be a sought-after destination among decision makers and event leaders within the global sporting industry.
“The benefits of sport more broadly are significant, with the sector estimated to deliver around $50 billion a year in direct economic, productivity and volunteering benefits, while also helping to grow businesses and to drive investment for Australia.”
Initial activity will kick off in August when the tournament trophies travel to Tourism Australia’s flagship trade event in India – Australia Marketplace in India – to generate excitement and support for the events among key trade and accredited travel agents.
The influx of fans from across the world for next year’s T20 World Cups is expected to build on the positive local legacy of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, which was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand and attracted approximately 100,000 international visitors to Australia alone.”
Read MoreThe Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, has today announced the terms of reference for an independent inquiry into the events surrounding the forced relocation last week of residents at the Earle Haven Retirement Village.
Minister Colbeck said he was angered and appalled by the terrible and unprecedented events that occurred at the retirement village.
“Residents should not have been put in a situation where they were forced to be relocated because they were left without the care they so rightfully deserved,” Minister Colbeck said.
“I recognise the good work by the staff from Queensland Health and the Commonwealth Department of Health. Both responded urgently to the situation and worked through the night to safely relocate residents. I want to thank those who recognised the urgency of this situation and escalated it to emergency services.”
“To get to the bottom of what has occurred, I have commissioned a full inquiry into the circumstances leading up to the collapse in provision of aged care services at the facility.
“The inquiry will examine the impact and consequences of the events on the safety and wellbeing of the affected residents.
“The inquiry will be led by Ms Kate Carnell AO, who has extensive experience across a broad range of policy areas and a deep knowledge of the aged care system.
“I am determined to ensure there we understand why the situation occurred, that we do what we can to prevent this type of event in the future and that those responsible are held to account. I look forward to Ms Carnell’s report.”
The Member for Moncrieff, Angie Bell, welcomed the Ministers announcement and said she is working with department officials to ensure those effected receive the best possible care.
“I am devastated about what has happened to residents in my local community and fully support Minister Colbeck’s commissioning of a full inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Earl Haven.
“One week on and it has been very humbling to meet with residents and see the resilience that they and their families have shown.
“I will make sure that I take their messages with me to Federal Parliament in Canberra.
“Minister Colbeck and I will continue to work closely to ensure that these older Australians are safe and are looked after and that those responsible for this situation are held to account,” said Ms Bell.
The terms of the reference for the inquiry are available on the Department of Health website.
Media contact: Felix Ellis – 0457 517 734
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Senator Richard Colbeck has expressed deep concern and anger that Earle Haven residents were left as they were yesterday.
“It appears that this incident arose from a contractual dispute between the approved Aged Care provider and a sub-contractor who was providing administrative, nursing, catering and other support services,” Minister Colbeck said.
“It appears that the sub-contractor, without notice, withdrew all services and proceeded to remove equipment from site, leaving the facility unsuitable for residents to occupy.”
“I express my sincere appreciation for the assistance of Queensland Health, local emergency services, and other Aged Care providers who made facilities available to accommodate the residents.”
“We are pleased that all residents have been safely relocated.”
“I also wish to express my appreciation to staff who stayed with residents and alerted emergency services.”
“Our primary concern is for the residents and their families – we will be taking all efforts to ensure they continue to be safe and in good care.”
“I find it simply outrageous that a contract dispute could escalate to the situation that it did.”
“I received a comprehensive briefing on the situation as it was understood last night and have received regular updates from my Department as the situation unfolded.”
“I will be using the full suite of resources available to investigate the circumstances of this matter and I have issued instructions to that effect to my Department last night.”
“Resources are being immediately mobilised to support residents and their families to ensure their safety and wellbeing.”
“I have directed my department to work closely with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and Queensland Health to examine the circumstances that led to this terrible situation.”
“I will be looking to bring the full force possible of action onto those who put residents of Earle Haven in such a terrible position – it is simply unacceptable.”
Media contact: Chris Gatenby, 0408 871 651
The Morrison Government is delivering over $20 million to build a new aged care service for Nhulunbuy in East Arnhem Land.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said delivering safe, quality aged care services in remote areas is vital for maintaining strong communities.
“Our Government is committed to delivering aged care services for senior Australians in remote areas because it is important people are able to age where they have lived, worked and raised their family.
“For Indigenous communities in places like Nhulunbuy it is particularly vital that elders are able to maintain strong connections with country and remain leaders in the local area.
“For this reason the Nhulunbuy Flexible Aged Care Service was also designed in close consultation with locals, which has ensured buildings and outdoor spaces are appropriate for Indigenous cultural activities and customs.”
The project is supported by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care (NATSIFAC) Program, which funds organisations to provide culturally appropriate aged care so people can remain close to their homes and communities.
The development of the Nhulunbuy Flexible Aged Care Service is a collaboration between the Commonwealth and Australian Regional and Remote Community Services (ARRCS).
ARRCS Group General Manager, Ms Tamra Bridges, said the partnership with the local community would also be important in delivering flexible aged care services in the area.
“We greatly look forward to partnering with local communities to help develop and implement culturally appropriate aged care services in East Arnhem Land and contributing to the improvement of aged care service quality and accessibility for Indigenous Australians,” Ms Bridges said.
“A key focus for ARRCS during the development phase will be to build a local skilled workforce from within the Nhulunbuy and East Arnhem Land communities.”
It is expected construction of the home will start in late 2019 with completion in 2021.The home will have 32 ensuite rooms and a palliative unit.
New Northern Territory Country Liberal Senator Sam McMahon welcomed the investment in local aged care services.
“This new Nhulunbuy aged care service will also provide the option of home-based care so that people receive the support they need in their own homes later in life,” Senator McMahon said.
“Delivering this new service will also provide long-term jobs for local people to staff the new home and jobs during construction.”
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Read MoreToday the Morrison Government has delivered a major reform package for quality and safety in aged care.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said these comprehensive reforms are designed to protect and improve the lives of senior Australians in care.
The Government demonstrates our commitment to continue to improve the aged care system while the Royal Commission proceeds.
“Senior Australians must have choice and flexibility in the care they receive and it should be really easy to understand what they can expect from their aged care service. This is why our Government has delivered these new Aged Care Quality Standards,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Today is the first upgrade to residential aged care standards in 20 years. The new Standards will improve transparency for senior Australians and their families, as well as making regulation clearer for providers.
“The Standards are centred on the needs of senior Australians and provide a solid foundation for providers’ continuous improvement.”
The Standards will apply to all Australian Government funded aged care services including residential care, home care, flexible care and services under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
A new Charter of Aged Care Rights will also take effect today. The new Charter is easy to read and enshrines 14 rights for senior Australians in care.
The Government has also moved to minimise the use of restraints by significantly strengthening the regulations which apply to the use of physical and chemical restraints in aged care homes.
“Senior Australians must be treated with dignity and respect – this is now explicitly set out in our law,” Minister Colbeck said.
“These regulations also mean that restraints must be a last resort. Aged Care providers must now satisfy a number of conditions before physical and chemical restraints can be used.”
Government funded aged care homes will also be required to comply with the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program.
Quality Indicators measure aspects of service provision which contribute to the quality of care for senior Australians and are used by providers as part of continuous improvement.
This program comprises three clinical quality indicators—pressure injuries, use of physical restraint and unplanned weight loss.
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, Janet Anderson, said that implementation of the new standards, together with other reforms will enhance the safety, health, wellbeing and quality of life of people receiving aged care funded by the Australian Government.
“The new Standards reflect contemporary best practice and current community views appropriate for all aged care settings,” Ms Anderson said.
These reforms are in addition to the Government’s commitment to lower aged care fees in the home. From 1 July 2019, a new basic daily fee will be set based on the customers home care package level, reducing fees by up to $400 for those on lower packages.
For more information, please visit www.agedcarequality.gov.au
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Read MoreMinister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck is attending the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the ICC Cricket World Cup to show the Morrison Government’s support for Australia’s women’s football and men’s cricket teams and to help secure future opportunities to host major sporting events in Australia.
“I wish the Matildas all the very best against Norway tonight and our men’s cricket team against England on Tuesday,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Government strongly supports bringing major international sporting events to Australia.
“Events like the Women’s Football World Cup and Cricket World Cups are major drawcards for international visitors and provide a big boost to local economies.”
Minister Colbeck recognised Football Federation Australia’s ongoing efforts to bid for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup (including a $5 million contribution from the Morrison Government to support the bid), and the Government’s ongoing work with the ICC and Cricket Australia officials ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, to be played in Australia in 2020.
“The Morrison Government’s Sport 2030 plan includes the aim to build the business of sport and sports industry in Australia, to demonstrate our capacity to host such events as well as realise the benefits of strong sport diplomacy.
“Bringing major events like these to Australian shores will benefit not just our sporting heroes, but our nation and Australians as a whole.”
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Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Read MoreEvery three seconds someone in the world develops dementia.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia and is one of our greatest health challenges. As Australians live longer, many people will either be diagnosed with dementia, care for someone with dementia, or watch a relative live with cognitive decline.
Some Australians will experience all three.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck, has today launched the NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research (NNIDR) 2019 Strategic Roadmap for Dementia Research and Translation at the Australian Dementia Forum in Hobart.
After five years of significant investment through the Australian Government’s $200 million Boosting Dementia Research Initiative, NNIDR has sharpened the focus for future dementia research efforts. High priorities include introducing new and less invasive methods for early diagnosis into clinics across Australia and tackling the challenge of dementia within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The Minister noted the opportunity to support people living with dementia in aged care facilities.
“Earlier diagnosis represents a real opportunity to make a positive impact for people living with dementia,” Minister Colbeck said.“
As Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, I am deeply concerned at the high number of Australians living with dementia in our aged care facilities. More supported access to treatment can vastly improve quality of care, and help people to live well with dementia in the community.”
Since the Initiative was launched in 2015, a total of 133 grants have been awarded to 280 leading dementia researchers working across 26 universities and medical research institutes. It is estimated that the work undertaken through the Initiative represents over one million new hours of dementia research.
Through NNIDR and the Government’s $185 million 10 year Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission, funded through the Medical Research Futures Fund, Australia is committed to the World Dementia Council’s international target to identify a disease-modifying therapy by 2025.
Read MoreMinister for Youth and Sport Senator Richard Colbeck has congratulated Ash Barty and Dylan Alcott on their stunning efforts at Roland Garros.
“Ash Barty and Dylan Alcott have demonstrated the best of the Australian sporting character with their hard work, determination and sportsmanship at the French Open.
“Ash and Dylan are both worthy champions and I congratulate them both for what is an extraordinary result for Australia.”
Ash Barty defeated the Czech Republic’s Marketa Vondrousova overnight 6-1, 6-3 to reach the ranking of number 2 in the world ahead of Wimbledon in July.
Dylan Alcott defeated the United States’ David Wagner 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 to record his eighth Grand Slam Singles win.
“Ash Barty is the first Australian woman to win the French open since Margaret Court and follows in the footsteps of Evonne Goolagong Cawley as one of Australia’s greatest ever indigenous tennis players.
“Dylan Alcott has proven himself master of the men’s singles wheelchair tennis and has become the inaugural French Open Quad Wheelchair Champion.
“I also congratulate their opponents, Marketa Vondrousova and the great David Wagner, on their achievement to make the final at Roland Garros.
“Ash Barty and Dylan Alcott have shown they are also true ambassadors for their sport and Australia, sports fans across the country will celebrate with them.”
Read MoreMinister for Sport Senator Richard Colbeck has wished the Australian women’s football team the best in their FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign.
Minister Colbeck said the 23 players on the Matildas squad had consistently shown on and off the field that they would represent Australia proudly at the tournament in France, beginning with their opening match against Italy on 9 June.
“The Matildas are a source of inspiration for Australians, and especially for young girls,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Whether it’s captain Sam Kerr celebrating goals with backflips, or the entire squad staying behind for hours after matches to sign autographs for fans, the Matildas have proven to be fine ambassadors for their sport and our country.
“They enter this tournament ranked sixth in the world and no doubt millions of Australians will be hoping our team can go well into the tournament and contend for the title.
“I commend the Matildas for all they’ve done to get to this point, especially the inspiration they provide to the thousands of young girls now taking up football.
“Our Government is a strong supporter of female sport and we will be cheering loudly and proudly as our girls take on the world.”
Sport Australia CEO Kate Palmer also wished the Matildas the best, citing a study last year which said the Matildas had one of the strongest emotional connections with sport fans.
“That study was based on measures such as respect, pride, enjoyment and trust, something every team in every sport should aspire to,” Ms Palmer said. “The Matildas have proven to be a benchmark team.
“The Matildas captured Australia’s attention with an inspired performance to make the quarter-finals at the last World Cup, in 2015, and they’ve certainly held our attention since.
“A World Cup is a huge occasion, there’s no doubt going to be many twists and turns throughout this tournament. We wish coach Ante Milicic and his squad the very best of luck.”
Read MoreMinister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck will join Australian business and sports luminaries at the third annual AFL match in Shanghai today, celebrating the deepening cultural and commercial relationship between Australia and China.
The Minister’s visit rounds off the inaugural ‘Festival of Australia’, a two-week business promotion program that showcased Australian goods and services in 10 Chinese cities, reaching up to 30 million Chinese consumers.
“I’m thrilled to be joining 11,000 fans in the Jiangwan stadium today for the match between Port Adelaide and St Kilda. Sport is a great unifier, and it’s thrilling to see Chinese fans take Australia’s beloved AFL to their hearts in this way,” Minister Colbeck said.
“In just three years, AFL has built a following in China, and strengthened our two countries’ longstanding cultural, social and business ties.”
More than 250 Australian business representatives have been in China over the past two weeks for Festival of Australia events in Tianjin, Beijing, Jinan, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Kunming, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said the Morrison Government had worked hand-in-hand with industry to ensure the Festival delivered maximum impact for Australian brands in China.
“Australian premium products and services have been front and centre in China over the past two weeks, and this extra exposure will help put Aussie products on the radar of Chinese buyers and investors,” Minister Birmingham said.
“China and Australia have built strong economic and cultural ties over many years, and initiatives such as this will help further strengthen these ties and help open up new opportunities for Australian businesses.”
Coordinated by Austrade in partnership with Wine Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia, Horticulture Innovation, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia-China Chambers of Commerce, the AFL and State Governments, the Festival promotes Australian premium food and wine, skincare and health products, aged care and financial services, innovative technologies, tourism, sports and indigenous culture.
The Festival of Australia concludes today with the AFL Match and the Festival of Australia Power Footy Carnival. Link to video about the Festival: https://bit.ly/2HvNo0y
Media Contacts
Benn Ayre: +61 428 342 325
Felix Ellis: +61 457 417 734
Authorised by Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, South Australia.
Read MoreThe Liberal National Government has delivered upgrades for Melaleuca Home for the Aged in East Devonport.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck, in his first visit as Minister, said following the completion of the $428,863 upgrade Melaleuca would be able to provide an even higher standard of care for local residents.
“The Liberal National Government is supporting regional aged care providers to deliver even more choice and quality when it comes to caring for senior Australians.
“These upgrades include the conversion of shared rooms into private rooms with ensuites, which will ensure the space is more functional for providing high-level clinical care with appropriate privacy.
“Melaleuca was built more than 30 years ago with the extraordinary generosity and support of the local community and it is important that we continue to invest in these facilities to ensure they meet modern standards of quality and privacy.”
The upgrades include two out-dated shared rooms which through the grant have been converted to three single rooms with an ensuite. To meet current demand some storage areas and a shared bathroom have been converted into one single room with an ensuite. A toilet off a lounge has been converted into an ensuite for a room that currently shares a bathroom with another residential room, to improve the privacy and dignity of the two residents who occupy these rooms.
In his first act since the declaration of the poll, new Liberal Member for Braddon Gavin Pearce visited Melaleuca and said that the upgrades would be a welcome boost for the local community.
“Health is one of my main priorities and ensuring our loved ones receive high quality care in their later life is very important for our community.
“It is vital that we ensure dignity for all senior Australians, particularly when they require a high level of care like many residents at Melaleuca.
“Being able to provide that standard of care in the local area also means that families are able to remain close to their loved ones and personal support networks.”
The funding for the grant is part of the Liberal National Government’s $5 million Aged Care Regional, Rural and Remote Infrastructure Grants Scheme announced in the 2018-19 Budget, which is dedicated to upgrading aged care infrastructure to improve the quality and accessibility of aged care services in regional, rural and remote Australia.
ENDS
Read MoreLiberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck has expressed his excitement in taking on responsibility for the portfolios of Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians and Minister for Youth and Sport.
“It is an important time in these portfolios, particularly with the Aged Care Royal Commission underway and the need to support senior Australians in their later life.
“There is always plenty to do in the area of sport and I look forward to continuing the Liberal National Government’s focus on local and community sport, including the booming area of female participation.
“I am also delighted to take on the role of Minister for Youth, to support Australia’s next generation to make the most of the exciting opportunities our country has in the coming years.
“I look forward to working closely with Minister Hunt, particularly in the area of youth mental health.
“Fundamentally, this portfolio is all about people, which is what makes it so exciting.
“It is pleasing to see Tasmania’s success at the election recognised with a Ministry and also the appointment of Senator Duniam as an Assistant Minister.
“My heartiest congratulations to Senator Duniam and the entire Tasmanian team who worked so hard for the strong result we achieved at the election.”
ENDS
Read MoreAustralians have rejected Labor’s plans to return to their disastrous marine park lock outs policy.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck said the strong result for the Liberal National Government in areas affected, particularly in Queensland, has given a strong mandate for the Liberal National fisheries plan.
“Our Government was first elected promising to wind back Labor’s disastrous 2012 marine park lock outs policy and we delivered on that commitment.
“Once again commercial, charter and recreational fishers have united in support of our plan, which has allowed Australian fishing families to continue to access waters they have fished for generations.
“Tony Burke and Labor’s plan to drag Australia back to their job-destroying marine park lock outs “in full” has been completely rejected by the public three times now.”
Labor and the Greens’ proposed lock outs would have been particularly damaging to the industry in Queensland.
“Across Australia, and particularly in Queensland, fishing communities have mounted a grassroots resistance to Labor’s disastrous marine park lock outs policy.
“At this election there was a clear choice: between the Liberal National Government committed to securing the future of commercial and recreational fishing in Australia, or a Labor-Green alliance committed to job-destroying marine park lock outs.”
ENDS
Read MoreTaiwan has officially recognised Tasmania as fruit fly free, effective immediately.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck said the decision is good news for Tasmanian fruit exporters.
“Taiwan has now recognised Tasmania as fruit fly free, which is good news for our growers who were in the affected zones because they have regained market access.
“It is also good news for growers state-wide because it affirms Tasmania’s reputation as an exporter of high-quality, safe product.”
Taiwan represents a $4 million market for Tasmanian cherries alone and has been closed to growers in the affected zones in the north of the state since January 2018.
Taiwan joins other protocol countries like Japan, South Korea and New Zealand in recognising Tasmania’s fruit fly free status.
“The Australian Government has been working closely with the Tasmanian Government and our trading partners to ensure that all technical data is available to make assessments on Tasmania’s fruit fly free status.
“Our trading partners take their biosecurity as seriously as we do and they make their own assessments based on their own data requirements and timetables.
“This is another demonstration of the strong work that has been done to ensure that Tasmania regains its fruit fly free status and is a pleasing result for our exporters.”
ENDS
Read MoreIn his final pitch to voters in today’s northern newspapers*, Labor Leader Bill Shorten has pointedly failed to mention Labor’s $25 million promise to the AFL to help establish a Tasmanian team in Hobart.
Across more than 500 words, Mr Shorten even tries (unsuccessfully) to defend the $50 million MONA handout for a luxury hotel, but there is no reference to the AFL promise.
It’s almost as if Mr Shorten has finally realised that Tasmanians don’t supporting handing over $25 million to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations.
Only the Liberals have our priorities right, and will invest in health over an AFL team in Hobart.
Vote Liberal.
*The Advocate 17/5/19 p. 16; Examiner 17/5/19 p.16
Tomorrow voters face a very important choice.
They need to decide whether they want Scott Morrison and the Coalition to run the government of their country or whether they want Bill Shorten and Labor to do so.
All the polls say the election is very close.
Your vote counts. The results in Bass and Braddon are likely to decide who governs.
Bridget Archer said, “Over this election campaign, we have outlined our Plan to invest in health, jobs and protecting the Tasmanian way of life.
“This includes a special $25 million North and North West Health Plan, as well as more than $85 million for community infrastructure right around the state.”
Gavin Pearce said, “Labor’s priorities are all wrong.
“Labor is focussed only on Hobart, providing a $25 million gift to the AFL, and $50 million to MONA for a luxury hotel.
“My priorities are improving local health services, building a stronger economy and protecting our precious way of life,” Mr Pearce said.
Senator Colbeck said: “Only the Liberals have a plan to secure Tasmania’s future. Tomorrow I urge you to vote Liberal in the House of Representatives and in the Senate.”
Bill Shorten must end the doublespeak and come clean with Australians on Labor’s secret backroom deals with the Greens to lock up more of our production forests and undermine the forest industry.
This week an explosive letter from Joel Fitzgibbon to AFPA and FIAT, backed up by social media from the Wilderness Society, made it clear that Labor has a secret deal with green groups to lock up more of Tasmania, using the principles and objectives of the sham Tasmanian Forest Agreement (TFA).*
Lyons MP Brian Mitchell’s recent admission that the amount of forest locked up would depend on the impact of this summer’s bush fires demonstrates clearly Labor’s intent.
We have also seen with social media posts from the Wilderness Society and the NSW National Parks Association that Labor has promised green groups a review of Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs).
The RFAs are the backbone of our native forest industries because they guarantee supply and have been renewed in WA, NSW and Tasmania – delivering on a Coalition election commitment.
Of course Greens policy is to shut down the native forest industry, costing thousands of jobs.
Labor will need Greens votes to pass their new EPA legislation – undermining forestry is obviously what green groups have been promised and what the EPA will do.
Forestry communities have voted decisively against more job-destroying lock ups on more than one occasion.
It is blatantly obvious that Labor have a double agenda – promising one thing to the forest industry and another to environmental groups.
It has also been demonstrated over considerable time that it doesn’t matter what Joel Fitzgibbon says – Tony Burke is really calling the shots and Mr Fitzgibbon’s promises to the forest industry mean nothing.
Bill Shorten and his candidates in forestry regions must put the doublespeak aside and be honest with Australians about their lock up plans for forestry.
Brian Mitchell has come clean and admitted there will be more lock ups – Justine Keay and Ross Hart need to come clean too.
* Point 73, Protecting biodiversity and natural resources, 2018 ALP National Platform: https://www.alp.org.au/media/1539/2018_alp_national_platform_constitution.pdf
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
A re-elected Liberal National Government will deliver $418,000 to upgrade Devonport Football Club’s facilities, which will help increase female footy participation.
Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck said the upgrade would support grassroots footy in North West Tasmania.
“The upgrades for Devonport Football Club will refurbish the home and visitor change room facilities to address gender equality and occupational health and safety issues.
“We all love our footy, but we’re prioritising grassroots sport while Labor are giving a $25 million handout to the richest sporting organisation in the country for an AFL team in Hobart.”
Liberal Candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce said that increasing grassroots sport participation is great for healthy, happy communities.
“Health is a priority for me, which is why we will invest $418,000 to help people in Devonport, particularly women and girls, get into footy.
“Local footy is a big part of the Tasmanian way of life and I am a strong supporter of making our great game more accessible for all Tasmanians.
“We need to be supporting the women’s game because it is the major future growth area for footy on the North West Coast.”
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Revelations this morning that Braddon MP Justine Keay has broken ranks and lobbied her own front bench to ditch Labor’s retiree tax show just how bad the policy is for the North West Coast.
The 3,700 retirees in Braddon who will be hit by Labor’s retiree tax, most on low incomes, have been targeted by Shorten Labor to pay for their wasteful spending, including $75 million for Hobart AFL and MONA.
Ms Keay has been denigrating retirees in the media, accusing them of being the beneficiary of a “subsidy” and a “gift” despite earning on average less than $40,000 a year.
But today, under sustained pressure, she has broken ranks and admitted to opposing the policy in a panicked attempt to curry favour with local retirees hurt by the policy.
Treasurer Chris Bowen told retirees that if they didn’t like Labor’s hit to their retirement they were “entitled to vote against us”.
Labor’s arrogance is clearly hurting in Braddon. The reality is a vote for Keay is a vote for Bill Shorten and his new retiree tax.
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
• THE LIBERALS ARE INVESTING IN HEALTH, JOBS AND REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE
• LABOR ARE ONLY FOCUSSED ON AFL AND LUXURY HOTELS IN HOBART
On his first visit to Bass of – 33 days into the election campaign - Labor Leader Bill Shorten must explain today why the Labor Party prefers AFL and MONA ahead of health and regional infrastructure.
Why does Mr Shorten want to give $25 million to the AFL, one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations?
Why does Mr Shorten want to gift $50 million to a private institution, MONA, to help pay for a luxury hotel?
Labor’s priorities are all wrong.
The Liberals are investing in health, jobs and regional infrastructure.
We all love our footy and understand the value of MONA, but investing in health and Regional Tasmania is much more important.
The Liberal team can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations for a team in Hobart.
And while we recognise the importance of MONA to our tourism industry, we simply cannot countenance providing them with a $50 million gift.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health and regional infrastructure, not an AFL team or a luxury hotel in Hobart.
Labor’s has short-changed the Burnie port by $15 million to pay for their handout to MONA.
The Liberal’s commitment of $40 million to revitalise the Tasrail infrastructure at Burnie port was developed closely in consultation with the rail and port instructure’s owner, the Tasmanian State Government, as part of their Master Plan.
The Liberal’s commitment to upgrading the Burnie port has been based on close work with the state and a genuine commitment to jobs on the West and North West Coasts.
Labor clearly have had to short change Burnie as Braddon’s pound of flesh for their $50 million handout to MONA for a luxury hotel in Hobart.
In typical Labor fashion, they haven’t listened and they’ve under-delivered.
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
A re-elected Liberal National Government will deliver a new package of upgrades to local football clubs in Tasmania’s North West and West.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the Government is a strong supporter of grassroots football clubs.
“We are strong supporters of local footy because we understand the health and community benefits grassroots sport brings to our local area.
“The Liberals are prioritising health, including local sport, whereas Labor are giving a $25 million gift to the AFL, the richest sporting organisation in the country, for a team in Hobart.
“We all love our footy but we will be prioritising grassroots footy and health because it’s time for the AFL to pony up for a Tasmanian team, not the taxpayer.”
Liberal Candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce said the package would benefit a number of clubs that were in need of an upgrade.
“Footy clubs are in many ways the heart and soul of our communities and the Government has a strong role to play in supporting the work of our local champions to keep Tasmanians healthy and active.”
“Sport teaches you life lessons about teamwork, mateship, dedication and persistence and our grassroots football clubs do a great job in helping shape our next generation.”
The package includes:
-Girdlestone Park, East Devonport, changeroom upgrade, new lighting, new scoreboard ($300,000)
-Queenstown Football Ground changeroom upgrades and new scoreboard ($75,000)
-Rosebery Football Ground change room upgrades and new scoreboard ($75,000)
-Ulverstone Recreation Ground irrigation, new scoreboard and changeroom upgrade ($150,000)
-Wynyard Football Club changeroom upgrade and new scoreboard ($100,000)
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
A re-elected Liberal National Government will deliver new mother and baby services for the North and North West. Until now these service have been only available in Hobart.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the $4.5 million for perinatal infant and mental health services would be an important boost for new mothers.
“Supporting new Mums is a priority for our community and we will ensure that Mums are given the care they need so they can best care for their babies.
“We will be providing new mental health services closer to home so that when new Mums need these services they also have their families and support networks close by.
“Around 13 per cent of women develop severe and complex mental health issues after pregnancy and it is important we provide support for them in our North and North West public hospitals.”
Liberal Candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce welcomed the service as great news for local Mums, bubs and families.
“In rural and regional areas like the North West Coast, we know how important it is for our future that we support families to access health services in our local area.
“This brand new money will ensure brand new Mums in our region with post-natal depression, for example, have dedicated services that cater specifically for the unique needs of mother and baby mental health issues.
“Health for the North West Coast is one of my main priorities and what could be more important than making sure we support new Mums to be healthy, happy and to be the best Mums they can be?”
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
The $4 million grant awarded to Camp Banksia by the Liberal National Government is under threat from Labor who have committed to ripping up the project.
Liberal Senator for Tasmanian Richard Colbeck said the grant would secure the future of the Camp Banksia facility.
“Camp Banksia is a much-loved facility that hosts school camps and other group-based social and recreational activities Port Sorell, but the infrastructure is in dire need of an upgrade.
“Without these upgrades Camp Banksia will be unable to meet current standards of managing risk, particularly for children, and will not remain viable in the future.
“For Shorten Labor to say they’re going to cut this project to fund a $50 million handout to MONA for a luxury hotel in Hobart goes to show their priorities are all wrong.”
Braddon Liberal Candidate Gavin Pearce said the upgrade would bring more visitors to the region to enjoy the unique Tasmanian way of life.
“Port Sorell is one of the fastest growing areas of our State, which is creating construction and tourism jobs for people on the North West Coast.
“We need local projects like the Camp Banksia redevelopment to attract people to the region and experience first-hand our special Tasmanian way of life, and I will fight to stop Labor’s proposed cut.
“At this election there is a clear choice: between a Liberal National Government prioritising local projects and protecting the Tasmanian way of life, or the Labor Party who have cuts to locals to fund handouts to MONA and Hobart AFL.”
An explosive leaked secret letter has revealed that Labor is recommitting to returning Tasmanian to the job-destroying Tasmanian Forest Agreement (TFA), also known as the sham forest deal.
The letter from Labor’s agriculture spokesperson Joel Fitzgibbon, dated 2 April 2019, to TFA signatories Greg McCormack (Chair of Australian Forest Products Association) and Glenn Britton (Chair of Forest Industry Association of Tasmania) outlines Labor’s support for the deal which crippled the industry in Tasmania.
In the letter, Fitzgibbon outlines his support for the deal, describing “Labor’s ongoing commitment to the TFA’s principles and objectives”.
After voting overwhelmingly to rip up the deal at a Federal level in 2013 and at a State level in 2014, Tasmanian’s forestry families are right to be outraged that Labor is recommitting to the deal which destroyed 4,000 jobs in Tasmania.
Included in the principles and objectives of the deal is the lock up of 356,000ha of production forests.
Labor’s doublespeak has been exposed by social media posts from the Wilderness Society welcoming the lock-ups.
Labor have obviously been promising one thing to industry and another to anti-forestry groups.
Labor has spent six months denying it was planning a return to the sham forest deal – now the truth has come out.
Labor’s Tasmanian candidates must come clean with their electorates and explain where Labor intends to extend their forest lock ups and which communities will be affected by the resulting job losses.
Emergency relief organisations across the state are set to benefit from an additional $3.4 million of funding from the Liberal National Government if re-elected.
Senator Richard Colbeck said the organisations provide an invaluable service to Tasmanians in need and the commitment will ensure their future.
“The Liberal National Government supports and values the work that emergency relief providers do for our local community.”
“Our Crisis Connect Package, delivered over four years, will ensure these services continue to provide for our states most vulnerable.”
“The Liberal Senate team have been working with local organisations for some time to secure the best possible funding outcome for these services to continue.”
“This new package is in addition to more than $10 million of funding over the next 4.5 years for emergency relief and financial counselling support for Tasmanians who need it most.”
“The package will ensure people in need can access other services available to them such as emergency relief, crisis accommodation and preventative and educational assistance.”
“Our Government is committed to providing the best possible outcomes for people who find themselves in financial hardship.”
Organisations to receive funding:
Salvation Army $300,000
St Vincent de Paul Society $750,000
Hobart City Mission $850,000
Launceston City Mission $75,000
Launceston Benevolent Society $200,000
Helping Hand Association $80,000
Youth Family and Community $60,000
Wyndarra Centre $300,000
Uniting Tas/ Vic $450,000
CatholicCare Vic/Tas $340,000
Brian Mitchell has been caught out misleading Tasmanians again - this time regarding false claims on the Coalition’s investments in roads in Tasmania and Labor cuts to local projects to pay for Hobart AFL and MONA.
Mr Mitchell has been caught out misleading the public on Coalition’s investment in roads in Tasmania by the AAP’s FactChecker.
Mr Mitchell claimed that the Government “has failed to commence a single new major project anywhere in the state that had been originally identified and funded by the former federal Labor government.”*
The AAP FactCheck’s verdict on this embarrassing gaffe was an emphatic ‘False- All the checkable elements are false’, noting more than a dozen projects worth tens of millions of dollars having been delivered **
In another bizarre case of a cover-up, Mitchell issued a media release on 8 May that he claims was dated 1 May for an announcement he claims was made over the Agfest period (2-4 May) that Labor were not going to cut the Railton Flood Mitigation project by $2.7 million, as had been their policy from 1 March.
This despite the fact that no one, including media and Kentish Mayor Tim Wilson, knew anything about Mitchell’s decision to backflip on his $2.7 million cut until after the Mayor went to the media on 8 May.
All this on top of having recently ‘counselled’ a staff member for using standover tactics against another Mayor critical of Labor’s plans to cut local projects, this time in Glamorgan Spring Bay.
Mr Mitchell is clearly panicking and acting erratically as pressure mounts for Labor to reverse their $85 million in cuts to local projects and abandon their outrageous gifts to Hobart AFL and MONA.
Brian Mitchell must level with the people of Lyons, apologise for his deceptive and thuggish conduct, and ditch his $75 million worth of gifts for Hobart AFL and MONA.
• THE LIBERALS ARE INVESTING IN HEALTH, JOBS AND REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE
• LABOR ARE ONLY FOCUSSED ON AFL AND LUXURY HOTELS IN HOBART
Labor’s Deputy Leader Tanya Plibersek must explain today why the Labor Party prefers AFL and MONA ahead of health and regional infrastructure.
Labor’s priorities are all wrong.
The Liberals are investing in health, jobs and regional infrastructure.
In contrast, Labor is focussed only on Hobart, providing a $25 million gift to the AFL, and $50 million to MONA for a luxury hotel.
Worse, to pay for this, Labor are cutting $25 million from Northern and North-Western health, and cutting $85 million from Regional Tasmanian grants.
We all love our footy and understand the value of MONA, but investing in health and Regional Tasmania is much more important.
The Liberal team can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations for a team in Hobart.
And while we recognise the importance of MONA to our tourism industry, we simply cannot countenance providing them with a $50 million gift.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health and regional infrastructure, not an AFL team or a museum in Hobart.
LIBERAL INVESTMENTS THAT LABOR OPPOSE
The Liberal National Government will deliver a new bulk minerals shiploader at the Burnie Port which will secure the future of Tasmanian mining exports.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the $40 million investment in the shiploader would secure the minerals export supply chain in Tasmania.
“This new shiploader will have a greater reach and height to accommodate bigger vessels and handle a broad range of commodities, including zinc, nickel, copper, pyrite, lead and differing grades of iron ore.”
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the investment would be transformative for the local industry and would ensure that West Coast mining would be globally competitive.
“This new shiploader will replace the existing 50 year old unit and will dramatically increase productivity by a minimum of 50 per cent in ship loading rates.”
Liberal Candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce welcomed the investment as a big win for jobs on the West Coast and the broader region.
“The West Coast and mining is a key engine room for our economy and we’re backing the industry to create more jobs with better supply chains and support the unique West Coast way of life.”
Nationals Candidate for Braddon Sally Milbourne said that it is important for the industry to have certainty about their long term future in Tasmania.
“The new shiploader will be far more reliable, so that when industry need to ramp up exports they will have more certainty that the port will be able to handle the increased volumes.”
“This commitment builds on the Morrison Government’s job-creating infrastructure investment in Tasmania, including our commitments to upgrade the Bass Highway from Wynyard to Marrawah, the Murchison Highway and the Lyell Highway,” Senator Colbeck said.
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
• THE LIBERALS ARE INVESTING IN NORTH, NORTH-WEST AND REGIONAL TASMANIA
• LABOR ARE ONLY FOCUSSED ON AFL AND LUXURY HOTELS IN HOBART
The Liberals are for North, North-West and Regional Tasmania.
In contrast, Labor is focussed only on Hobart, providing a $25 million gift to the AFL, and $50 million to MONA for a luxury hotel.
Worse, to pay for this, Labor are cutting $25 million from North and North-West health, and cutting $85 million from Regional Tasmanian grants.
We all love our footy and understand the value of MONA, but investing in North, North-West and Regional Tasmania is much more important.
The Liberal team can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations for a team in Hobart.
And while we recognise the importance of MONA to our tourism industry, we simply cannot countenance providing them with a $50 million gift.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health and regional infrastructure, not an AFL team or a museum in Hobart.
We are going to spend every day between now and election day highlighting how we are for North, North-West and Regional Tasmania, while Labor are for Hobart.
LIBERAL NORTH, NORTH-WEST AND REGIONAL INVESTMENTS THAT LABOR OPPOSE
Brian Mitchell and Bill Shorten need to explain why they can spend $25 million for an AFL team in Hobart and give $50 million for MONA in Hobart but their cuts are short-changing the Railton flood mitigation project to the tune of $2.7 million.
The Liberals are looking after the North, North West and regions while Bill Shorten and Labor are looking after the big cities and big unions.
The Coalition is delivering $3.5 million for the Railton flood mitigation to keep the community safe during a major flood, such as the 2011 and 2016 floods which impacted the town.
Labor are promising to cut this back to $800,000, despite the fact that this is less than the cost to upgrade just one of the bridges listed in the Railton Flood Report.
Why does MONA deserve $50 million for a luxury hotel in Hobart yet the people of Railton don’t deserve to have adequate flood protection?
Why does the AFL, one of the richest sporting organisations in Australia, deserve $50 million for a team in Hobart but the people of Railton don’t deserve to have adequate flood protection.
Labor have their priorities all wrong.
At this election there is a clear choice: between more local projects to boost our regions and keep Tasmanians safe under the Liberals, or cash handouts to the AFL and MONA in Hobart under Labor.
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Regional Tasmanian communities are all asking themselves the same thing, if Labor really support the Coalition’s regional grants, why are they ripping them up in the first place?
Labor are promising to rip up $85 million worth of regional grants, that were in last year’s Budget and have already been approved, to pay for Hobart AFL and MONA.
Labor are clearly now very sensitive to the community reaction to ripping up these grants and they are now telling the North West to come back with a beggar bowl.
Justine Keay is trying to scam the Penguin community about her plan to rip up the $6.5 million grant they have been allocated.
She says she now supports the project but has the gall to tell them to re-apply for funding through a $62 million national coastal erosion fund.
Ms Keay can’t seriously believe that Penguin is going to get in excess of 10% of a fund for a nation with the seventh longest coastline in the world.
Last week Ms Keay told Cradle Coast Authority CEO Darryl Connelly that Labor would rip up the $4 million grant they were awarded for a series of truck washes.
As cold comfort she said CCA could re-apply for a grant they’ve already been awarded, this time through a fruit fly fund that has nothing do with truck washes.
Labor should just come clean about their regional grants scam – they’re ripping up grants in regional Tasmania to pay for Hobart AFL and MONA and they have no real plans to fund them.
Media Contact: 0457 517 734
• THE LIBERALS ARE INVESTING IN NORTH, NORTH-WEST AND REGIONAL TASMANIA
• LABOR ARE ONLY FOCUSSED ON AFL AND LUXURY HOTELS IN HOBART
The Liberals are for North, North-West and Regional Tasmania.
In contrast, Labor is focussed only on Hobart, providing a $25 million gift to the AFL, and $50 million to MONA for a luxury hotel.
Worse, to pay for this, Labor are cutting $25 million from North and North-West health, and cutting $85 million from Regional Tasmanian grants.
We all love our footy and understand the value of MONA, but investing in North, North-West and Regional Tasmania is much more important.
The Liberal team can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations for a team in Hobart.
And while we recognise the importance of MONA to our tourism industry, we simply cannot countenance providing them with a $50 million gift.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health and regional infrastructure, not an AFL team or a museum in Hobart.
We are going to spend every day between now and election day highlighting how we are for North, North-West and Regional Tasmania, while Labor are for Hobart.
LIBERAL NORTH, NORTH-WEST AND REGIONAL INVESTMENTS THAT LABOR OPPOSE
Justine Keay and Bill Shorten need to explain why they can spend $25 million for an AFL team in Hobart and give $50 million for MONA in Hobart but not $6.5 million for the Penguin Foreshore.
The Liberals are looking after the North, North West and regions while Bill Shorten and Labor are looking after their big end of town rich mates in Hobart
Why does MONA deserve $50 for a luxury hotel in Hobart yet the people of Penguin don’t deserve to have their foreshore upgraded?
Why does the AFL, one of the richest sporting organisations in Australia, deserve $50 million for a team in Hobart but the people of Penguin don’t deserve to have their foreshore upgraded.
Labor have their priorities all wrong.
At this election there is a clear choice: between more local projects to boost our regions under the Liberals, or cash handouts to the AFL and MONA in Hobart under Labor.
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
• THE LIBERALS ARE INVESTING IN NORTH, NORTH-WEST AND REGIONAL TASMANIA
• LABOR ARE ONLY FOCUSSED ON AFL AND LUXURY HOTELS IN HOBART
The Liberals are for North, North-West and Regional Tasmania.
In contrast, Labor is focussed only on Hobart, providing a $25 million gift to the AFL, and $50 million to MONA for a luxury hotel.
Worse, to pay for this, Labor are cutting $25 million from North and North-West health, and cutting $85 million from Regional Tasmanian grants.
We all love our footy and understand the value of MONA, but investing in North, North-West and Regional Tasmania is much more important.
The Liberal team can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations for a team in Hobart.
And while we recognise the importance of MONA to our tourism industry, we simply cannot countenance providing them with a $50 million gift.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health and regional infrastructure, not an AFL team or a museum in Hobart.
We are going to spend every day between now and election day highlighting how we are for North, North-West and Regional Tasmania, while Labor are for Hobart.
LIBERAL NORTH, NORTH-WEST AND REGIONAL INVESTMENTS THAT LABOR OPPOSE
Senator Richard Colbeck has today called BS on Justine Keay’s claims at last night’s West Coast Candidates Forum that concerns of a retiree tax were “bullshit”.
KEAY: “The Liberal Party are going around screaming about a retiree tax. That is absolute – excuse my French – bullshit…”
“I’m calling BS on Ms Keay’s “bullshit” claim”, Senator Colbeck said.
“Ms Keay’s crude dismissal of the impact of this new tax impost on retirees is an insult to the thousands of retirees across the state who will lose money under this new tax.
“In Braddon alone, 3,700 retirees will be hit by this new Retiree Tax, punishing those who have worked hard and saved for retirement. It would also increase reliance on the Age Pension.”
“In Bass, more than 3,600 retirees will be hit by this new tax.
“Ms Keay can use all the crude language she likes, but nothing will change the fact that thousands more Tasmanians will pay higher tax as a result of Labor’s retiree tax hike”, Senator Colbeck said.
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
A re-elected Morrison Government will provide $3.5 million for the final stage of the Timberlink Bell Bay Mill upgrade, which will secure 200 jobs at the Mill, and also provide more security and an expansion capacity for the Tasmanian softwood forestry sector.
These funds will be used to purchase new state-of-the-art equipment which will ensure Tasmania’s largest timber processor is able increase yield and productivity of the Mill by being able to process smaller and less well pruned logs.
Bridget Archer said the upgrade of the Timberlink Bell Bay Mill was a key priority for the Liberals and Nationals because of the significant benefits for the George Town community.
“As the Mayor of George Town I know how important this mill is to the local community”, Ms Archer said.
“Timberlink’s Bell Bay softwood mill employs nearly 200 people and makes an economic contribution of around $150 million annually to the local community.
“As a local candidate, I am proud to have been able to deliver funding to ensure its long-term future.”
Assistant Minister Colbeck said that the Coalition is the strongest supporter of forestry in Tasmania.
“While Labor prioritises investment in an AFL team and luxury hotels in Hobart, we are investing in projects to support long-term jobs in northern and regional Tasmania.
“This upgrade will also have statewide benefits, as the softwood plantations it takes wood from for processing are located right around the state.
“It’ll also support the domestic construction sector and help reduce our reliance on imported timbers.”
Assistant Minister Colbeck said it was important to note that Timberlink have already invested more than $27 million of their own funds in their mill upgrade.
“Only the Liberals and Nationals have a proven track record when it comes to managing the Budget,” Assistant Minister Colbeck said.
“By paying down debt and growing the economy, we can afford to deliver funding for priorities in local communities such as the Timberlink Bell Bay Mill.
Today’s announcement, when combined with Our Plan for a Stronger Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Sector will help to secure Tasmania’s position as one of the world’s best timber producers.”
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
• THE LIBERALS ARE INVESTING IN NORTH, NORTH-WEST AND REGIONAL TASMANIA
• LABOR ARE ONLY FOCUSSED ON AFL AND LUXURY HOTELS IN HOBART
The Liberals are for North, North-West and Regional Tasmania.
In contrast, Labor is focussed only on Hobart, providing a $25 million gift to the AFL, and $50 million to MONA for a luxury hotel.
Worse, to pay for this, Labor are cutting $25 million from North and North-West health, and cutting $85 million from Regional Tasmanian grants.
We all love our footy and understand the value of MONA, but investing in North, North-West and Regional Tasmania is much more important.
The Liberal team can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations for a team in Hobart.
And while we recognise the importance of MONA to our tourism industry, we simply cannot countenance providing them with a $50 million gift.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health and regional infrastructure, not an AFL team or a museum in Hobart.
We are going to spend every day between now and election day highlighting how we are for North, North-West and Regional Tasmania, while Labor are for Hobart.
LIBERAL NORTH, NORTH-WEST AND REGIONAL INVESTMENTS THAT LABOR OPPOSE
Labor’s $75 million gift to the AFL & MONA is enough to fund 750 Oral Health Therapists.
We all love our footy and understand the value of MONA, but health is much more important.
The Liberal team can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations.
And while we recognise the importance of MONA to our tourism industry, we simply cannot countenance providing them with a $50 million gift.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health, not an AFL team or a museum in Hobart.
Bill Shorten needs to explain how he can claim to support health when Labor want to instead gift such a huge amount of money to the AFL.
WHAT $75 MILLION WOULD BUY IN THE HEALTH SYSTEM
The Liberal National Government has announced new measures to help provide more fishing opportunities for Tasmanians while opposing Shorten Labor’s new marine park lock outs.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources said a re-elected Liberal National Government would provide $20 million to upgrade recreational fishing and camping facilities across the country.
“We all love our fishing so our Government will provide grants under the new Fishing and Camping Program to maintain and upgrade boating, marine rescue, camping and fishing facilities such as boat ramps.
“The Liberals are the strongest supporters of rec fishing and we will also be opposing Labor’s new marine park lock ups, which would strip fishing rights from families right across Australia.
“There is a clear choice at this election: between a Liberal National Government providing more fishing opportunities for Tasmanians, or Tony Burke and Shorten Labor who have promised new marine parks to lock fishers out of the areas they have fished for generations.
Liberal Candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce said the new recreational fishing upgrades would help protect the Tasmanian way of life.
“One of the best things about our lifestyle on the North West Coast is throwing a line in with the kids or your mates, and more than one in five Tasmanians go fishing each year.
“Even if you’re a second-rate fisherman like myself, t’s great to see this support for recreational fishing because there are so many great camping and fishing spots that could do with an upgrade.
“In contrast, Shorten Labor are promising extreme green measures to massively expand marine park lock outs, which is an attack on our way of life.
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
It appears that Labor has been spooked by the ongoing furore over them cutting health in the North to fund AFL and MONA in the South, and as a result their funding announcement today is clearly rushed and cobbled-together at the last minute.
It is apparent that the vast bulk of these funds are for capital building works with no money to actually fund the operation of the beds.
In addition, the announcements appear to be at odds with the State Government’s Royal Hobart Hospital Masterplan.
And despite all that, Labor are still playing catch up with us on health – we have increased hospital funding by over 40 percent since coming to office and have announced an additional $117 million in health funding on top of that over recent months.
Only the Liberals can be trusted to put health before AFL and MONA in Hobart.
• Labor’s $75 million gift to the AFL & MONA is enough to fund 150 mammography units
We all love our footy and understand the value of MONA, but health is much more important.
The Liberal team can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations.
And while we recognise the importance of MONA to our tourism industry, we simply cannot countenance providing them with a $50 million gift.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health, not an AFL team or a museum in Hobart.
Bill Shorten needs to explain how he can claim to support health when Labor want to instead gift such a huge amount of money to the AFL.
WHAT $75 MILLION WOULD BUY IN THE HEALTH SYSTEM
EXAMPLE ONE – 780 new graduate nurses
EXAMPLE TWO – Six brand new regional hospitals
EXAMPLE THREE – More than 3,000 knee replacements
EXAMPLE FOUR – 375 new ambulances
EXAMPLE FIVE – 240 senior Emergency Department Doctors
EXAMPLE SIX – 450 paramedics for a year
EXAMPLE SEVEN – 15 new bulk billing MRI licences
EXAMPLE EIGHT – 2550 hip replacements
EXAMPLE NINE – Six brand new 15-bed community mental health facilities
EXAMPLE TEN – 12 new ambulance stations
EXAMPLE 11 – Nine years worth of flu vaccine for the entire Tasmanian population
EXAMPLE 12 – Six state-of-art Hyperbaric Chambers
EXAMPLE 13 – Over 6,000 shoulder surgeries
EXAMPLE 14 - 150 Diagnostic mammography units
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck has announced a transformative $500 million initiative for forestry at the National Forest Industries Election Debate, while opposition spokesperson Joel Fitzgibbon has floundered.
The Liberal National Government will deliver $500 million in concessional low-interest loans for Australian forestry to revolutionise the incentives to plant trees for harvest as our Government delivers on our plan to deliver a billion new trees.
The Liberal National Government will also accelerate the Regional Forestry Hub in the South West Slopes region of New South Wales to be delivered immediately along with the four initial pilot hubs, including in North West and North Tasmania.
In contrast, Mr Fitzgibbon floundered after a torrid few days where he was for returning to the Tasmanian sham forestry lock out deal, then overnight he was against it and then this afternoon he was for it.
Coming under sustained pressure from Tasmanian foresters in Launceston, Mr Fitzgibbon was completely unable to to provide industry certainty about whether Labor would rule out forest lock outs in Tasmania.
Fitzgibbon also refused to come clean on the impact Labor’s proposed Federal EPA would have on native forestry right across Australia.
At the end of the debate the choice at this election for forestry communities is clear: between a Liberal National Government driving future investment to secure the forest industry, or Shorten Labor chaos and uncertainty, who are committed to further deals with the Greens.
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Joel Fitzgibbon has flip-flopped on Labor’s plans to return to the Tasmanian Forest Agreement (TFA), commonly known as the sham forest deal.
Asked by a journalist today “So is Labor standing by the TFA?” Mr Fitzgibbon said: “Labor supports the principles of the TFA - the environmental, the economic and the social outcomes – of course.”
Despite claiming on the mainland that Labor had backed away from the sham forest lock out deal overnight, Mr Fitzgibbon is now apparently a supporter of the deal.
When pressed on it whether Labor will “guarantee that it won’t lock up more forests”, Mr Fitzgibbon refused to rule it out.
“Labor has no plans to lock up any more forests.”
It is now clear that Labor is hopelessly divided on dragging Tasmania back to sham forest lock out deal and refusing to guarantee they won’t lock up any more forests.
As suggested just this morning, it hasn’t taken Tony Burke long to rein Joel Fitzgibbon in. You can’t trust anything Mr Fitzgibbon says on this, nor Labor and the Greens on forestry in Tasmania.
This reflects the hopeless confusion among the local Labor members on the issue after the Labor National Policy Platform backed a return to the job-destroying deal for Tasmania’s native forest industry under the leadership of Environment spokesperson Tony Burke.
It is time for Labor to come clean and tell Tasmanian timber families what their secret policies for forestry lock outs really are.
Labor’s claims that after eight long years they have finally seen the light and abandoned their job-destroying forest deal simply cannot be believed.
This is nothing more than a cruel hoax and a desperate attempt to win votes prior to the election.
Tasmanians have seen this movie before - Labor say one thing before an election and then climb into bed with the Greens and suddenly decide to lock up even more of the island.
In excess of 50 per cent of Tasmania’s land mass is under reserve and yet the principles of Labor’s sham forest deal committed to further locking up 356,000ha in new permanent reserves.
It doesn’t matter what Joel Fitzgibbon says on the eve of a debate, an ongoing commitment to the TFA remains part of Labor’s Platform which was confirmed as recently as December.
We all know that it is the Greens, Tony Burke, and the Wilderness Society who are really calling the shots and a Shorten Labor/Green government will lock-up more forest just as soon as they get the chance.
At this election the choice is clear: between a Liberal team that ripped up the sham forest lock out deal and helped the industry get back on its feet, or a Labor-Green alliance hell-bent on destroying forestry jobs and once again bringing the industry to its knees.
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Labor’s $75 million gift to the AFL & MONA is enough to fund more than 6,000 shoulder surgeries.
We all love our footy and understand the value of MONA, but health is much more important.
The Liberal team can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations.
And while we recognise the importance of MONA to our tourism industry, we simply cannot countenance providing them with a $50 million gift.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health, not an AFL team or a museum in Hobart.
Bill Shorten needs to explain how he can claim to support health when Labor want to instead gift such a huge amount of money to the AFL.
WHAT $75 MILLION WOULD BUY IN THE HEALTH SYSTEM
• EXAMPLE ONE – 780 new graduate nurses
• EXAMPLE TWO – Six brand new regional hospitals
• EXAMPLE THREE – More than 3,000 knee replacements
• EXAMPLE FOUR – 375 new ambulances
• EXAMPLE FIVE – 240 senior Emergency Department Doctors
• EXAMPLE SIX – 450 paramedics for a year
• EXAMPLE SEVEN – 15 new bulk billing MRI licenses
• EXAMPLE EIGHT – 2550 hip replacements
• EXAMPLE NINE – Six brand new 15-bed community mental health facilities
• EXAMPLE TEN – 12 new ambulance stations
• EXAMPLE 11 – Nine years worth of flu vaccine for the entire Tasmanian population
• EXAMPLE 12 – Six state-of-art Hyperbaric Chambers
• EXAMPLE 13 – Over 6,000 shoulder surgeries
The production of Tasmanian timber will be more sustainable thanks to a redevelopment of the Britton Brothers sawmill and timber processing plant in Smithton, on the island’s far north-west coast.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the construction of two drying sheds along with newly-paved loading and unloading areas has vastly improved the facilities.
“The facility will supply a more consistent product to mainland and international markets thanks to the ability to control the drying conditions of 1,700 cubed metres of Tasmanian Oak and 650 cubed metres of Tasmanian Blackwood,” Mr McCormack said.
“The project has created a more sustainable sawmill with less wastage, churning out higher quality, higher value timber from the same level of fresh-cut timber, delivering an additional 165 cubed metres of saleable timber.”
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck said the project is an investment in securing the future of Tasmanian timber jobs.
“Circular Head’s forest industry and Britton’s Timbers have been creating local jobs for generations and our Government is supporting them to ensure that forestry remains part of the Tasmanian way of life,” Senator Colbeck said
“The project, which supported five jobs during construction, additionally creates five ongoing roles – two of which are roles for highly skilled kiln drying technicians.”
The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government committed $367,836 to the project under the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages. This is a $222.3 million investment to help diversify regional economies, drive economic growth and deliver sustainable employment.
The Britton Brothers Pty Ltd committed a further $367,837 to fund the project.
Ends.
Media Contact:
Mr McCormack – Colin Bettles 0447 718 781 | Dom Hopkinson 0409 421 209
Senator Colbeck – Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Labor’s $75 million gift to the AFL & MONA is enough to fund six new state-of-the-art hyperbaric chambers
We all love our footy and understand the value of MONA, but health is much more important.
The Liberal team can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations.
And while we recognise the importance of MONA to our tourism industry, we simply cannot countenance providing them with a $50 million gift.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health, not an AFL team or a museum in Hobart.
Bill Shorten needs to explain how he can claim to support health when Labor want to instead gift such a huge amount of money to the AFL.
WHAT $75 MILLION WOULD BUY IN THE HEALTH SYSTEM
Labor’s $75 million gift to the AFL & MONA is enough to fund nine years worth of flu vaccine for the entire Tasmanian population.
We all love our footy and understand the value of MONA, but health is much more important.
The Liberal team can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations.
And while we recognise the important of MONA to our tourism industry, we simply cannot countenance providing them with a $50 million gift.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health, not an AFL team or a museum in Hobart.
Bill Shorten needs to explain how he can claim to support health when Labor want to instead gift such a huge amount of money to the AFL.
WHAT $75 MILLION WOULD BUY IN THE HEALTH SYSTEM
With Labor’s announcement yesterday that they now intend to also gift $50 million to a wealthy private institution in Hobart, this now means Labor are spending a total of $75 million in taxpayer’s money on the wrong priorities in Tasmania.
$75 million will buy 780 new graduate nurses, or 240 senior Emergency Department doctors, or six brand new regional hospitals (full list below).
The Liberal team can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations.
And while we recognise the importance of MONA to our tourism industry, we simply cannot countenance providing them with a $50 million gift.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health, not an AFL team or a private museum in Hobart.
Bill Shorten needs to explain how he can claim to support health when Labor want to instead gift such a huge amount of money to the AFL.
WHAT $75 MILLION WOULD BUY IN THE HEALTH SYSTEM
A re-elected Coalition Government will not match Bill Shorten and Labor’s promise to gift $50 million to MONA, Tasmanian Liberal Senators and candidates announced today.
“There’s no doubt that David Walsh and MONA has been a boon for Tasmania but we simply cannot countenance providing a $50 million taxpayer funded gift like this”, spokesperson Senator Jonno Duniam said.
“This is a matter of priorities, and our priorities are to invest in essential services like health.”
Senator Duniam said that Labor’s announcement, on top of their promise to gift $25 million to the AFL, showed that Labor are completely out of touch with Tasmania and Tasmanians.
“First, Labor will cut $25 million from health so that that they can gift the money to the Melbourne-based AFL, now they want to literally double down on this and provide another $50 million hand-out to a wealthy private institution.
“Labor can try and dress this up how they like, but no matter what they do they can’t escape the fact that they are telling Tasmanians, loud and clear, that they prefer football and the arts to investing in health.
“Only the Coalition Government has a Plan to secure Tasmania’s future and invest in essential services like health, not Hobart-based AFL and museums.”
Labor’s $25 million gift to the AFL is enough to build four brand new ambulance stations.
We all love our footy, but health is much more important.
The Liberal team can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health, not an AFL team in Hobart.
Bill Shorten needs to explain how he can claim to support health when Labor want to instead gift such a huge amount of money to the AFL.
RUNNING LIST OF EXAMPLES
Labor’s $25 million gift to the AFL is enough to build two brand new 15-bed community mental health facilities.
We all love our footy, but health is much more important.
The Liberal team can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health, not an AFL team in Hobart.
Bill Shorten needs to explain how he can claim to support health when Labor want to instead gift such a huge amount of money to the AFL.
RUNNING LIST OF EXAMPLES
he Liberal National Government will deliver even more support for veterans to build on our record of backing our returned service personnel.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the new veterans package would include a range of measures to support, care for and commemorate our veterans.
“Our Government will also ensure veterans are able to find jobs after their service by expanding the employment program to invest $16.2 million into initiatives run by not-for-profit organisations that are supporting veterans transition into civilian employment, including SoldierOn, Team Rubicon and the RSL.
“Veterans and their families will also be able to more easily find a home and reduce the cost of living with expanded access to the Defence Home Ownership Scheme and Defence Services Homes Insurance Scheme.
“The Saluting their Service grant program will be expanded and World War II service records will be digitised so that we can better commemorate the service of our veterans and educate the next generation.
The new veterans support package will include $30 million for six new Veterans’ Wellbeing Centres that will bring together the key services for our veterans and their families.
Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) veterans will also be exempt from the “treatment cycle” requirement for exercise physiotherapy.
Liberal Candidate for Braddon, and Warrant Officer who served 20 years in the Australian Regular Army including in East Timor, Indonesia and Bougainville, Gavin Pearce welcomed the support for the veteran community.
“Tasmanians veteran families are a close knit bunch and we know how important it is that we support our mates when they return home and are looking for work and a place to call home.
“As a local RSL branch President myself I know how much of a difference this support will make for Tasmania’s ex-service personnel.”
“By offering more support to commemorate the service of our veterans we will also help educate the next generation about the sacrifices that were made for them by past generations of sailors, soldiers and airmen.”
ENDS
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Tasmania’s premier astronomy festival, TastroFest is one of 53 projects to share in over $720,000 under the Coalition Government’s 2019 National Science Week Grants.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the aim of the grants was to support science engagement activities for universities, community groups and the public.
“National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of all things science and technology and the grants go towards supporting events like TastroFest taking place across the country.
“This $20,000 grant will enable TastroFest to deliver even more amazing space content this year, including live forums with past and present astronauts in Houston.
“The Liberal National Government is a strong supporter of local science education, including delivering the $2.5 million Ulverstone Cultural Precinct, which will include a state-of-the-art planetarium.”
Liberal Candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce said this year’s TastroFest will celebrate one of the most significant events in human history.
“This year is the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing so it is the perfect opportunity to get our kids interested in science and technology.
“TastroFest is the largest astronomy festival in Australia and based in Ulverstone, so this is a fantastic opportunity for local families to explore the possibilities of science and for our kids to shoot for the stars.
“What could be more inspiring than talking to real life astronauts!”
The Coalition has invested $1.5 billion more into our science agencies compared to when Labor was last in government. Only through our Government’s strategic plan to continue boosting Australia’s economy can we continue funding our capabilities in these sectors, and help create 1.2 million more jobs over the next five years.
“The Coalition understands science plays a vital role in boosting the economy and building jobs for future generations,” said Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Karen Andrews.
National Science Week was first held in 1997 and has grown substantially, now featuring more than 2,000 events around Australia that attract children, adults, science amateurs and professionals.
This year, National Science Week is running from 10-18 August, for more information visit www.scienceweek.net.au
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
The Hon Karen Andrews MP
Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science
Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck
Liberal Senator for Tasmania
24 April 2019
National Science Week grant for TastroFest
Tasmania’s premier astronomy festival, TastroFest is one of 53 projects to share in over $720,000 under the Coalition Government’s 2019 National Science Week Grants.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the aim of the grants was to support science engagement activities for universities, community groups and the public.
“National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of all things science and technology and the grants go towards supporting events like TastroFest taking place across the country.
“This $20,000 grant will enable TastroFest to deliver even more amazing space content this year, including live forums with past and present astronauts in Houston.
“The Liberal National Government is a strong supporter of local science education, including delivering the $2.5 million Ulverstone Cultural Precinct, which will include a state-of-the-art planetarium.”
Liberal Candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce said this year’s TastroFest will celebrate one of the most significant events in human history.
“This year is the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing so it is the perfect opportunity to get our kids interested in science and technology.
“TastroFest is the largest astronomy festival in Australia and based in Ulverstone, so this is a fantastic opportunity for local families to explore the possibilities of science and for our kids to shoot for the stars.
“What could be more inspiring than talking to real life astronauts!”
The Coalition has invested $1.5 billion more into our science agencies compared to when Labor was last in government. Only through our Government’s strategic plan to continue boosting Australia’s economy can we continue funding our capabilities in these sectors, and help create 1.2 million more jobs over the next five years.
“The Coalition understands science plays a vital role in boosting the economy and building jobs for future generations,” said Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Karen Andrews.
National Science Week was first held in 1997 and has grown substantially, now featuring more than 2,000 events around Australia that attract children, adults, science amateurs and professionals.
This year, National Science Week is running from 10-18 August, for more information visit www.scienceweek.net.au
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Labor’s $25 million gift to the AFL is enough to fund 850 hip replacements.
We all love our footy, but health is much more important.
The Liberal team can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health, not an AFL team in Hobart.
Bill Shorten needs to explain how he can claim to support health when Labor want to instead gift such a huge amount of money to the AFL.
RUNNING LIST OF EXAMPLES
Labor’s $25 million gift to the AFL is enough to fund five new bulk billing MRI licences.
We all love our footy, but health is much more important.
The Liberal team can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health, not an AFL team in Hobart.
Bill Shorten needs to explain how he can claim to support health when Labor want to instead gift such a huge amount of money to the AFL.
RUNNING LIST OF EXAMPLES
Labor are cutting regional arts in Bass to help pay for their $25 million gift to the AFL, Senator Richard Colbeck and Bridget Archer, Liberal for Bass, said today.
“Last week on ABC radio*, Labor’s most senior representative in Tasmania, Julie Collins, refused to commit to funding dozens of projects across Tasmania which have recently been announced by the Coalition Government”, Senator Colbeck said.
“This includes nearly $80,000 in funding for the Junction Arts Festival, which was announced on the 29th of March.
“These projects are not promises; they are fully funded and budgeted in last year’s budget, which has passed the Parliament and which Labor voted for.”
Bridget Archer said that that Junction Arts Festival was a fantastic yearly event in Launceston and it was disgraceful that Labor were now putting their funding in doubt.
“This $80,000 will be used to fit out the Junction’s Little Devil transportable performance venue. The fit out includes portable flooring, seating, lighting, drapes for the inner shell, the stage, and a container for storage and associated external artwork”, Ms Archer said.
“We all love our footy but for Labor to threaten to cut this funding to the Junction Arts Festival – a community group – in order to give $25 million to the AFL, one of the richest sporting originations in the country, is disgraceful.
“I call on Labor’s Member for Bass to commit to stop playing political games and commit immediately to funding this important project.”
*Julie Collins MHR, Leon Compton Statewide Mornings, 18/4/19.
ENDS
Federal Labor Leader Bill Shorten appears to have been airbrushed from the Tasmanian Federal election campaign.
This follows revelations in today’s Australian newspaper* that Mr Shorten has been airbrushed from Labor’s election material right around the country.
“Today is Day 12 of the campaign and we are yet to see Bill in Tasmania”, Senator Richard Colbeck said.
“We’ve already seen Mr Shorten airbrushed from Labor’s election material - including that of Braddon member Justine Keay – now it seems he’s been airbrushed from the campaign entirely.
“So far this campaign Mr Shorten has been to every other State in the country – he’s even been to the Northern Territory – but not to Tasmania.
“You can only draw the conclusion that Labor’s backroom operators have come to the conclusion that Mr Shorten is incredibly unpopular, and they are trying to hide his new taxes, reckless spending, and $25 million gift to the AFL”, Senator Colbeck concluded.
ENDS
Labor’s $25 million gift to the AFL is enough to fund 150 paramedics for a year.
We all love our footy, but health is much more important.
The Liberal team can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health, not an AFL team in Hobart.
Bill Shorten needs to explain how he can claim to support health when Labor want to instead gift such a huge amount of money to the AFL.
RUNNING LIST OF EXAMPLES
Bill Shorten is arrogantly taking Tasmania for granted.
Today is Day 10 of the election campaign but he has yet to come to Tasmania or show any serious interest in the State.
Mr Shorten arrogantly thinks he has got Tasmanian seats in the bag, and that he doesn’t need to pay Tasmanian voters the respect they deserve.
Could it be that Mr Shorten is avoiding Tasmania because he doesn’t want to explain why Labor wants to gift $25 million to the AFL rather than investing in our health system, where it's really needed?
Labor’s $25 million gift to the AFL is enough to fund 80 senior ER doctors for a year
We all love our footy, but health is much more important.
The Liberal team can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health, not an AFL team in Hobart.
Bill Shorten needs to explain how he can claim to support health when Labor want to instead gift such a huge amount of money to the AFL.
RUNNING LIST OF EXAMPLES
Tasmanian Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck has welcomed employment figures released today by the ABS.
“The Liberals have a clear plan to deliver on three key areas – health, protecting the Tasmanian way of life and jobs. Today’s figures show that under this government 17,000 jobs have been created in Tasmania. On average, that’s more than eight new jobs created each and every day since Labor was booted out in 2013,” Senator Colbeck said.
“Since the last election in July 2016, we have worked closely with the State Government to create 11,500 new jobs and we have a clear plan to create even more jobs if we are re-elected on 18 May.
“A re-elected Morrison Government will invest more into health, primary industries, infrastructure and our vital tourism sector. All of these areas are driving jobs growth and our plan will see them contribute even more jobs to the Tasmanian economy. The difference between Labor and the Liberals is that when we say we will create jobs – we mean it and we deliver.
“Tasmania cannot afford to go back to the bad days of a federal Labor government, when the Tasmanian unemployment rate was around 8 per cent, there were more people on welfare, and the Tasmanian economy was hit by recession. Labor can’t manage money and they can’t manage the economy. When Labor can’t manage money, they come after yours.”
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Tasmanian Liberal Senator, Richard Colbeck, has slammed Labor for leaving Tasmanians hanging over regional grants.
Senator Colbeck said the Morrison Government has recently announced millions of dollars-worth of funding for regional Tasmania, but it’s clear now that Labor has a secret plan to cancel those grants and abandon communities right around the State.
“Last time Labor was in power they shut down the forestry industry and Tasmania’s regional communities were cut off at the knees. Now that Labor’s secret plan to rip millions out of regional Tasmania has been exposed it looks like they’re trying to do it all again,” Senator Colbeck said.
“These projects are not promises; they are fully funded and budgeted in last year’s budget, which has passed the Parliament and which Labor voted for.
“On ABC radio today, senior Labor MP Julie Collins refused to commit to fund these vital projects. That means that vital projects including the following are at risk if Labor are elected:
1. $2.1 million for the Georges Bay Multi-Use Track
2. $6 million for the Pembroke Park upgrade in Sorell
3. $3.5 million for Railton Flood Mitigation works
4. $4.4 million for the George Town Mountain Bike Trail Network
5. $75,000 for upgrades at the Wynyard Golf Club
6. $650,000 to upgrade the Early Childhood Education and Care Facility on King Island
“And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are plenty more projects that Labor wants to cut.
”Is Labor planning to cut these grants in order to pay for their $25 million gift to the AFL?”, Senator Colbeck said.
“Labor should be ashamed that it’s trying to steal this money from regional communities to pay for their warped priorities.”
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Labor’s $25 million gift to the AFL is enough to purchase 125 new ambulances.
The Tasmanian Liberal Team strongly supports Tasmania having our own an AFL team, but we can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health, not an AFL team in Hobart.
Labor MPs and candidates need to explain how they can claim to support health when they want to instead gift such a huge amount of money to the AFL.
RUNNING LIST OF EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE ONE – 260 new graduate nurses
EXAMPLE TWO – Two brand new regional hospitals
EXAMPLE THREE – More than 1,000 knee replacements
EXAMPLE FOUR – 125 new ambulances
Labor’s $25 million gift to the AFL is enough to replace more than 1,000 knees.
The Tasmanian Liberal Team strongly supports Tasmania having our own an AFL team, but we can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health, not an AFL team in Hobart.
Labor MPs and candidates need to explain how they can claim to support health when they want to instead gift such a huge amount of money to the AFL.
RUNNING LIST OF EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE ONE – 260 new graduate nurses
EXAMPLE TWO – two brand new regional hospitals
EXAMPLE THREE – More than 1,000 knee replacements
Labor’s $25 million gift to the AFL is enough to build two brand new regional hospitals, just like the new St Helens Hospital
The Tasmanian Liberal Team strongly supports Tasmania having our own an AFL team, but we can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations.
We think that precious taxpayer funds should be spent on essential services such as health, not an AFL team in Hobart.
Labor MPs and candidates need to explain how they can claim to support health when they want to instead gift such a huge amount of money to the AFL.
RUNNING LIST OF EXAMPLES
Australian energy, seafood and marine environment industries are set to benefit from a $70 million grant from the Morrison Government.
The funding is to set up a new Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre to bring together national and international expertise in aquaculture, marine renewable energy and marine engineering as part of a collaborative effort between industry, researchers and the community.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said that the Blue Economy CRC, which will be headquartered at the University of Tasmania in Launceston, would develop innovative and sustainable offshore industries to increase Australian seafood and offshore renewable energy production.
“The Liberal National Government has undertaken to double the current value of our aquaculture industry to $2 billion a year by 2027 through the National Aquaculture Strategy.
“The activities and outcomes of the CRC will directly address a number of key priority areas identified in the strategy - our aim is to improve the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries.
“The CRC Program is a proven model of industry and research cooperation that produces impressive commercial results.
The Blue Economy CRC will focus on five key areas identified by industry: Offshore Engineering and Technology, Seafood and Marine Products, Offshore Renewable Energy Systems, the Environment and Ecosystems and Sustainable Offshore Developments.
It will provide for 50 Postdoctoral fellowships and 50 PhDs across the five research areas to train cross-discipline specialist scientist and engineers unique to the aquaculture, offshore renewable energy and engineering sectors.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the Blue Economy CRC would leverage one of Tasmania’s key competitive advantages.
“As an island state with strong research capacity, we are globally competitive when it comes to marine-based industries and this new initiative supports jobs across Tasmania.
“The CRC will create 100 high-level research, science and engineering jobs in the state and is already set to attract an additional $258 million of investment in Tasmania’s economy from world-class companies and institutions.”
The CRC, which has national and international partners, has generated more than $258 million in cash and in-kind contributions from participants to add to the $70 million grant, which will be paid over 10 years.
Around $747.9 million in funding has been committed CRCs since the Liberal National Government came into office in 2013 and this latest funding further builds on our commitment to strengthening Australian industry, strengthening our economic growth and helping to create 1.25 million jobs in the next five years.
Marine-based industries, widely referred to as the ‘Blue Economy’, service a sector that provides over 390,000 jobs.
The Coalition Government continues to make significant investments in science, research and innovation – smart, strategic investments that will deliver stable support for our researchers and entrepreneurs across the coming decade.
The CRC Program is competitive and merit-based. For more information visit www.business.gov.au/crc
Tasmania’s stunning Freycinet National Park is set for a facelift with a $7.2 million funding injection from the Liberal-National Government for tourism infrastructure upgrades.
Federal Minister for Tourism Simon Birmingham said the Freycinet National Park was a “must-see” attraction for domestic and international tourists, with three quarters of visitors to Tasmania’s East Coast region making a stop there.
“Freycinet National Park is one of Tasmania’s fastest growing tourism destinations, with visitation increasing at an average of 14 per cent per annum over the past five years,” Minister Birmingham said.
“Tasmania has a much stronger economy now than when we were elected and this investment will keep creating more tourism jobs and businesses opportunities in Tasmania.
“We know Wineglass Bay is one Tasmania’s most iconic tourism hotspots and is major drawcard to the state for thousands of tourists each year, and we want all visitors to have a memorable time when they’re exploring all that the Peninsula has to offer.
“This additional funding will create new transport infrastructure to reduce congestion and support the development of new shelters, lookouts and walkways throughout the National Park as well showcase the Freycinet’s rich Indigenous heritage.
“We want tourists exploring Freycinet National Park, whether it be trekking to the Wineglass Bay lookout, lazing on the numerous white-sandy beaches or taking in the breathtaking pink granite peaks to have access to the best possible amenities that enhances their experience.
"Tourists to the East Coast already spend $185 million each year and this infrastructure boost will ensure the quality of the visitor experience remains at the highest level and helps attract even more people to the region, supporting local businesses and tourism jobs.
“Tourism is a major contributor to the Tasmanian economy with domestic and international visitors spending a whopping $3 billion last year, injecting millions into regional areas and that’s why the Liberal-National Government is backing the state through investment in vital tourism infrastructure.”
These new infrastructure upgrades form part of the Freycinet Peninsula Master Plan with the funding allocation including:
Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the $7.2 million Commonwealth contribution to Wineglass Bay tourism infrastructure would be a transformative investment for the East Coast.
“Freycinet has become one of the most recognised images of Tasmania globally and its popularity has placed enormous pressure on the existing infrastructure.
“The $7.2 million from the Commonwealth will significantly upgrade the infrastructure and importantly add to the existing experience with new interpretive information.
“Freycinet is also a popular destination for Tasmanians – easing the congestion at the car park and on walking tracks will contribute to locals’ continued enjoyment of the Tasmanian way of life.”
Liberal Candidate for Lyons Jessica Whelan said the investment would support East Coast jobs and build a stronger economy.
“Freycinet is the jewel in the crown of the East Coast visitor economy with 310,000 people visiting last year so improving the visitor experience will help support jobs for East Coast locals.
“I am delighted to see our Government prioritise job-creating infrastructure upgrades on the East Coast.
“It will take the pressure off existing infrastructure and also help locals and visitors connect more with the indigenous heritage of the region.”
This funding is part of the Liberal-National Government’s $50 million National Tourism Icons package announced in the Budget for vital tourism infrastructure and upgrades at iconic destinations across Australia.
ENDS
Media Contacts
Benn Ayre: +61 428 342 325
Felix Ellis: +61 457 517 734
Labor’s $25 million gift to the AFL would employ 260 graduate nurses for a year.
The Tasmanian Liberal Team strongly supports Tasmania having our own an AFL team, but we can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations.
It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health, not an AFL team in Hobart.
Labor MPs and candidates need to explain how they can claim to support health when they want to instead gift such a huge amount of money to the AFL.
Media contact Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
A re-elected Coalition Government will not match Bill Shorten and Labor’s promise to gift $25 million to the AFL for a Tasmanian AFL Team, Tasmanian Liberal Senators and candidates announced today.
“The Tasmanian Liberal Team strongly supports Tasmania having our own an AFL team, we are after all, AFL heartland”, Senator Richard Colbeck said.
“But we can’t and won’t support a $25 million handout from the taxpayer to one of Australia’s richest sporting organisations.
“It is our view that precious taxpayer funds should instead be spent on essential services such as health, not an AFL team in Hobart.”
Senator Colbeck said that the Federal team commended the Tasmanian Liberal Government for their work leading the charge for a Tasmanian team, and said a re-elected federal Coalition Government would strongly support that cause.
“However, it is our view that it is time for AFL to pony up, not only with an AFL licence for Tasmania, but also the funds to support it.
“Every year the AFL gives tens of millions to the Gold Coast Suns and Western Sydney – there is no reason why they cannot also financially support a Tasmanian team.
“The federal budget is not a magic pudding like Labor seems to think.
“Spending taxpayers’ money is about choosing the right priorities, and our priority is health, not spending $25 million on an AFL team.”
A package of initiatives supporting training, workforce planning and employment will help hundreds of people in North-West Tasmania thanks to an Australian Government investment of $3.15 million.
The North-West Package signed by Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education, Senator Michaelia Cash and Tasmanian Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Jeremy Rockliff MP, aims to meet existing and emerging skills needs in the region.
Among the initiatives are programs to increase pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships in construction trades, a scholarships pilot program offering $2000 grants to 200 apprentices and new training materials to support the development of skills in the agri-tourism sector.
Minister Cash said the investment in North-West Tasmania will help reinvigorate the region and put young people on the path to meaningful and rewarding work.
“There is considerable potential in North-West Tasmania and investing wisely in training and apprenticeships can help realise that potential and deliver benefits to local communities,” Minister Cash said.
“Tasmania already has a strong vocational education and training (VET) sector and one of the highest training participation rates, including more than one in five 18-24 year olds in government funded VET programs.
“The Australian Government is committed to helping students transition from school into training and then into work so we’re focused on delivering more school based apprenticeships, through collaboration with local employers and schools.
“We want to see local industry grow and flourish and helping students in the North-West gain the skills that will get them into work, and allow businesses to grow.”
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said creating the skills package known as the Job Ready Generation Fund delivered on a commitment from the Braddon by-election.
“Our Government committed to the Job Ready Generation Fund during the Braddon by-election because building a strong economy means more jobs in North West Tasmania and the need for more skilled workers.
“Only the Liberal National Government is delivering on the commitments made during the by-election and this demonstrates once again that we are a Government that keeps our promises.”
Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the plan will ensure we underpin the booming agricultural developments in the region with targeted investment in training activity.
“High quality skills means businesses have job-ready apprentices and can take advantage of Tasmania’s strong economy.
“We know small businesses are the engine room of the local economy, we are listening to what industry needs are we are delivering.
“The Hodgman Liberal Government will keep the North West and the whole of Tasmania growing and open to investment.” Mr Rockliff said.
The $3.15 million comes on top of the $750,000 provided by the Australian Government in 2018 for the purchase of five mobile welding simulators that are being used to support advanced welding training in North-West Tasmania through the Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council.
Media contacts: Minister Cash – Jessica Cole 0417 220 338
Deputy Premier Rockliff – Trent Dann 0411 501 643
Senator Richard Colbeck – Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck has announced that Burnie will be the home of a new Training Hub to support jobs opportunities for young people in the region.
“Funding of $58 million has been delivered in the Budget for ten new Training Hubs and I am delighted to announce that Burnie will be the location of one of those Training Hubs.
“The North West Coast has major job opportunities coming online with the Battery of the Nation and other projects and our Government is delivering support for young people to gain the skills required for these new jobs.
“Intergenerational and youth unemployment is still too high in North West Tasmania and this Burnie Training Hub will help combat that by supporting skills training for young people.
“Delivering a stronger economy has meant a record 100,000 new jobs for young people in Australia in the last year and this new Training Hubs plan will ensure that even more opportunities are available for young people in our region.”
Liberal Candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce welcomed the Liberal National Government's decision to deliver a new training hub in Burnie as a big win for the region.
“I am delighted that Burnie will host a Training Hub to deliver specific training opportunities for our next generation on the North West Coast.
“Senator Colbeck and I have been fighting hard for a Training Hub in Burnie since the program was announced in the Budget and I am very pleased to have delivered.
“The North West Coast has competitive advantages in agriculture, forestry, mining, energy and advanced manufacturing and this Training Hub will help train our young people to take on skilled jobs in those areas and others.”
Young people, aged 15-24, in the hub areas will also be eligible to apply for a scholarship to undertake an eligible VET Approved Program of Study.
Four hundred scholarships, valued at up to $17,500 each, will be made available from Certificate III to Advanced Diploma level.
The Hubs will also strengthen partnerships between local schools, employers and industries, and ensure that vocational education programs are tailored to meet local workforce needs and skills demands.
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Read MoreThe Liberal National Government has contracted the funding for the four initial pilot Regional Forestry Hubs as part of our National Forest Industries Plan – delivering this important element of the National Forest Industries Plan
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, said the Hubs will support growth in the industry, leading to more jobs in South West Western Australia, North and North West Tasmania, North East New South Wales and the Green Triangle region.
“The Liberal National Government has now signed agreements with each of the initial pilot hubs, with $1 million to be allocated to each pilot hub over four years.
The Hubs are a central part of our National Forest Industries Plan to plant a billion new plantation trees over the next decade, with a focus on the right trees, at the right scale, in the right places.
Agreements have been signed with host agencies: Bunbury Geographe Economic Alliance (BGEA) (South West Western Australian Hub), Tasmanian Forests & Forest Products Network (TFFPN) for North and North West Tasmania, Timber NSW (for year 1) for North East New South Wales and Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub for the Green Triangle hub.
“North East NSW pilot hub, through Timber NSW, will receive $250,000 for the first year as the Hub establishes a new representative body to drive future collaboration and investment, with the new body to then receive the committed funds for the Hub in due course.
“The World Bank has identified that global demand for timber will quadruple by 2050, driven in part by new products like cross laminated timber (CLT) and Cyrene, which are providing renewable alternatives to concrete, steel and petroleum.
“The Regional Forestry Hubs are about removing the barriers to growth in the industry and focusing on maximising the competitive advantages of our traditional forestry regions.
“Securing the future of Regional Forestry Hubs will help secure the future of forest industry and I look forward to rolling out the additional Hubs from 2020.
More information on the National Forest Industries Plan, including the pilot Regional Forestry Hubs, is available at: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/forestry/national-forest-industries-plan.pdf
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Read MoreThe Coalition Government is investing $647,726 to deliver employment engagement, alcohol and other drug, youth mental health and cultural education services in Circular Head.
Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion said that everything the Coalition had delivered since coming to office was delivered in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and designed to help close the gap in disadvantage between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
“We have ensured that the priorities and needs of Indigenous communities have been at the centre of the Coalition Government’s $5 billion Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS).
“Importantly, 60% of the organisations we are funding are Indigenous organisations, compared to only 30% at the start of the IAS. We are committed to this because we know Indigenous organisations are best placed to deliver these services and are more likely to employ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the three grants to Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation (CHAC) would deliver important services for people in the local area.
“The Community Capacity Building Project delivers $120,000 to encourage employment engagement and participation among indigenous people in Circular Head, as well as cultural education for the next generation.
“The Reduced Substance Misuse and Harm Project will deliver $197,726 for alcohol and other drug awareness, education, referral and support services.
“The Health, Wellbeing and Resilience Project will provide $330,000 for intervention and prevention of mental health issues for indigenous young people between the age of 12 and 24, particularly those affected by domestic violence.”
Liberal Candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce welcomed the support for the Circular Head indigenous community.
“CHAC are real leaders in our community and do excellent work serving indigenous people in Circular Head, particularly on their youth, and alcohol and other drug services.
“Young people are our community’s greatest assets and we stand ready to provide them with job readiness, drug, health and education services when they need a helping hand.”
Media enquiries: Minister Scullion – Brett Chant, 0477 744 614
Senator Colbeck – Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
Read MoreA $9.9 million Economic and Community Recovery Package is being made available to support communities affected by the Tasmanian bushfires.
Funding for the Package is being provided through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Minister for Emergency Management and North Queensland Recovery Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the bushfires had a significant impact on communities, infrastructure and essential services, disrupting community activities in the Central Highlands, Derwent Valley, Huon Valley and West Coast local government areas.
“The bushfires struck during Tasmania’s peak summer tourism season which had an immediate impact on tourism and the local economy,” Minister Reynolds said.
“This assistance package includes funding to promote tourism, support businesses and repair damaged recreation and community facilities.
“The Commonwealth and Tasmanian governments are working closely to support affected communities with their recovery.”
Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman said the Economic and Community Recovery Package would support longer term community and economic recovery initiatives in the fire affected regions.
“This assistance package will play an important role in social and economic recovery, which is crucial to the health and wellbeing of the Tasmanian community,” Premier Hodgman said.
“It will support businesses to restructure, diversify and reposition themselves, and enable the promotion of tourism opportunities in the target regions.
“It will also fund the restoration and reinstatement of Parks and Wildlife Service assets and infrastructure, which will help the economic recovery of local communities which rely on these parks for tourism and visitors.”
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Senator Richard Colbeck said communities were still dealing with the impacts of this bushfire season.
“These bushfires have had a devastating impact on local communities and businesses, affecting the ability for individuals to earn a living,” Assistant Minister Colbeck said.
“For the sake of local jobs, the important message is that the affected regions are now well and truly open for visitors and business alike.”
The Package will also provide dedicated Community and Economic Recovery Officers who will work with affected businesses and local communities, a grants program and a range of social recovery initiatives to meet an urgent need for improved support networks in fire affected areas.
The $9.9 million Economic and Community Recovery Package is in addition to the range of assistance already made available under the DRFA to help affected individuals, families, small businesses and local councils with their recovery from the bushfires.
More information about these initiatives will be made available in due course.
Media contacts:
Nicky Hamer 0437 989 927 (Minister Reynolds)
Andrew Hudgson 0439 083 275 (Premier Hodgman)
Felix Ellis 0457 517 734 (Assistant Minister Colbeck
Read MoreThe Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, and Chair of the PZJA, Senator the Hon. Richard Colbeck said the legislation has always provided for non-Traditional trainers to be included as part of community fishing, but it is timely to provide an opportunity for the community to be consulted on the role of Developmental Permits in increasing access to fisheries by Traditional Inhabitants.
“The PZJA continues to acknowledge and support the aspirations of Traditional Inhabitants for 100 per cent ownership of access to commercial fisheries, and we want to be confident that the
Developmental Permit arrangements are contributing to this goal,” said Senator Colbeck
The Chair of the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), Pedro Stephen, said training for the future employment of young Indigenous people in these fisheries is intertwined with ownership aspirations and access to Torres Strait fishery resources.
“Developmental Permits were established to create opportunities for Traditional fishers to be trained and supported as they entered the industry,” said Mr Stephen.
It is expected the review will lead to the creation of detailed criteria, against which any future applications for Developmental Permits will be assessed. These criteria must also lead to relevant permit conditions so the use of these permits can continue to be assessed to ensure they deliver their intended purpose of training.
The TSRA will lead the review of how to best use the Developmental Permits and it is expected this will be concluded by around September 2019.
The PZJA has agreed it will not consider any further applications for training under Developmental Permits, until new arrangements are established, following the review.
The PZJA also discussed a number of key developments in the management of Torres Strait fisheries, including the release for consultation of draft Harvest Strategies, and total allowable catches for Spanish mackerel and reef line species.
The PZJA is comprised of the Chair of the Torres Strait Regional Authority, the Commonwealth Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources and the Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries.
Further information on the outcomes of the PZJA meeting can be found on www.pzja.gov.au.
Media contacts
Torres Strait Regional Authority: Bruce Nelson, at Zakazukha, 0423 403 449 bruce@zakazukha.com
Assistant Minister Colbeck: Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
Minister Furner: Ron Goodman, 0427 781 920
Read MoreThe Australian Liberal National Government and the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s jointly funded Launceston centre of the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation (NIFPI) will deliver eight new cutting edge forestry research projects.
Federal Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck said that the projects identified will receive $4.2 million in support from Federal and State Governments and industry.
“The Launceston NIFPI was an election commitment of our Government and this is the second round of projects which will have a transformational effect on many aspects of Australia’s forest industry,” Minister Colbeck said.
“This second round has a number of research projects which will cut the waste and develop lean supply chains to make Australia’s forest industries even more competitive in the global marketplace.
“These projects will create more jobs by improving the way we process shorter logs, manage timber moisture, damage and discolouration and demonstrate durability in commercially relevant timeframes.”
Tasmanian Minister for Resources Sarah Courtney said some projects would make a major difference for the local industry.
“The successful applicants demonstrate the type of innovation that is occurring across the forest industry, such as improving the quality of plantation timber and developing supply chain efficiency,” Minister Courtney said.
“Tasmania’s foresters face some unique challenges and the Launceston NIFPI will be delivering specific projects to benefit our State, including a feasibility study into a wood pellet industry in Tasmania, which has the potential to complement the Government’s southern forests initiatives.
“The value-adding of lower grade forest resources into products such as bio-fuel pellets could lead to major private investment and job-creation in Tasmania.”
More information on the National Institute of Forest Products Innovation can be found here: https://nifpi.org.au/
The Australian and Western Australian Governments have signed the landmark 20 year extension of the Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) for the south-west forest region of Western Australia (WA RFA).
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck said that the improvements and extension to the RFA provides long term confidence in the sustainable management of Western Australia’s forests, including securing the future of the forest industry.
“The extended WA RFA will continue to deliver the right balance of economic, social and environmental outcomes for WA’s forests,” Minister Colbeck said.
“This twenty year extension includes five year reviews to provide ongoing confidence and monitoring of forest management practices, and a stable investment environment for Western Australia’s $1.4 billion forest and forest products industry.
“This is a critical agreement which builds on similar agreements already signed with Tasmania and New South Wales and delivers on our election promises.
“Forest management within the RFA region provides for the sustainable co-existence of forest-based industries (including timber production) and biodiversity outcomes.
“The south-west has a proud history of generations of foresters, and the WA RFA means that the next generation will have the opportunity to work in our sustainable forest industry too.”
Since the WA RFA was signed, the area of forest in reserves has increased by 52 per cent and over one million hectares of forest is now protected. It also protects important environmental assets and threatened species.
The extension offers a modernised approach to forest management through greater transparency, outcomes-focused reporting and long-term sustainability of a truly renewable industry.
Media contact COLBECK: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Fast facts:
• In Western Australia there are around 6,000 jobs in the forestry and wood products industry
• Valued at $1.4 billion, Western Australia’s forest and forest products industry sector makes a significant contribution to both the Australian economy and many regional and rural economies
• Nationally, the sales and service income of Australia’s forest product industries amounted to over $23 billion in 2016-17, and provides more than 50,000 jobs
Read MoreA new survey launched today will help build a better understanding of the demographics, attitudes and social and economic contribution of Australian recreational fishers.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Senator Richard Colbeck said the survey would provide a clearer picture of one of Australia’s most loved past times.
"Recreational fishing ranges from families taking their kids fishing once a year on the family holiday, to avid fishers who fish hundreds of days using equipment worth tens of thousands of dollars,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The 12 month survey launched today will provide us with a better understanding of rec fishers across Australia including where they fish, how often they fish, what motivates them and what is important to their experience.
“This will be an important tool in continuing to adapt Australia’s world-class fisheries management practices to the needs and impact of our rec fishers.
“This data-driven approach stands in stark contrast to the anti-science, anti-rec fishing marine parks lock-ups proposed by Tony Burke and Labor.
“The last national recreational fishing survey was undertaken in 2001—18 years ago and much has changed in that time.
“This study will make use of new online techniques to survey the Australian population, and aims to address many of the shortcomings of typical online survey methods.
“The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources is working with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARES) and the University of Canberra to implement the survey.
“ABARES and the University of Canberra have developed a methodology which reduces the cost of running these surveys, while maintaining the robustness required by the Australian Government.
“We must continue to balance the social and economic considerations of recreational fishing with the need to ensure the sustainable management of Australia’s fisheries for the benefit of all Australians.”
Read MoreThe Liberal National Government is investing an additional $6.3 million for new residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment facilities and services on the North West Coast.
The new residential facilities will build on the important work done by the City Mission at their Serenity House project at Sulphur Creek, and provide more options for those in need of assistance in the Smithton and Circular Head region.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the Government is committed to supporting Australian communities in their fight against substance abuse.
“We continue to invest strongly in drug and alcohol services in North West Tasmania,” Minister Hunt said.
“Alcohol and drug misuse affects not just the individuals involved, but the people and communities around them.”
“Rehabilitation services are crucial to enable people with substance problems to get their lives back on track.”
This funding comes in addition to the recently delivered $4.8 million North West Mental Health Package, which was a commitment made during the Braddon by-election.
Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the new $6.3 million investment would include the construction of new facilities in Burnie and the establishment of much needed services in Smithton together with operational funding for three years.
“City Mission has identified a need to deliver additional services to the North West and this funding will mean a new Serenity House with 10 beds in a new $2.5 million purpose-built facility.” Senator Colbeck said.
“There is also a need to expand the reach of drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation to the Circular Head region, with the Commonwealth providing $600,000 in seed funding to establish a new 8 bed facility in Smithton which will provide important capacity into the health system.”
Liberal for Braddon Gavin Pearce welcomed the additional investment in these health services in the North West.
“I know alcohol and other drug abuse is an issue for the region and it is something I’ve been speaking about with the Senator,” Mr Pearce said.
“Drug misuse, including the use of ice, can be devastating for our communities.
“I’m pleased the Liberal National Government is building on its record to provide $6.3m for the facilities and services to help vulnerable people and their families who are seeking help to beat addiction in the North West.”
The Liberal Nation Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued record investment into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.
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Read MoreSpokesperson for the Tasmanian Liberal Senate Team, Senator Richard Colbeck, said Tasmanians now had a clear choice between a Liberal Plan for more jobs and a secure future with lower taxes and a Labor agenda for higher taxes.
“Tasmanians know the Budget is not a magic pudding – higher spending and bigger surpluses are too good to be true, it simply doesn’t add up.
“Labor only have a plan for higher taxes.
“Bill Shorten is so out of touch with Tasmania, his headline project was funding the Bridgewater Bridge – a project already funded in last year’s Budget.
“Tasmanians have seen this before from Labor – when Labor runs out of money, they always come after yours.
“Bill Shorten’s claim of a Labor surplus is about as credible as Wayne Swan’s four separate surplus promises – Australia will only see a surplus if Bill Shorten never becomes Prime Minister.
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Read MoreThe 2019-20 Budget is the next stage of the Morrison Government’s plan to build a stronger economy and secure a better future for all Australians.
Senator for Tasmania and Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Richard Colbeck, said the Budget delivers the first surplus in more than a decade, creates more jobs, lowers taxes and guarantees essential services like schools, hospitals and roads.
“After more than a decade of deficits, this budget forecasts a surplus of $7.1 billion in 2019-20 – a
$55.5 billion turnaround from the deficit we inherited seven years ago,” Senator Colbeck said.
The Government’s strong budget management allows us to invest in lower taxes and essential services for Tasmania, including:
“This Budget is about easing cost of living pressures, guaranteeing essential services and building new congestion busting infrastructure to ensure families in Tasmania can get home easier and safer,” said Senator Colbeck.
“This is all possible because of the Morrison Government’s strong economic and budget management.”
“The Government’s total commitment to transport infrastructure projects in Tasmania is now up to $2.8 billion from 2013-14.”
The Budget also locks in funding for the Hobart City Deal, and $56 million to accelerate delivery of the Marinus Link – a proposed second interconnector with the mainland.
Specific measures funded in the budget for Tasmania include:
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Read MoreThe Liberal National Government is expanding the cancer treatment capacity at the North West Regional Hospital cancer centre with a $4.4 million investment in a new linear accelerator (LINAC).
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Liberal National Government continues to deliver on its record of additional health services for patients and families in North West Tasmania.
“Our Government is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring all Australians have access to the critical health services that we all rely on,” Minister Hunt said.
“This means more services for more patients in the North West – an area sadly disproportionately affected by cancer.”
“The North West Regional Hospital cancer centre was built with a $25 million investment from our Government and we are dedicated to ensuring its capacity grows to meet demand.”
“This latest announcement will help save lives and improve patient care.”
“By delivering our plan for a strong economy we can make investments in projects like the North West Regional Hospital cancer centre that Tasmanians want and need.”
Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the additional LINAC machine would be a significant benefit to local families managing a cancer diagnosis.
“LINAC machines are vital pieces of technology in the treatment of cancer because they are utilised for many indications and allow doctors to target cancer cells while protecting the surrounding healthy tissue.”
“The cancer centre design was future-proofed with an additional bunker built to accommodate a second LINAC because we were conscious of the growing need for this kind of health service.”
Liberal for Braddon Gavin Pearce said the ability to access a cancer treatment closer to home would make a big difference to North West families.
“I lost my wife to cancer suddenly and at a young age so I am passionate about ensuring our community has access to the best cancer treatment available – after all, every Tasmanian has a cancer story.”
“Travel takes a heavy toll on cancer patients and families, so it is critical for their wellbeing that we minimise the need for people to travel to the major cities,” Mr Pearce said.
The Liberal National Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued investment of record funding into vital health initiatives including drug and alcohol treatment, mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.
ENDS
Read MorePatients in Devonport and throughout the North West will now be able to access lifesaving scans for cancer, stroke, heart and other medical conditions, with the Liberal National Government announcing a new MRI licence for Regional Imaging in Devonport.
This MRI licence means locals will be able to access a Medicare rebate for an estimated 3,354 services a year – saving lives and reducing the costs for patients.
An MRI is a commonly used medical scan which gives a detailed view of the soft tissues of the body such as muscles, ligaments, brain tissue, discs and blood vessels.
It is used by doctors to diagnose and monitor a number of different medical conditions including cancer and trauma or sporting injuries.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said delivering the new Devonport MRI licence would be a major boost health services in the North West.
“This is an exciting new investment in Medicare-supported health services in the region because it will reduce travel times for patients and deliver affordable healthcare choices for families.
“By delivering a strong economy, the Liberal National Government is able to invest in new health infrastructure and services for North West Tasmanians.”
Liberal candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce welcomed the new MRI licence for Devonport.
“I am very pleased to get this result for Devonport – it is something I have been publicly fighting for because Devonport was the last major Tasmanian population centre without an MRI.
“I lost my wife suddenly and at a young age to cancer so I am glad to see that families in the region will have even better access to Medicare-supported MRI scans and health services in our local area.”
Patients will receive the Medicare-covered MRI services once the unit is established.
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Liberal National Government is helping Australians stay healthy and keeping down the cost of healthcare for families.
“Our plan for a strong economy means we continue to deliver record funding for essential services such as Medicare, public hospitals and life-saving medicines,” Minister Hunt said.
“Not only will our new Medicare support ensure patients get better treatment and save money, it will also cut down the amount of time patients travel to get a scan.”
“Our investment in MRI licences of over $375 million over the forward estimates for 50 new locations around the country delivers on the Government’s commitment to improve access and outcomes for patients.”
“Unlike Labor we have also committed to reduce the cost for patients by indexing targeted diagnostic imaging services including mammography, fluoroscopy, CT scans and interventional procedures.”
“Under the Liberal National Government, Medicare spending is guaranteed and increasing every year from $24 billion in 2017–18 to $28.8 billion in 2021–22 to support health care for every Australian.”
“The Government is committed to delivering improved health services which includes increased hospital funding with an extra $8 billion for hospitals taking it to $29.5 billion over five years,” Minister Hunt said.
The Liberal National Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued record investment of funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.
Read MoreThe Liberal National Government has today announced the $32 million investment so that breast cancer patients can have life-saving scans covered under Medicare, saving patients up to $1,500 a scan.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck welcomed the announcement as a major boost for breast cancer patients in North West Tasmania.
“Today I announced that our Government is delivering a new Medicare-supported MRI licence for Devonport, which means that now all major population centres in Tasmania have access to Medicare-supported MRI scans.
“By extending this support to women in our community suffering breast cancer we will help ease the financial pressure on families during their illness.
“This is what can be done by delivering a strong economy – our Government is extending more services to more patients and taking the pressure off families.
Liberal Candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce welcomed the announcement as excellent news for the North West.
“As a community we know all too well the hardship of cancer diagnoses in the family, a tragic experience I have had in my own family.
“This new investment will save local patients $1,500 per scan, which will make a massive difference to family Budgets.
“I note that last year the Australian Government also delivered life-saving support for breast cancer medication Kisquali, which will save patients $71,000 a year.
“I welcome the support for breast cancer patients and I hope it goes some way to easing financial difficulties for North West, West Coast and King Island families at what is already a difficult time.”
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Read MoreResidents of North West Tasmania received a major road safety boost today with the Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government announcing it will invest $885,000 toward three projects under the 2019–20 Black Spot Program.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said Devonport and Burnie will be made safer thanks to the Government’s investment.
“I am pleased to see that projects such as $415,000 to install a roundabout at the intersection at Fenton Street and Stewart Street in Devonport will be delivered under the 2019–20 funding round,” Senator Colbeck said.
“Motorists living within and visiting the North West will also be pleased to know that notorious black spots in a total of three locations in the electorate will be fixed with funding from the program.
“Road crashes place major emotional and economic strains on all affected communities, but particularly the families and friends of the victims.”
Nationals Senator Steve Martin said the community’s input was critical to identifying key black spots in the electorate.
“None of these projects would be delivered without the community’s vital input and I’d encourage all residents and motorists in the region to nominate projects for future funding rounds,” Senator Martin said.
“In this round Our Government is also delivering $400,000 to install a roundabout at the intersection of Berrigan Road and Lyons Avenue in Miandetta and $70,000 to install a safety barrier on a section of West Mooreville Road near Poimena Road at West Mooreville.”
Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said Tasmania would receive $1.653 million under the latest round of program funding.
“The Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government is committed to making roads safer in Tasmania and right across the nation,” Mr McCormack said.
“Representing a regional electorate myself, I know first-hand how road crashes causing death and injury affect smaller communities, so I am very pleased to be able to announce today the details of how this round of Black Spot funding will be distributed.
“By specifically targeting road locations with a history of crashes for safety upgrades such as lighting, signage, traffic lights and roundabouts, the Black Spot Program reduces crashes causing injury and death at those sites by around 30 per cent.
“Under the National Road Safety Strategy 2011–2020, the Australian, state and territory governments have committed to reducing the numbers of deaths and serious injuries recorded on the nation’s roads by at least 30 per cent by 2020.
“Fixing the 11 black spots identified in Tasmania over the next 12 months will play a crucial role in helping us achieve that goal.”
The Australian Government is providing $744.5 million to the Black Spot Program between 2013–14 and 2021–22 to improve road safety across the nation.
For more information on the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, or to nominate a black spot, visit: http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/blackspots.
Media Contacts
Mr McCormack – Colin Bettles 0447 718 781 | Dom Hopkinson 0409 421 209
Senator Colbeck – Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Senator Martin – Murray Lees 0436 424 750
Read MorePrimary school students at Stella Maris Catholic Primary School in Burnie will benefit from refurbished general learning areas with shared spaces and storage areas thanks to a significant Coalition Government grant.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck today announced the Coalition Government is delivering $402,332 towards the project at Stella Maris Catholic School through the Capital Grants Program.
“Students and teachers thrive when their schools have modern and up-to-date facilities – that’s why the Coalition Government is proud to support educational choice and affordability for families at non-government schools in the North West,” Senator Colbeck said.
“This project at Stella Maris will deliver the refurbishment of twelve general learning areas with shared spaces, storage areas, asbestos removal, furniture and equipment.”
Liberal Candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce welcomed the upgrades to learning spaces at Stella Maris as a significant investment in the local community.
“These upgrades provide a significant boost to Stella Maris and ensures our children will be able to learn in classrooms have modern facilities – this is about the next generation.
“I congratulate Stella Maris for their successful grant and look forward to seeing the impact these improvements will have in the Burnie community.”
The Government has committed $660 million until 2021, which provides funding for non-government schools to improve capital infrastructure.
Schools that want to learn more about the Capital Grants Program can visit https://www.education.gov.au/capital-grants-non-government-schools.
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Read MoreThe Coalition categorically rules out ending native forestry harvesting in any State or Territory, including Victoria, unlike the Victorian Labor Government who clearly have an agenda to do just that.
The Coalition’s policy for forestry is to ensure both a strong plantation and native forests sectors, including in Victoria into the future.
As stated in our ten year National Forest Industries Plan, the native forest sector will remain an important part of the industry going forward, especially in regional Australia, with special timbers to be continued to be harvested from appropriate regions.
We remain committed to the 20 year rolling extension of all the Regional Forestry Agreements (RFAs), including the current negotiations with the Western Australia and Victorian Governments, as the best mechanism for delivering environmental, economic (including the forest industry) and social demands on our native forests.
These include an ongoing five–yearly review of the RFA's performance, including consultation with stakeholders and utilising the latest science.
ENDS
Read MoreAssistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck has welcomed the signing of the Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement (A-HKFTA) and associated Investment Agreement.
“This trade deal with Hong Kong is a big win for Tassie farmers in particular because we have a clearly complimentary trade relationship with a densely populated city like Hong Kong.
“Hong Kong is already Australia’s sixth largest market for exported goods at $12 billion a year, $140 million of which are Tasmanian.
“This agreement formally locks in Australia’s existing duty-free access arrangements with Hong Kong, which will provide certainty to our growers and exporters that this vital market will remain open for business.
“Hong Kong imports 95 per cent of its food and beverage products so we must ensure we continue to have free access to Hong Kong’s market of 7.8 million consumers.
“Our cherries are an iconic premium export to Hong Kong but we also have a number of other major export streams.
“Tasmania wine, fruits and nuts, meat and seafood can all attract premium prices in Hong Kong because of our strong reputation for high-quality, safe produce.
“Gold and zinc are also major export commodities to Hong Kong, both of which are important minerals to the Tasmanian economy.”
“Australia now has free trade deals with seven of our top eight export destinations, including China, Korea, Japan and member countries of the TPP-11 which have all been delivered by the Liberal National Government.
“Locking in trade deals is growing Tasmania’s economy and creating the jobs and exports which will set our State up for the future.”
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Read MoreThe Liberal National Government is delivering $199,570 to install additional CCTV cameras in Wynyard, Somerset and Burnie, which was a commitment made during the Braddon by-election.
Senator Colbeck said the two grants are part of a strategy for keeping Australians safe and providing additional support to help keep businesses secure.
“One grant will provide $140,000 for Waratah-Wynyard Council to install 16 CCTV Cameras in the Wynyard and Somerset precincts. The installation of CCTV cameras in these areas will improve the safety and security for the community and business owners.
“Another grant will provide $59,570 for Burnie City Council to install an additional 10 CCTV cameras in the Burnie CBD, connected to the CCTV existing system. Locations have been selected to support improved community safety and assist Tasmania Police.
“Vandalism and anti-social behaviour can have a huge impact on small businesses so we are ensuring that there is the very real deterrent of being caught and prosecuted due to video evidence.”
Liberal for Braddon Gavin Pearce welcomed the CCTV cameras in CBDs as a way to help deter criminal behaviour, particularly violence against women.
“Providing a network of CCTV cameras in and around entertainment districts will increase public safety, particularly for young women.
“We have to send a strong message that any type of predatory behaviour targeted at women around pubs and nightclubs is unacceptable and could be captured on camera and used as evidence against perpetrators.
“We have seen too many tragedies in other places to be complacent and CCTV has played a big role in putting cowardly attackers behind bars.”
The grant has been committed under Round 3 of the Liberal National Government’s $30 million Safer Communities Fund which has delivered more than 300 community security projects over all three rounds.
The Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton said that all Australians have a right to feel safe and secure when their communities come together, having now committed $138 million across Australia to deliver on various strategies designed to strengthen our communities.
“The Coalition will continue to assist local councils and organisations to address crime and anti-social behaviour and make our nation safer,” Mr Dutton said.
ENDS
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Read MoreTasmania’s Circular Head region will receive almost $5 million worth of local projects thanks to Federal Liberal and Nationals Government funding.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said $2 million will be invested in the AgriTas Robotic Dairy development.
“This funding will go towards the construction of a commercial and educational robotic dairy farm which will use the world’s best technology to generate new commercial insights into dairy and farm management,” Mr McCormack said.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the project will highlight and demonstrate the commercial realities of the agricultural and dairy industries.
“The development includes farm upgrades, construction of a new dairy shed, yards, a Virtual Memory System (VMS) Robotics milking system, an automatic calf rearing system, an irrigation and bore system and a dairy herd,” Senator Colbeck said.
The Nationals’ Senator for Tasmania Steve Martin said the Government is also investing $2.8 million in a purpose-built heritage and visitor information centre at Duck River Meadows.
“The development includes the construction of a café, a museum display hall, tourist foyer, collection storage and a commercial kitchen,” Senator Martin said.
“It means more tourists will spend time and money in this wonderful part of Tasmania, providing a major boost to the local economy.”
Ends.
Media Contact:
Mr McCormack – Hannah Maguire 0429 920 254
Mr Colbeck – Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Mr Martin – Murray Lees 0436 424 750
Tasmania’s Wynyard region will receive more than $2 million worth of local projects thanks to Federal Liberal and Nationals Government funding.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said $1.365 million will be invested in an all-abilities playground at Anzac Park in Somerset.
“This is a thriving little community and we want to make sure families have a safe and fun place to spend time outside with their children,” Mr McCormack said.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the Government is also investing $75,000 to upgrade the Wynyard Golf Club.
“A new shed will be built, the workshop will be upgraded, a disabled toilet will be installed in the clubroom, along with water solutions and the construction of a walkway,” Senator Colbeck said.
The Nationals’ Senator for Tasmania Steve Martin said a further $5000 will be spent re-connecting the Coastal FM power line to a transmitter, which was damaged during a storm.
“This is part of my agenda of getting a fair share for regional Tasmania and a concrete example of the Nationals in Government building stronger Tasmanian communities,” Senator Martin said.
Ends.
Media Contact:
Mr McCormack – Hannah Maguire 0429 920 254
Mr Colbeck – Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Mr Martin – Murray Lees 0436 424 750
Read MoreThe Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is investing $4 million to construct a series of truck washes and effluent dumping facilities in King Island, Smithton, Devonport and Burnie.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the facilities will improve biosecurity and welfare outcomes for livestock.
“By reducing the spread of disease and weeds during transport, the truck wash will also help the state’s livestock and broader agricultural industries and communities thrive and grow,” Mr McCormack said.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said this important infrastructure project will improve farm hygiene.
“This project is a great example of what can be achieved when the Government works together with local communities, agribusiness, transporters and farmers to support growth in our local livestock sector,” Senator Colbeck said.
The Nationals’ Senator for Tasmania Steve Martin said the wash-down stations will be state-of-the-art,
“Tasmania’s farming and agricutural sector is one of the state’s main economic drivers, with exports to the rest of the world continuing to grow,” Senator Martin said.
Ends.
Media Contact:
Mr McCormack – Hannah Maguire 0429 920 254
Mr Colbeck – Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Mr Martin – Murray Lees 0436 424 750
The Morrison Government is delivering additional short-term restorative care places as part of the record 2018–19 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR), which was announced by Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck congratulated Care Forward in Devonport for their successful application to deliver the care.
“Short-term restorative care can be life-changing, helping people remain living independently in their own homes for as long as possible and improving their health and wellbeing,” Senator Colbeck said.
“A total of four places have been allocated to this service located in North West Tasmania and will be available to help senior Australians maintain their independence and live in their community in the company of family and friends.
“Short-term restorative care is just that – helping people age well and access care when and where they need it, to restore them to independence.
“The short-term restorative care plan is designed with, and approved by, the person receiving the care and can be delivered at home, in a residential aged care home or a combination of both.”
Liberal for Braddon Gavin Pearce welcomed the commitment to aged care in the region.
“It is important that we look after our senior Australians and restorative aged care is a great way to maintain and improve quality of life.
“It is pleasing to see the commitment the Morrison Government has to securing the future of aged care in North West Tasmania.
In total, 775 new short-term restorative care places will be allocated across Australia, 350 in 2018–19, with the remaining 425 places to be allocated in 2019-20. The Liberal National Government is investing an estimated $58 million each year in these new places. This is on top of the $34.7 million made available by our Government for short-term restorative care in 2017–18.
Additional residential aged care places and capital grant components of the 2018–19 ACAR will be announced by April 2019.
The Liberal National Government has invested an extra $1 billion a year in aged care services since 2013 and is continuing its record investment, with increases of more than $5.5 billion over the next four years.
Information about the 2018−19 ACAR short-term restorative care outcomes, including details of the successful approved providers, is available at www.agedcare.health.gov.au/2018-19acar.
ENDS
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Read MorePatients in Devonport and throughout the North West will now be able to access lifesaving scans for cancer, stroke, heart and other medical conditions, with the Liberal National Government announcing a new MRI licence for Regional Imaging in Devonport.
This MRI licence means locals will be able to access a Medicare rebate for an estimated 3,354 services a year – saving lives and reducing the costs for patients.
An MRI is a commonly used medical scan which gives a detailed view of the soft tissues of the body such as muscles, ligaments, brain tissue, discs and blood vessels.
It is used by doctors to diagnose and monitor a number of different medical conditions including cancer and trauma or sporting injuries.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said delivering the new Devonport MRI licence would be a major boost health services in the North West.
“This is an exciting new investment in Medicare-supported health services in the region because it will reduce travel times for patients and deliver affordable healthcare choices for families.
“By delivering a strong economy, the Liberal National Government is able to invest in new health infrastructure and services for North West Tasmanians.”
Liberal candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce welcomed the new MRI licence for Devonport.
“I am very pleased to get this result for Devonport – it is something I have been publicly fighting for because Devonport was the last major Tasmanian population centre without an MRI.
“I lost my wife suddenly and at a young age to cancer so I am glad to see that families in the region will have even better access to Medicare-supported MRI scans and health services in our local area.”
Patients will receive the Medicare-covered MRI services once the unit is established.
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Liberal National Government is helping Australians stay healthy and keeping down the cost of healthcare for families.
“Our plan for a strong economy means we continue to deliver record funding for essential services such as Medicare, public hospitals and life-saving medicines,” Minister Hunt said.
“Not only will our new Medicare support ensure patients get better treatment and save money, it will also cut down the amount of time patients travel to get a scan.”
“Our investment in MRI licences of over $375 million over the forward estimates for 50 new locations around the country delivers on the Government’s commitment to improve access and outcomes for patients.”
“Unlike Labor we have also committed to reduce the cost for patients by indexing targeted diagnostic imaging services including mammography, fluoroscopy, CT scans and interventional procedures.”
“Under the Liberal National Government, Medicare spending is guaranteed and increasing every year from $24 billion in 2017–18 to $28.8 billion in 2021–22 to support health care for every Australian.”
“The Government is committed to delivering improved health services which includes increased hospital funding with an extra $8 billion for hospitals taking it to $29.5 billion over five years,” Minister Hunt said.
The Liberal National Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued record investment of funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.
Read MoreThe Australian Government has convened a roundtable today bringing together key horticulture stakeholders and industry members to discuss increasing productivity and job creation through protected cropping and horticulture.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, said protected cropping has long been seen as a potential game changer for Australia through its efficiency and ability to effectively manage risks that the Australian environment is known for.
“Australia’s $1.8 billion protected cropping industry offers optimal growing conditions for premium produce and delivers higher yields with less water usage, making it an essential tool during times of drought,” Minister Colbeck said.
“In partnership with Hort Innovation and Western Sydney University, we contributed $4.3 million to The National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre, a state-of-the-art glasshouse facility to house research, education and training opportunities.
“This centre features cutting-edge design and technology specifically developed for Australia’s harsh climatic conditions, enabling precise control of temperature, humidity, CO2 and light.
“The average return on investment from protected cropping is between 5 per cent and 10 per cent—this can increase to up to 25 per cent for high technology greenhouse vegetable enterprises.
“According to the Going Dutch report released by KPMG, Australia needs to move its focus to technology innovation. Major investment into cutting edge technology development is what sets the Netherlands apart.
“There are 355 greenhouse vegetable producers in the Netherlands in comparison to our 105 greenhouse producers.
“Dutch farmers have reduced dependence on water for key crops by as much as 90 per cent, demonstrating the effectiveness of protected cropping and horticulture advances.
“Horticulture is the third largest agricultural industry behind meat and grains, employing more than 60,000 people around the country. It’s imperative we continue to promote technological advancement in the sector to support jobs and further growth.
“The Government will continue to invest in ongoing research and innovation in horticulture through the Rural Research and Development Corporations. In 2018–19 it is expected that matching government contributions to Hort Innovation will be over $55 million.
“There is an opportunity to harness the growth and productivity of the sector to make a substantial contribution to the vision of $100 billion in agricultural production by 2030.” Minister Colbeck said.
Media contact
Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
Read MoreThe Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has begun the 12th Australian Hort Innovation vegetable-growing industry survey, gathering information to help Australia’s $3.9 billion vegetable growing industry manage challenges and plan for the future.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, said the survey results provide a national and state-by-state picture of the vegetable-growing industry and highlight the importance of the industry to the Australian economy.
“The Australian vegetable growing sector is an important source of food and a major contributor to jobs and the Australian economy,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Investing consistently in information and tools that the industry needs to make the decisions will define the future success for the vegetable sector in Australia.
“Government and industry invest over $600 million annually in research and development and extension through our rural research and development corporations like Hort Innovation.
“The survey collects data about production, financial performance and socio-economic characteristics of approximately 300 vegetable growing farms, providing accurate information to industry and government to ensure research and development initiatives are effectively targeted.
“Topics that will be covered this year include farm structure, land use, production, capital, income, costs, debts, assets and farm labour for the 2017–18 financial year, and selected estimates for 2018–19.
“It is the fourth most valuable agricultural industry in Australia, valued at $3.9 billion in 2016–17, and is also the backbone of many rural and regional economies and communities.
“It contributes significantly to the strength of our horticulture sector, which is forecast to be valued at $12 billion by 2022–23.
“The survey is an important research and development initiative the Australian Government and Hort innovation are delivering to guide future growth for the industry.”
The 2019 survey began on 4 March and is expected to be completed by May. The results will be released in September 2019.
Results from the past eleven surveys of vegetable growing farms are available here: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/surveys/vegetables
Fast Facts:
Media contact
Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
Read MoreDevonport will receive $3.2 million worth of local projects thanks to Federal Liberal and Nationals Government funding.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said $3 million will be invested in a vehicle entry point into Tasmania.
“The funding will go towards street scaping, soft infrastructure and foliage, underground power lines and entry marker signage,” Mr McCormack said.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the Government is also investing $200,000 in the redevelopment of the Devonport Bulls Facility.
“The change rooms will be extended along with new electrical and plumbing works,” Senator Colbeck said.
“By securing new community sporting infrastructure our Government is helping bring Tasmanians closer together.”
The Nationals’ Senator for Tasmania Steve Martin said the Liberals and Nationals are investing in local projects because we understand Australia is made of more than big infrastructure projects.
“This is part of my agenda of getting a fair share for regional Tasmania and a concrete example of the Nationals in Government building stronger Tasmanian communities,” Senator Martin said.
Ends.
Media Contact:
Mr McCormack – Hannah Maguire 0429 920 254
Mr Colbeck – Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Mr Martin – Murray Lees 0436 424 750
Read MoreTasmania’s Central Coast region will receive $6.5 million of Federal Liberal and Nationals Government funding to upgrade the Penguin Foreshore.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Liberals and Nationals are investing in local projects because we understand Australia is made of more than big infrastructure projects.
“The funding will go towards a new foreshore boardwalk, the remediation of the old surf club and beach repairs including an aesthetically pleasing wall system for the full length of Penguin Beach to protect it from erosion,” Mr McCormack said.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said a board walk along the entire length of Penguin Beach will be built.
“We’ll also improve beach access for emergency and council vehicles and remediate the former surf club back to its natural state,” Senator Colbeck said.
"The boardwalk will be a great addition to the tourism experience on the North West Coast.”
The Nationals’ Senator for Tasmania Steve Martin said this is a concrete example of the Liberals and Nationals in Government building stronger regional communities across Tasmania.
“I’m proud to have won this project for my local community and am proud to be seeing it through to fruition,” Senator Martin said.
Ends.
Media Contact:
Mr McCormack – Hannah Maguire 0429 920 254
Mr Colbeck – Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Mr Martin – Murray Lees 0436 424 750
Read MoreTasmania’s Latrobe region will receive $7.63 million worth of local projects thanks to Federal Liberal and Nationals Government funding.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said $3.4 million will be invested in a flood levee system for the town of Latrobe.
“This important funding will go towards the construction of a levee bank and earth and engineering works,” Mr McCormack said.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the Government is also investing $230,000 to upgrade Stage 2 of the Port Sorell Surf Club.
“The funding will go towards new change rooms, showers and toilets to cater for a growing number of users,” Senator Colbeck said.
“The Liberals and Nationals are investing in local projects because we understand how important it is to secure the future of our community organisations.”
The Nationals’ Senator for Tasmania Steve Martin said $4 million will be spent redeveloping the popular Camp Banksia site.
“Work will include improving disability access to amenities and the creation of a Port Sorell Performing Arts Hub on the site,” Senator Martin said.
Ends.
Media Contact:
Mr McCormack – Hannah Maguire 0429 920 254
Mr Colbeck – Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Mr Martin – Murray Lees 0436 424 750
Read MoreThe Penguin Men’s Shed has been awarded a grant of $2,455 from the Liberal National Government as part of the National Shed Development Programme.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck congratulated the Penguin Men’s Shed on their successful application.
“Penguin Men’s Shed will now be able to undertake a number of infrastructure tasks at their Shed including new safety signage, a kitchen splashback, security grill, Laserlite sheeting, improvements to Shed lighting, and 2 bi-fold door unit.
“They will also use the grant to purchase a number of tools, including a reciprocating saw, cordless planer, battery charger and sander grinder.
“By delivering a strong economy the Liberal National Government is able to invest in infrastructure like this for our community organisations in the North West.”
Liberal for Braddon Gavin Pearce welcomed the announcement and said it was a great opportunity for men in the local area.
“These upgrades to the Penguin Men’s Shed will give local men in the community a great meeting place to come and work on a few projects and enjoy some relaxed, easy-going company.
“Too often men allow ourselves to become isolated, so it’s important we provide social hubs where blokes can go to keep busy, as well as have a chat about things like health and well-being.
“I know from my experience with the Lake Sorell Young Veterans’ Bush Retreat what a difference it makes to people’s mental health to have a place like this in our community.”
Heath Minister Greg Hunt said feeling part of a social group is important to our emotional and mental health.
“Every day Men’s Sheds across Australia and in North West Tasmania provide men with an opportunity for companionship and support within their community,” Minister Hunt said.
The Men’s Shed grants programme provides funding for health improvement activities, the purchase of tools and equipment, community projects and training, and for building maintenance and development.
ENDS
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Read MoreMr Wez Norris announced as Australian Fisheries Management Authority CEO
Five year term commences in April 2019
Mr Norris has qualifications in natural resource management and over 20 years’ experience in fisheries management, regulation and development
Mr Wez Norris has today been announced as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA).
Minster for Agriculture David Littleproud and Assistant Minister for Agriculture Senator Richard Colbeck welcomed Mr Norris to the role, recognising his experience in all aspects of fisheries management, regulation and development.
“Mr Norris brings unique expertise to the role, with strong understanding of Australia’s fisheries and the Australian fishing industry,” Minister Littleproud said.
“He has significant experience in fisheries management having held executive positions in the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, AFMA and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
“I am confident Mr Norris will provide the leadership needed to ensure the ongoing good management and sustainable use of Commonwealth fish resources, a strong compliance culture to deter illegal fishing in the Australian Fishing Zone and prioritising research funding towards activities that directly benefit the Australian fishery industry.
“I thank the outgoing CEO Dr James Findlay and Ms Anna Willock who has been acting in the role for their valuable contributions to AFMA.”
Assistant Minister Colbeck said the appointment would support AFMA’s ongoing work to ensure Australia continues to be a global leader in fisheries management.
“As a former AFMA employee Mr Norris has a working knowledge of the organisation and the critical role it plays in helping Australian fisheries improve profitability and returns,” Senator Colbeck said.
“I am pleased to welcome Mr Norris as the new AFMA CEO to continue the vital work they undertake, including leading our world-class fisheries management policy.”
Fast Facts:
Mr Norris was identified as the best candidate following a merit-based selection process.
The former CEO, Dr James Findlay, resigned on 23 November 2018 to take-up the position of Director of National Parks.
Ms Anna Willock has been acting in the role since 24 November 2018.
To mark International Day of Forests, Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Colbeck, yesterday visited the SW Timber Hub in the Bunbury Geographe region with the Member for Forrest, Nola Marino MP, to discuss the National Forest Industries Plan and launch a new forestry education program.
Senator Colbeck joined Mrs Marino for a tour of the SW Timber Hub at Wespine and other forest related operations in the region.
“In last year’s Federal Budget, the Liberal National government announced $20 million over four years to support the implementation of the National Forest Industries Plan, to drive expansion of the wood and fibre production forest estate. This will create regional jobs, support regional communities and add value to Australia's wood and fibre industries,” Senator Colbeck said.
“Forestry education is identified as a key to supporting the growth of the industry. Last night at the World Forestry Day Dinner - hosted by the Leschenault Timber Industry Club - I announced that in partnership with Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA), the Government will provide $200,000 for two exciting new education activities in line with our Plan and the theme of International Day Forests.”
“One will be running a competition across Australia for Universities to look for innovative uses for wood residues. The second activity will be at the secondary level supporting further developing virtual reality experiences to capture the renewable cycle of forests and wood products.”
Senator Colbeck also outlined the next steps to progress the SW WA Regional Forestry Pilot Hub.
“The Government via my Department will ask FIFWA to be the lead organisation for the South West WA Regional Forestry Hub on behalf of the broader industry in the region. I outlined that $250,000 has already been announced to be contracted this financial year as a Pilot hub, and a further three years funding of up to $250,000 per year will be available for this Hub subject to ongoing negotiations.”
“Also as outlined in our Plan, the Government is working on establishing at least two additional centres of the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation (NIFPI).My intention is, subject to State Government agreement and matching funding, to provide $2m over 3 years for this region of WA, to have one of these new NIFPI centres.
“I have also written to the relevant NSW and Queensland Ministers to begin discussions towards having a NIFPI in those States too”.
“The Australian Liberal National Government also remains committed to securing the future of native forestry with rolling 20 year extensions of the Regional Forest Agreements (RFA).”
“I was pleased to be able to confirm that the Prime Minister has signed the WA RFA for the Commonwealth and we now await the State Premiers signature to extend this agreement.”
Federal Member for Forrest Nola Marino MP said these positive announcements were important for the area.
“This announcement will mean more jobs as the industry expands and will add hugely to our regional economy,” Mrs Marino said.
“I have been working with Assistant Minister Colbeck to establish this hub in the South West and I look forward to watching it grow and continuing to be an important economic benefit for the South West.”
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Read MoreThe Australian Liberal National Government is delivering $200,000 for two new education initiatives in partnership with Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) to educate the next generation to help the industry thrive into the future.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, said the new National University Challenge for timber products and a virtual reality (VR) tool for forestry education would grow opportunities for students and the industry.
“Today is International Day of Forests, with the theme for 2019 being Forests and Education, so it is fitting that today the Australian Liberal National Government is bringing forestry to the fore in the classroom and university laboratories.
“Education is key part of our new $20 million National Forest Industries Plan to deliver a billion new trees over the next decade.
“This is through tertiary education and more broadly through our schools and communities.
“Firstly, the Australian Liberal National Government is delivering a new National University Challenge, in partnership with Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA).
“The Challenge will offer financial prizes totalling $100,000 for researchers under 35 developing new timber-based products.
“Wood is the ultimate renewable and we are already seeing it used as a sustainable alternative to concrete, steel and petroleum in a number of applications.
“The Challenge will offer an incentive for our blue-sky thinkers to make the next big breakthrough in developing new renewable timber-based products.
“Secondly, the Australian Liberal National Government is delivering a new virtual reality education tool to bring the opportunities of the forest economy into our classrooms.
“One of the key competitive advantages of the new initial Regional Forestry Hubs is their people – maintaining and developing a skilled forestry workforce is key to the future of the industry.
“The ForestVR project will bring the scope of the opportunities available in forestry to students in classrooms in North/North West Tasmania, South West Western Australia, the Green Triangle and North East New South Wales.
“We need to encourage more young people to study forestry and the related skills that will be needed in the industry in the future.
“The National University Challenge and the ForestVR will encourage the next crop of bright minds to discover the breakthrough ideas to create jobs and economic opportunities in Australia’s forest industry.”
More information on the UN International Day of Forests: www.un.org/en/events/forestsday
Media contact
Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
Read MoreAustralia's forestry industries are set to benefit from more than $2.4 million of new research through the second round of projects funded under the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation (NIFPI) centre in Mount Gambier.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, and South Australia's Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Tim Whetstone, congratulated the grant recipients and welcomed the benefits these projects will bring to Australia and South Australia.
"These projects will create jobs by driving forestry research and development in areas such as worker safety, carbon emission targets, design standards, biosecurity, fire detection, and genetics," Minister Colbeck said.
"The total value of these projects is more than $5 million through a combination of Australian and South Australian Government funds, together with funding and in-kind contributions from industry and research agencies.
“NIFPI was an election promise which has been delivered by our Government and growing forestry research is a key part of our National Forest Industries Plan to plant a billion new trees over the next decade to meet surging demand.
“By delivering a strong economy the Australia Liberal National Government has been able to invest in forestry and scientific research to continue to create jobs and economic opportunities.”
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Tim Whetstone, said these projects provide exciting opportunities for the future of the South Australian forestry industry.
"Forestry is an important industry in South Australia and Mount Gambier is leading the way in research and development on Australia's plantation forests," Minister Whetstone said.
"Importantly, much of this research done in Mount Gambier will have national application—it can be applied to other forestry regions across the country.
“These projects build on the research being undertaken by those funded through round one.”
Member for Barker, Tony Pasin, pointed to the long history in plantation forestry and the invaluable local knowledge.
"All of the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation projects are driven by the needs of the forestry industry. The industry and scientists are undertaking these projects in partnership and are building on the knowledge and the research and innovation capacity of the south east," Mr Pasin said.
Launceston NIFPI projects will be announced soon.
Find out more about the successful NIFPI recipients and the round two projects here: www.nifpi.org.au
Read MoreAssistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck has welcomed the end of dollar-a-litre milk.
“Supermarkets, led by Coles, have used our dairy farmers as marketing tools for too long,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Milk is at the back of the supermarket for a reason, to draw consumers past other products in the knowledge that they will buy more on the way through.
“Their marketing deception, which created the perception of a significant price decrease, also devalued milk as a product in the market.
“Fortunately consumers caught on and have reacted in favour of farmers.
“Farmers should not be used as marketing tools by big companies, whether its processors or supermarkets”
“Having grown up on a dairy farm myself, I understand the hard work required for farming families to make a profit in the dairy industry and I am pleased to see consumers and supermarkets putting a higher value on milk.”
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Read MoreThe Liberal National Government has delivered another increase to payment rates for pension and allowance recipients in Braddon from 20 March.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said pension payments including Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment will increase by $9.90 a fortnight to $926.20 for singles, and by $14.80 a fortnight to $1,396.20 for couples combined.
“Since we were first elected, the Age Pension has increased by $117.80 per fortnight for single pensioners and by $177.40 per fortnight for couples combined,” Senator Colbeck said.
This will directly benefit the 23,859 pensioners living in Braddon.
Individuals receiving Newstart Allowance, Widow Allowance and Sickness Allowance will benefit from an increase of $5.50 a fortnight to $564.50, including Energy Supplement. Members of a couple will see an increase of $5.00 a fortnight to $509.60 each, including Energy Supplement.
The rate of Parenting Payment (Single) will increase by $7.60 to $788.10 a fortnight, including Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement.
“The Liberal National Government understands the importance of these increases to help pensioners and allowance recipients keep up with the cost of living,” Senator Colbeck said.
“Rent Assistance rates will also increase from 20 March, as well as a range of income and assets limits for pensions and allowances. This includes higher limits to the income and assets tests for age pensioners.
“While the Liberal National Government is protecting older Australians in Braddon, Labor and Bill Shorten wants to steal their retirement incomes. Labor’s Retiree Tax would rip an average of $1,400 in income away from more than 1 million retirees across Australia, including pensioners.”
Full details of new rates and thresholds can be found on the Department of Social Services website at www.dss.gov.au/about-the-department/benefits-payments.
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Read MoreTasmanians living with severe mental illness who sometimes need support to meet the demands of daily life will soon have access to a new, statewide service.
Senator for Tasmania, the Hon. Richard Colbeck announced today that community care provider Baptcare has won a tender to deliver psychosocial support services across Tasmania to help people of all ages boost their capacity to function in day-to-day life.
The Australian Government has committed $1.7 million to June 2021 to establish and fund these new non-clinical social support services for people who aren’t eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and who don’t already access other similar services.
“Psychosocial support services are programs and activities designed to help people improve their ability to participate fully in life when their mental illness temporarily impacts on their day-to-day activities,” Senator Colbeck said.
“The support can take many forms, such as helping people get better at managing money, developing work goals, maintaining relationships, and more.
“By delivering a strong economy our Government can secure the future of mental health services for people across Tasmania.
“Baptcare has a strong track record supporting Tasmanians in this area and will have these services on the ground as soon as possible so people can start benefitting from them.”
Baptcare has been commissioned by Primary Health Tasmania (Tasmania PHN) under the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program following an open tender process. The new services are expected to be available from April.
“Primary Health Tasmania developed the new services following consultation with more than 100 stakeholders including consumers, carers, GPs, and social service and mental health providers,” Senator Colbeck said.
“This consultation helped build a better understanding of needs and priorities so the new services could be designed to provide maximum benefit.”
Baptcare spokesperson Debra Fast said the services will be delivered in the form of individual and group-based activities across Tasmania, with some transport support available and each targeted support package lasting for up to six months.
“We are proud to have been awarded this opportunity to deliver psychosocial support services within Tasmania. The additional funding means that Tasmanians living with severe mental illness can get support to navigate through the daily demands they sometimes struggle with,” Ms Fast said.
ENDS
For more information, contact:
Felix Ellis (Senator Colbeck): 0457 517 734, felix.ellis@aph.gvo.au
Debra Fast (Baptcare): 0447 666 737, dfast@baptcare,org.au
Jenny Denholm (Primary Health Tasmania): 0418 773 233, jdenholm@primaryhealthtas.com.au
Severe mental illness and psychosocial support
• Approximately 3% of the Tasmanian population will experience a severe mental illness.
• People living with a severe mental health illness experience many symptoms that may make it difficult for them to meet the demands of daily life.
• Psychosocial support can take many forms. It may mean supporting people with:
o developing social skills and friendships
o building family relationships
o managing money
o finding and looking after a home
o developing work goals
o improving educational skills
o staying physically well, including with exercise
o support with drug, alcohol and smoking issues
o building broader life skills including confidence and resilience.
The Liberal-National Government has today announced a new campaign to attract more working holiday makers to Australia, helping to support our farmers and boost regional tourism.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said Australia had a reputation as a top destination for working holiday makers, but more could be done to convince working holiday makers to pack their bags and book a flight to Australia.
“Working holiday makers are an essential part of Australia’s agricultural and tourism industries,” Minister Birmingham said.
“They’re absolutely critical to filling short-term workforce shortages in regional areas and they also inject over $3 billion into our economy each year.
“We know working holiday makers who travel to Australia, stay longer, spend more and travel further into regional areas than most other international visitors. They also importantly help fill seasonal roles in regional Australia, where farmers often struggle to source labour.
“Working holiday makers basically spend every dollar they earn while in Australia, in addition to the savings they bring here, creating more jobs for Australians in our tourism and hospitality industry.
“Whilst Australia is a highly desirable working holiday maker destination, research shows there are some barriers to travel, such as distance and a lack of understanding of the long-term benefits of a working holiday in Australia.
“This campaign ‘Australia Inc’ is aimed at demonstrating how living and working in Australia will make young people stand out from the crowd when they return home and benefit their long-term career and life goals.”
Australia Inc. will run through the United Kingdom, France and Germany and target young people who have a high likelihood of considering overseas travel with temporary work.
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman said recent enhancements to the work and holiday visa program were designed to support rural and regional areas.
“This campaign forms part of our ongoing work to enhance and promote the work and holiday visa program that is so important in supporting regional and rural communities,” Minister Coleman said.
“We want Australians filling Australian jobs but when this isn’t possible action is needed to ensure farmers and other employers can continue to operate.
“Our enhancements include expanding the regional areas where working holiday makers can work, increasing the time period they can stay with an employer and adding the option of a third-year.
“They’ve been specifically designed to target genuine workforce shortages in regional Australia.”
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck said it was vital Australia continued to attract temporary workers to fill genuine workforce shortages in regional areas.
“Access to sufficient labour, particularly for seasonal work, is a perennial issue and concern for the industry,” Assistant Minister Colbeck said.
”Our changes to the working holiday visa are specifically designed to help meet the needs of our farmers, as part of broader measures.
“Our approach is in stark contrast to Labor and the ACTU whose plan to abandon altogether the second year working holiday visa would remove over 36,000 Working Holiday visa holders from the Australian economy.
“Labor and the ACTU’s proposed backpacker ban would have a devastating impact on our farmers and hurt Australia’s thriving tourism industry.”
Media Contacts
Benn Ayre: +61 428 342 325
This week is National Sustainable Seafood Week — a celebration of Australia’s seafood industries and the well-managed, sustainable fisheries that supply our favourite fish and crustaceans.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, said independent information on the true sustainability of our seafood was now more accessible than ever.
“Australians can be confident that Australian seafood comes from well-managed, sustainable fisheries, which ensures that our fish stocks will be around for generations of seafood lovers,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Last week at ABARES Outlook Conference, I launched the 2019 Status of Australian Fish Stocks Reports, which is the most comprehensive guide to the sustainability of our fisheries, developed by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation – Australia’s leading, genuinely independent fisheries research body.
“It shows that Australia’s fisheries management is world class and our fisheries are getting even healthier, with iconic species like Southern Bluefin Tuna recovering well and now sustainable to catch and eat.
“All Aussie fishers and consumers will now have the opportunity to access a free, easy-to-use app version of the Status of Australian Fish Stocks Reports called ‘SAFS – Sustainable Fish Stocks’.
“The SAFS app will provide Australians with a simple summary of the latest blind peer-reviewed scientific assessments from over 100 leading scientists for the definitive authority on seafood sustainability – all easily available at the touch of a button.
“This Sustainable Seafood Week, Australians can continue to support our fishery and aquaculture industries with confidence by downloading the SAFS App and make sure sustainable Aussie seafood is on their menu.
“The Liberal National Government will continue to implement effective marine management strategies to secure the future of our fisheries industry for generations to come.”
To find out more about Sustainable Seafood Week and to view events near you, visit: https://www.msc.org/en-au/home/sustainable-seafood-week.
Media contact
Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is investing in 70 young Tasmanians struggling to find work through a package of increased support.
your job your way is being trialled in Devonport and Burnie, and will provide individually tailored support for 70 unemployed young people who have been unemployed for longer than 12 months.
Meeting with young people in Devonport, Federal Minister for Families and Social Services Paul Fletcher said the your job your way project will help participants find and keep a job by providing intensive coaching, mentoring, life skills development, further education and referrals to other services.
“This project will help those young Tasmanians at risk of long-term welfare dependence.” Mr Fletcher said.
“Trialling new projects such as your job your way will help achieve the objectives of welfare reform – that is helping our young Australians to create a positive future beyond the welfare system.”
The Morrison Government has provided $350,000 to the Australian charity, yourtown, to deliver this trial under the Try, Test and Learn Fund.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said we need to give young people in Tasmania with fragmented work histories the best possible opportunities to succeed in the workforce.
“The prospect of long-term unemployment is a very real risk for some young people. By investing in innovative projects like your job your way, individuals are given vital supports to change their lives and become financially independent,” Mr Colbeck said.
Liberal Candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce said that your job your way will give these 70 young Tasmanians the confidence to find a job.
“The level of support provided in the 18-month your job your way trial will give young Tasmanians that extra helping hand in combatting barriers to finding a job,” Mr Pearce said.
yourtown Chair of the Board, Peter Ffrench said yourtown had developed the program to ensure participants will be supported every step of the way with young people working closely with a pathways coach and employment mentor, and supported for the first 26 weeks of employment.
“your job your way takes a client-centred approach towards employment services that includes employer engagement, community connections and understanding the individual needs of each young person and employer,” Mr Ffrench said.
“The project is very much focused on helping young people achieve their goals – they will be continuously supported to find a job, and once they’ve secured a job, we will keep developing their skills, experience and confidence so they can maintain employment.”
The your job your way trial will be funded under the Liberal Nationals Government’s $96.1 million Try, Test and Learn Fund.
Young people interested in this trial should visit www.yourtown.com.au/our-services/your-job-your-way
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Media contact:
Minister Fletcher: Brooke Leembruggen: 0447 743 835 brooke.leembruggen@dss.gov.au
Senator Colbeck: Felix Ellis: 0457 517 734 felix.ellis@aph.gov.au
The Liberal National Government has delivered a grant of $19,635 for a strategic plan for a Wynyard Community Hub.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said that a range of community service groups are looking to establish a physical presence for meeting clients and coordinating their efforts.
“I am very pleased to announce that a network of Wynyard community groups has been awarded a grant to undertake a strategic plan for a Community Hub in the town, which will enable them to deliver more services in the local area.
“There are 30 community groups who are supporting people in Wynyard but there is currently no physical Community Hub.
“By delivering a strong economy and a Budget surplus, the Liberal National Government is able to support community organisations in the important work they do serving people in the North West.”
Robin Krabbe from Live Well Tasmania said the grant will enable organisations to come together to deliver more for the community.
“By having a common meeting place, community organisations will be able to work together and establish if there are areas of unmet need or duplication in services in the Wynyard area.
“This Federal grant will also enable us to run a series of breakfast workshops which will bring together not-for profits and business to find common service opportunities – including potentially establishing youth-led social enterprises in Wynyard.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to ensuring Australia’s regions remain strong, resilient and prosperous in the long term.
“We are supporting our regions through investing in important local infrastructure, as well as great community-building and planning initiatives under the Building Better Regions Fund and other Government priorities such as the Regional Growth Fund and our decentralisation agenda.
Ends.
Media Contact:
Mr McCormack – Hannah Maguire 0429 920 254
Senator Colbeck – Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
The second meeting of the National Fisheries Advisory Council (NFAC) in Canberra today will see representatives from Australia’s commercial, recreational and Indigenous fishing sectors come together to discuss issues facing Australia’s seafood industry.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, said the NFAC will discuss challenges and opportunities for Australian fishers, including relationship building between sectors, access to resources, resource sharing and future proofing the industry.
“Australia’s seafood industry is world-class but we are seeing that it is vulnerable to third parties seeking to limit fair and science-based access, to the detriment of industry and jobs,” Senator Colbeck said.
“NFAC brings together leaders from the commercial, recreational and Indigenous fishing sectors and encourages discussion and progress on issues affecting all sectors.
“Members have been chosen for their expertise and understanding of fisheries issues, geographic representation and ability to consider the long-term interests for the benefit of all Australians.
“Our oceans are a shared resource, and as a government we are committed to securing the future of all of Australia’s fishing sectors—commercial, recreational, Indigenous and aquaculture—and the jobs and opportunities they create.
“If we are to strengthen our seafood industry it is crucial all sectors work together effectively to combat shared challenges.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the NFAC to foster, improve and grow our commercial, Indigenous and recreational fishing sectors.”
Media contact
Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
Read MoreThe outlook for the forest, seafood and horticulture sectors is bright despite clear risks, with continued growth both in Australia and overseas providing new markets and opportunities for Australian producers.
That was the key message delivered by Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, to delegates at the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resources Economics and Sciences (ABARES) annual Outlook conference in Canberra today.
“The Liberal National Government is committed to making the tough choices to boost agricultural productivity and resilience in the forest, seafood and horticulture industries,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Liberal National Government will hold the line on native forestry, a vital industry for regional jobs that is under persistent threat from anti-science activists.
“We have the balance right on economic and environmental security in the native forest industry.
“We will also clear the roadblocks that have caused the stagnation of plantation growth and plant a billion new trees over the next decade.
“A few weeks ago I launched Australia’s State of the Forests Report 2018, produced by ABARES—the fifth in the series of national five-yearly reports on Australia's forests covering all levels of forest management.
“The report demonstrated that our forest and wood products industries have a strong future, but as a nation we can’t risk going back to anti-industry ideology that did so much damage in the past.
“Our fisheries industry is another that has gone from strength to strength and today I was proud to release the fourth edition of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation 2018 Australian Stock Status Reports.
“This is more hard evidence of the responsible management delivering powerful returns to the Australian community and shows why locking our fishers out of these resources is simply regressive and anti-science.
“Australia’s horticulture sector is also on the upwards trajectory—consumer demand for Australian grown fresh produce continues to rise, with the value of production in the vegetable industry alone expected to be around $4 billion in 2018–19.
“Additionally, ABARES has forecast that the value of the horticultural industry will be almost $12 billion in 2019–20.”
“Further opportunities exist in horticulture including genomic mapping for key tree species and I will soon hold a protected horticulture Roundtable to help drive the sector.
“Crucially, all three sectors will benefit from the series of free trade agreements delivered by the Liberal National Government, including most recently with Indonesia.
“We are working with industry to reduce regulatory burden and remove unnecessary red and green tape—this will help create more jobs and a secure future for our forest, seafood and horticulture industries.”
Find out more about the ABARES Outlook conference at: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/outlook
Fast Facts:
Media contact
Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
Read MoreThe second meeting of the National Fisheries Advisory Council (NFAC) in Canberra today will see representatives from Australia’s commercial, recreational and Indigenous fishing sectors come together to discuss issues facing Australia’s seafood industry.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, said the NFAC will discuss challenges and opportunities for Australian fishers, including relationship building between sectors, access to resources, resource sharing and future proofing the industry.
“Australia’s seafood industry is world-class but we are seeing that it is vulnerable to third parties seeking to limit fair and science-based access, to the detriment of industry and jobs,” Senator Colbeck said.
“NFAC brings together leaders from the commercial, recreational and Indigenous fishing sectors and encourages discussion and progress on issues affecting all sectors.
“Members have been chosen for their expertise and understanding of fisheries issues, geographic representation and ability to consider the long-term interests for the benefit of all Australians.
“Our oceans are a shared resource, and as a government we are committed to securing the future of all of Australia’s fishing sectors—commercial, recreational, Indigenous and aquaculture—and the jobs and opportunities they create.
“If we are to strengthen our seafood industry it is crucial all sectors work together effectively to combat shared challenges.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the NFAC to foster, improve and grow our commercial, Indigenous and recreational fishing sectors.”
Media contact
Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
Read MoreAssistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck has welcomed the signing of the historic Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA).
Assistant Minister Colbeck: “This free trade agreement with Indonesia will open up a major new market for Tasmania and create job opportunities in our State.
“The reach of the IA-CEPA is staggering, with 99 per cent of goods exported to Indonesia to be duty free or with significantly improved preferential arrangements.
“IA-CEPA has been supported by National Farmers Federation, AUSVEG, Australian Dairy Industry Council, Meat & Livestock Australia and many other representatives of the agriculture industry.
“As an export State, this will give Tasmania access to a market of 270 million consumers who are increasingly seeing value in our high-quality, safe produce.
“We are in a particularly strong position to expand with our cool-climate horticulture exports such as cherries, berries and apples as well as vegetables such as potatoes, broccoli and carrots.
“Our seafood and aquaculture industries will also be competitive, not just with our produce but also with our supply chain services which are world-class.
“The elimination or reduction of tariffs across many dairy lines will also increase demand for the industry and give our farmers more options when it comes to where they sell their product.
“It is disturbing to see reports that the unions which run the Labor Party are already lobbying Bill Shorten to rip up this agreement, which is so vital to the future prosperity of Tasmania.”
For more information on the IA-CEPA can be found here: https://dfat.gov.au/trade/agreements/not-yet-in-force/iacepa/Pages/indonesia-australia-comprehensive-economic-partnership-agreement.aspx
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Read MoreThe Liberal National Government is delivering expanded opportunities for future leaders to progress their careers on King Island.
Future leaders network, The Coasters, has had outstanding success in the North West and they have now been granted $17,500 from the Building Better Regions Fund to expand their offering to King Island.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said The Coasters was inspiring young people to take advantage of the opportunities in regional Tasmania.
“Encouraging our future leaders to see opportunities in rural and remote parts of Tasmania is critical to our future economic success.
“The Liberal National Government is backing our next generation because retaining our best and brightest will secure a bright future for King Island.”
Daryl Connelly, CEO of the Cradle Coast Authority which applied for the grant on behalf of The Coasters said they have been supporting the group as part of a strategy to retain talent in regional Tasmania.
“Cradle Coast Authority is proud to support such a strong organisation of young people like The Coasters and this grant will allow these benefits to spread to a remote area like King Island.”
The Coasters’ Claire Smith said the group was having great success in bringing together future leaders and young professionals for the betterment of the region.
“In a short period of time we have had noticeable impact in increasing retention and connectedness among young people in our region, particularly those who have moved here to advance their careers.”
Helen Thomas, Growth & Strategy Manager at King Island Council, said she is looking forward to seeing The Coasters established on King Island.
"Providing King Island's young leaders with access to a network of like-minded, aspirational young people will increase their opportunities to connect, inspire and grow".
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to ensuring Australia’s regions remain strong, resilient and prosperous in the long term.
“We have seen fantastic outcomes from the first two rounds, and today’s announcement continues our commitment to unlocking the economic potential of regional Australia and ensuring our regions continue to thrive.”
Ends.
Media Contact:
Mr McCormack – Hannah Maguire 0429 920 254
Senator Colbeck – Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Read MoreThe Liberal National Government will deliver a much-needed upgrade to the King Island Club to protect the heritage value of the building.
The roof of the Club has been in disrepair and replacing it will prevent the building being damaged by water incursion.
Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the Club is a cornerstone of the Island's community and a worthy recipient of the Building Better Regions Fund grant.
"This $61,875 grant will secure the future of the King Island Club and protect the priceless records of Island life that the club has custody over.
"The building has been a meeting place for Islanders of all walks of life for 75 years and this grant will ensure that it will continue to serve the community into the future.
"By delivering a strong economy and a Budget surplus the Liberal National Government has been able to invest in the vital community infrastructure that is so important to the lives of people in regional Tasmania."
Graeme Keeley from the King Island Club said the Club was delighted they were able to invest in the upgrade to the roof.
"The new roof will allow for better drainage which will prevent the leaks that have plagued the Club for years and allow for solar panels to be installed in the future.
"Over the years the Club has sponsored various sporting clubs and organisations such as the local football clubs, race club, Lions Club, RSL, Senior Citizens, Masonic Lodge, dance group, community events, Phoenix House, the garden club, and many more, which in return have supported us with meetings and functions – all of whom will benefit from this upgrade.
"I thank the Federal Government for supporting the King Island Club, this grant will make a big difference to the community."
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to ensuring Australia’s regions remain strong, resilient and prosperous in the long term.
“We are supporting our regions through investing in important local infrastructure, as well as great community-building and planning initiatives under the Building Better Regions Fund and other Government priorities such as the Regional Growth Fund and our decentralisation agenda,” Mr McCormack said.
“In this round we are also investing more than $70 million in regional tourism infrastructure, to support those many regional communities that rely on tourism to bolster their economy.
Ends.
Media Contact:
Mr McCormack – Hannah Maguire 0429 920 254
Senator Colbeck – Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Read MoreThe transformative upgrade to the Wynyard Waterfront will be delivered by the Liberal National Government.
The $3.2 million Building Better Regions Fund grant has been approved and will completely revitalise the way Wynyard interacts with the beautiful Inglis River.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the Wynyard Waterfront project would bring jobs to the region.
"Revitalising the heart and soul of Wynyard will be a major drawcard for visitors year round and will bring jobs and tourism.
"Wynyard's great strengths are its natural beauty and it's friendly community, which is why combining the two with the Waterfront development is so compelling.
"By delivering a strong economy and a Budget surplus the Liberal National Government is able to invest in projects which will grow job opportunities in the North West."
Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Robby Walsh said the project would transform the way the community interacts with the river.
"This section of the Waterfront has great natural beauty and this grant from the Federal Government will allow it to live up to its true potential.
"The Wynyard Waterfront will complement other aspects of the town such as Gutteridge Gardens, Fossil Bluff, Table Cape and the Wonders of Wynyard and we look forward to working collaboratively with current users of the area, including the Wynyard Yacht Club, to bring this project to fruition.”
"The Wynyard Waterfront will be a natural place for families to come together and enjoy all that makes this community so special."
ENDS
Electors of Braddon should be very concerned about Justine Keay’s comments against yesterday’s announcement of funding to progress Marinus Link and Pumped Hydro.
While Ms Keay is promising a “renewable energy zone”, the Liberal State and Australian Governments are getting on with progressing these real-world projects.
Ms Keay is also promising a disastrous 45% renewable energy target, which has been described by the Business Council of Australia as an economy killer and research published last week said the policy would push electricity prices 50% higher and cost workers up to $9,000 a year in wages. *
Instead the Government is getting on with real projects that will provide reliable, affordable energy into the grid.
The need for that reliable, affordable energy was a recommendation of both the Finkel review and the ACCC review. **
The Liberal National Government is acting on those recommendations and that is what will drive these projects – a balanced policy that grows renewables while keeping energy prices down.
Just forcing more intermittent energy generation into the market will drive energy prices up – the infrastructure needs to be paid for whether it is generating energy or not, and it is only generating for at most 50% of the time and often not when we need it.
Australians want the lights to go on when they flick the switch!
Ms Keay needs to explain why she doesn’t support affordable, reliable energy.
It is a simple question for Ms Keay – does she support Marinus Link and Pumped Hydro?
ENDS
Background
* Carbon cut apocalypse: cost of ALP energy plan: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/climate/carbon-cut-apocalypse-cost-of-alp-energy-plan/news-story/96c9af15d670a6725146e356fd4b6414
** Restoring electricity affordability and Australia’s competitive advantage: https://www.accc.gov.au/publications/restoring-electricity-affordability-australias-competitive-advantage
Read MoreSenator for Tasmania, Richard Colbeck, has welcomed the development of the Federal Government’s further investment in the proposed second interconnector with the mainland, following the release of the Tasmanian Government’s business case assessment of Project Marinus.
“After many years of strong advocacy for Tasmania’s potential in the national energy market, I welcome this important development to cement Tasmania’s critical role in renewable energy generation into the future” Senator Colbeck said.
“The Coalition Government’s announcement today to provide $56 million dollars towards a second Bass Strait interconnector will supercharge Tasmania as the battery of the nation into the future”
“This critical investment will speed up this important project, which will not only mean more reliable and affordable electricity in the national energy market, sooner, but also bring with it important jobs and investment into Tasmania.”
“Critically, today’s announcement is expected to lead to the creation of up to 1400 jobs and boost the Tasmanian and Victorian economies by $1.6 billion.”
“This project also brings with it the important lower cost renewable energy generation into the market, including from wind, solar, hydro and storage - with up to 25 million tonnes of emissions abatement expected by 2030.”
ENDS
Read MoreSenator Richard Colbeck paid tribute to retiring colleague – Julie Bishop:
“Julie Bishop has been an extraordinary servant of the people of Australia, the electorate of Curtin and the Parliamentary Liberal Party during her 21 year parliamentary career.
“Anyone who holds the position of deputy leader of the Liberal Party for 11 years through opposition and into government has demonstrated considerable leadership.
“Julie has always responded positively to requests to visit Tasmania and Tasmanians embraced her warmly.
“In her role as Foreign Minister, Julie stood with strength at critical times in Australia’s best interests, cementing her place as a leading voice and consolidating Australia’s reputation on the global stage.
“She stood as a beacon to young women considering a career in politics, providing a bright example of the opportunities in public office.
“I wish Julie all the best for the future.”
ENDS
Read MoreThe Morrison Government is backing the future of the Tasmanian forestry industry with the roll out of its Regional Forestry Hubs, driving investment and jobs growth for generations to come.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the development of nine initial Regional Forestry Hub sites will provide strategic vision for forest industries in Northern Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
“Today in Tasmania’s north-west forestry belt, we are sowing the seeds for the first of our Regional Forestry Hubs under the $20 million National Forest Industries Plan.
“We want Northern Tasmania’s key forestry industries to be even stronger, and today’s announcement will ensure a brighter and more secure future.
“This plan will protect and grow Northern Tasmania’s vital forestry industry, create more jobs, and open up opportunities to build new and improved roads, rail and port facilities.
“Around 52,000 Australians are directly employed in growing and processing our forest products. Tens of thousands more jobs are indirectly supported by a sector that contributes more than $23 billion to the national economy.”
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Senator Richard Colbeck said the Regional Forestry Hubs were a commitment in the Morrison Government’s National Forest Industries Plan and will support strategic planning of future needs for the industry in the region.
“Timber is the building material of the 21st century and the Morrison Government is beginning the process of creating the initial Regional Forestry Hubs to meet future demand for forest products,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Four trials of nine initial pilot Hubs will be created, and the Government will work with industry, State Governments and Local Governments to deliver maximum benefit from them.
“Our Government has committed $12.5 million to the Regional Forestry Hubs and research and development elements of the National Forest Industries Plan to further grow Australia’s forest industries and set the industry up for the future.
“This Plan ambitiously aims to deliver a billion new trees to meet a projected quadrupling of global demand for timber products by 2050, planting the right trees, at the right scale in the right places.
“The end result will be better returns to business, more investment, more jobs and greater economic prosperity for Australia.”
Through the development of Regional Forestry Hubs and the implementation of the broader set of actions in the Plan, the Government is supporting forest industries as part of our commitment to deliver 1.25 million new jobs over the next five years.
Most of those trees will be in key areas that have clear competitive advantages for forestry, such as access to processing plants, transport routes and a skilled forestry workforce.
The State of the Forests Report released today shows clearly the need to plant more trees to create Australian jobs and increase our access to this truly renewable resource.
Planting a billion trees will also contribute to the removal of 18 million tonnes of greenhouse gas from the atmosphere per year by 2030.
Locations of the pilot Regional Forestry Hubs are:
o South West - Western Australia
o Green Triangle – South Australia and Victoria
o North/North West - Tasmania
o North East - New South Wales
Locations of Regional Forestry Hubs that will follow the pilot hubs:
o Gippsland – Victoria
o South West Slopes - New South Wales
o Central West - New South Wales
o South East – Queensland
o North – Queensland.
More information on the National Forest Industries Plan is available here: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/forestry/national-forest-industries-plan.pdf
Media contacts:
Prime Minister’s Office: Press Office, (02) 6277 7744
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources: Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
The Hon. Scott Morrison MP, Sydney
Read MoreA motion of support for Tasmania’s bushfire-affected communities has been lodged in the Senate with the support of Liberal and Labor Senators.
Senator Colbeck: “In times of difficulty Tasmanians and Australians pull together and help out their mates.
“This was also reflected in the bipartisan support of my Senate colleagues for a motion resolving to continue supporting Tasmania as we move from disaster response to recovery.”
The full motion is below:
NOTICE OF MOTION
I give notice that on the next day of sitting I shall move –
That the Senate –
(a) notes
(i) the hardship suffered by all Tasmanian communities affected by bushfires over the last two months, including the Huon Valley, Derwent Valley, West Coast, Central Highlands and North West communities,
(ii) the loss of homes, property and livelihoods, as well as the damage caused to approximately 200,000 hectares of land, including productive forests and also areas in the Wilderness World Heritage Area, and
(iii) the extraordinary resilience of our community and emergency service personnel in responding to these tragic circumstances, and
(b) acknowledges
(i) the Tasmanian Fire Service and all their personnel for the professionalism and dedication they have shown in keeping Tasmanians safe,
(ii) the volunteer fire brigades who have sacrificed so much to protect their neighbours and put themselves in harm’s way for their communities,
(iii) the Parks and Wildlife Service for their skill in protecting Tasmania’s wilderness heritage values while battling extremely remote and difficult conditions,
(iv) the thousands of Tasmanians and Australians who have contributed their time, money, resources and assistance to caring for the victims of the bushfires including from interstate, and also international assistance, and
(c) resolves
(i) to continue supporting the State of Tasmania as the disaster moves from response to recovery through the formal Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to get these families and communities back on their feet as they begin the process of rebuilding
Senator Richard Colbeck
Senator Jonathon Duniam
Senator Eric Abetz
Read MoreIt is now clear by Bill Shorten’s own admission that what Labor did last year was to put a cheap tactical win in the Parliament ahead of the security of Australia’s borders when they voted for the Phelps Medivac Bill.
By Bill Shorten’s own admission Labor Senators have already voted to weaken Australia’s borders – how will, Justine Keay, Julie Collins, Brian Mitchell and Ross Hart vote?
Labor promised to maintain our strong border security arrangements in 2007, they then promptly dismantled them.
We know from Labor’s vote before Christmas that they really want to do the same again – they are weak on border protection and they have history.
The Phelps Bill was supported by their Labor/Green Senate colleagues, including Senators Anne Urquhart and Nick McKim.
Labor MPs must tell their electors what their convictions are on border protection.
Ms Keay in particular has form opposing boat turnbacks and offshore detention, saying on 24 July 2015, “I understand why some see it as an option to have in a tool chest of policy responses but I do not support it. I believe other, more humane options should be utilised”.
She also famously unravelled on Tasmania Talks in 2016 when asked if she supported strong border protection measures: “Um sort of, a bit — either/or at the moment. Um, I would like to see people not die at sea obviously. But I would like to ensure that our asylum seekers are treated humanely.”
Home Affairs has advised that the Phelps Bill will cost $1.4 billion and ASIO has advised that it will open the door to migration for violent criminals and paedophiles, and potentially even terrorists.
No amount of decoys from Labor handlers this week will distract from the fundamental question: how will Keay, Collins, Mitchell and Hart vote on Australian border security as we know it?
ENDS
Read MorePerkins Park in Latrobe is set to undergo major upgrades thanks to a large grant from the Liberal & Nationals Federal Government, Tasmanian Senators Richard Colbeck and Steve Martin announced on Sunday.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said it is important community sport infrastructure keeps up with the needs of locals.
“Latrobe has seen growing grassroots sport participation, particularly from women and girls, and delivering a strong economy and Budget surplus has allowed us to back them to upgrade their Club facilities,” Senator Colbeck said.
Tasmanian Nationals Senator Martin said delivering funding for regional Tasmania was his most important focus.
“I recently brought Nationals Deputy Leader and Minister for Sport Bridget McKenzie to Latrobe to help convince her of the merit of Council’s funding application. A successful outcome followed,” Senator Martin said.
Latrobe Mayor Peter Freshney welcomed the funding boost.
“Latrobe Council has an ambitious plan to upgrade Perkins Park with the Community Sport Infrastructure Grant of $100,000 from Canberra expanding the project through the installation of additional lighting, the re-orientation of the concrete wicket, a new playing surface, replacement of existing training nets, new goal posts and barrier fencing to address risk issues,” Mayor Freshney said.
“This project is particularly important and will assist in meeting the needs of continued participation growth in both football and cricket of local girls and boys.”
For information on how to apply for a Liberal and Nationals Government sports grant, please visit sportaus.gov.au
Media contacts:
Felix Ellis 0457 517 734 (Senator Colbeck) – Murray Lees 0436 424 750 (Senator Martin)
Read MoreAssistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck has announced that Japan has recognised mainland Tasmania as fruit fly free and trade of fruit can resume to the country.
Assistant Minister Colbeck: “Regaining market access to Japan is a major breakthrough as Tasmania seeks to have its fruit fly free status recognised among our trading partners.”
“Japan is a strong premium horticulture export destination and they also have some of the strictest technical requirements for their protocols in the world.
“This decision is particularly important for crops soon to be harvested, including apples, so it is a very welcome development.
“Japan has acknowledged that our procedures for fruit fly detection and monitoring are fundamentally sound.
“Each of our trading partners is quite different and may require different levels of detail and technical data, which is reflected in our various market access protocols.
“The Australia Government continues to work closely with the Tasmanian Government to ensure this data is available.
“Our trading partners take their biosecurity very seriously like we do – we understand the value of it so we need to respect their protocols and biosecurity as we ask them to respect ours.
“Decisions on market access are for our trading partners to make and based on their own assessments and timetables – further updates will be available as our trading partners finalise their assessments.
“It is a good sign that a major protocol nation like Japan recognises that Tasmania is fruit fly free and I look forward to continuing discussions with other protocol nations in due course.”
ENDS
Read MoreAssistant Minister for Agriculture Richard Colbeck has welcomed the decision by India to grant market access to Australian-grown walnuts.
Assistant Minister Colbeck: “This is a major new opportunity for Tasmania, with Australia’s largest walnut producer Webster Ltd based in our state.
“India is a huge market of over a billion people and Tasmania’s global competitive advantage as a Southern Hemisphere exporter means that we can provide the freshest walnuts in the world for several months of the year.
“Tasmania also has a reputation for high-quality, safe produce, which was recognised by India’s scientific study that enabled our growers to gain market access.
“Global demand for walnuts continues to grow steadily on the back of publicity from a number of nutritional studies proving the health benefits of walnuts.
“Webster’s has identified significant room to expand in Tasmania, which means that new trade opportunities will create more jobs for Tasmanians.
“The Liberal National Government continues to work to create more market access for Tassie exporters so that we can deliver on our promise of 1.25 million new jobs over the next five years.”
ENDS
Read MoreLiberal Senator for Tasmanian Richard Colbeck and Liberal Candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce have welcomed the overwhelming success of the regional apprentice wage subsidy trial in Tasmania.
The Australian Apprentice Wage Subsidy trial began in January to examine the effect of wage subsidies as an incentive for rural and regional employers to engage more apprentices in areas of skill needs.
Senator Colbeck: “The Australian Apprentice Wage Subsidy trial is nearly fully subscribed and will create 68 new full-time skilled jobs in regional Tasmania this year – an excellent result which demonstrates strong interest in technical and trades training.
“The Liberals in Government have delivered on our pledge to create 1 million new jobs over the last five years, and apprenticeships will be a major driver in our commitment to deliver 1.25 million new jobs in the next five years.
“Getting a start as an apprentice can be a life-changing experience which can open doors for young people – as I found when I completed my carpentry apprenticeship.
“By delivering a strong economy and a Budget surplus, the Liberals in Government are able to provide the training and job opportunities that Tasmanians deserve.”
Mr Pearce: “This is great news for jobs on the North West Coast and providing wage support will go a long way to encouraging businesses to share their skills and know-how with the next generation.”
“Some businesses are looking to sign up an apprentice for the first time and I believe strongly that we should be incentivising them to teach the life-changing vocational skillsets they have to offer.
“I know how important an apprenticeship is for establishing a strong career – I completed my dairy apprenticeship in Tassie and have also been an instructor at the Army Apprentices School at Bonegilla.
“The Tasmanian economy is growing strongly and there are new skilled jobs being created, including plumbers, mechanics, butchers, welders and hairdressers, so now is a great time to pick up a trade that will set you up for life.
The AAWS is based on the relevant Australian Apprentice award wage rate, payable as follows:
• 75 per cent of the first year award wage
• 50 per cent of the second year award wage, and
• 25 per cent of the third year award wage.
It is available for businesses in rural and regional communities with
• fewer than 20 employees, the AAWS applies if they employ an additional apprentice (above their normal intake)
• 20 or more employees, the AAWS is limited to those who have not previously employed an Australian Apprentice
• employed an Australian Apprentice in the three years prior to 1 January 2019.
More information is available here: https://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/publications/australian-apprentice-wage-subsidy.
Read MoreLiberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck has condemned Labor’s Anne Urquhart who either doesn’t know that her own policy will tax pensioners, or she and Bill Shorten have deliberately misled the people of Tasmania.
Senator Colbeck: “Anne Urquhart has exposed what local retirees have known for nearly a year; Labor MPs don’t even understand the damage their policy will do to people’s retirement plans.
“While Chris Bowen is busy giving retirees the two finger salute around the country, Senator Urquhart is misleading Tasmanians about Labor’s plans to strip up to 30% off those on low taxable incomes and retirees.
“Senator Urquhart arrogantly said that “Every pensioner is exempt from Labor’s franking credit changes”. * This is wrong:
- those individuals and couples already in a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) who go on the aged pension on or after 28 March 2018 will be affected (unless they were lucky enough for one of their SMSF fund members to already be on the age pension before 28 March 2018); and
- All pensioners who establish a SMSF on or after 28 March 2018 will be affected.
“Senator Urquhart was hopelessly out of touch when she said that “No-one is facing a tax increase”. ** This is also wrong:
- those individuals and couples already in a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) who go on the aged pension on or after 28 March 2018 will be affected (unless they were lucky enough for one of their SMSF fund members to already be on the age pension before 28 March 2018)
- all pensioners who establish a SMSF after 28 March 2018 will have their tax increased
- self-funded retirees who currently receive franking credits will have their tax increased; and
- low-income people, regardless of age, who receive franking credits will have their tax increased.
“ATO data shows the total number of people who will have their tax increased in Braddon alone is 3,534. The total number of people who will have their tax increased in Tasmania is 20,201.
“On average, Australians affected by the retiree tax would lose $2,200 a year. Those with self-managed super funds would lose around $12,000 a year.
“For many, their losses will be much higher and may even force some on to a part-pension.
“Senator Urquhart and the Tasmanian people don’t need to take my word for it, Chris Bowen claims the policy would rake in $55 billion.
“The people who won’t be affected by Labor’s tax increase are the Labor politicians who have their retirement nest eggs in sheltered in union super funds.***
“Labor’s continuous lies are desperate and the truth is compelling. They’re don’t know how to implement policy, they don’t know how to manage money, and they don’t even know how their big new taxes actually work or who they will affect.”
ENDS
*POLITICALLY SPEAKING: Labor to invest in people, for a fair go: https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/5883615/labor-to-invest-in-people-for-a-fair-go/?cs=89
**POLITICALLY SPEAKING: Labor to invest in people, for a fair go: https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/5883615/labor-to-invest-in-people-for-a-fair-go/?cs=89
***Senior Labor figures unaffected by franking credits reforms that hit self-funded retirees hard: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/business/senior-labor-figures-unaffected-by-franking-credits-reforms-that-hit-selffunded-retirees-hard/news-story/00330bc633bd307fbd24ed81f67ce9d7?fbclid=IwAR0waWhfHiUqocn7G5v5KRoV9gCfumHXQNGwL8eA_pBecScFWHeYIxxtyFQ
Read MoreLiberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck has announced funding for improved aged care infrastructure at a high needs centre in East Devonport.
The $428,863 grant will enable extensions, refurbishments and improvements at the Melaleuca Home for the Aged, under the Aged Care Regional, Rural and Remote Infrastructure Grants scheme.
Senator Colbeck: “Melaleuca provides important high-needs care for older Tasmanians in East Devonport and by investing in aged care infrastructure the Liberals in Government are improving the lives of residents and staff.
“Construction has begun and when completed these rooms will be better able to provide quality care in the kind of environment that people are increasingly choosing in aged care.
“This aged care infrastructure funding is part of our Government’s $5 billion aged care funding boost, announced in the 2018-19 Budget, and is dedicated to improving the quality and accessibility of aged care services in regional, rural and remote Australia.”
“By delivering a strong economy and a Budget surplus the Liberals in Government are able to provide the essential health services Tasmanians deserve.
“Every senior Australian should have a dignified retirement and a comfortable place to live.
“Investing in new infrastructure will allow Melaleuca to provide their residents with modern facilities and amenities, which is key to increasing the choice and affordability offered in aged care in Tasmania.
“The shared rooms will be upgraded to private rooms, each with en suites, to make the space more functional for providing the high-level clinical care on offer here in East Devonport.
“Modern aged care design has come a long way in the 36 years since these rooms were built and the refurbishment will improve safety and comfort for residents and staff.”
Read MoreAfter repeated denials from Tasmanian State and Federal members, the Federal Labor leadership confirmed they are promising to return Tasmania to the dark days of the sham forest deal which destroyed 4,000 jobs.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck said that forestry workers and the industry were right to be furious after local Labor members denied the truth for more than a month.
Assistant Minister Colbeck: “After playing for time since their Annual Conference in December, Labor has officially announced their policy to reintroduce the sham forest deal which locked up Tasmania and collapsed the forestry industry and jobs.
“Former Wilderness Society and current Labor Environment spokesman Tony Burke has come out spruiking Labor’s policy to return to the deal which destroyed 4,000 Tasmanian jobs, scoffing that “The only people who don’t seem to want peace in the forest sector and certainty for industry and their markets are the Liberals.” *
“The bad news for the greatest threat to the forest industry, Tony Burke, is that Tasmania and the forest industry have moved on from the disaster of his sham deal – they said so comprehensively at two elections.
“The Industry, under the supportive policies of the Liberals in Government is on the rise, investing and growing.
“Labor and the Greens put all that at risk.
“Labor will try to spin their position as supporting the industry, but we know from history that they don’t.
“This revelation confirms that Labor will say one thing one day, and another the next.
“Federal and State Labor members and Senators must today publicly reject a return to the sham forest deal.
“Justine Keay misled the Tasmanian public on 18 December last year when she said of reports that Labor were recommitting to the sham forest deal that “Senator Colbeck is desperately making up claims as a distraction”. **
“The State Labor Party – the most left-wing rabble in any state in the country – also maintains a commitment to the sham forest deal on their publicly available Party Platform. ***
“Spokesman Josh Willie misled the Tasmanian public on the same day when he said any suggestion of a Federal Labor move back to the sham forest deal was a “spurious claim” and said there were no plans to go back to the dark days of the Tasmanian Forest Agreement – now it is all there in black and white.
“At least their Braddon Labor counterpart Shane Broad was honest in their intentions when he boasted to The Advocate in May about the job-killing deal. ****
“Greens spokesman Nick McKim showed gobsmacking hypocrisy when he called into question my integrity by saying “This is just about Richard Colbeck trying to restart the forest wars” while in the same breath reiterating his party’s complete ideological commitment to the disastrous deal he stitched up as part of the Labor-Green trainwreck government in Tasmania”.*****
“It is worth noting that the only people using the language of war and conflict are Labor and the Greens.
“Foresters and the industry are telling us they want the certainty provided by the Liberal-National Government’s National Forest Industries Plan.
“The Liberals in Government are planning for the exciting future of the industry through our forest industry plan while Labor are lost in the distant past.
“Industry and workers have told us explicitly that they don’t want to go back to the dark old days of lock-ups and job destruction as part of a Labor-Green policy of terminal decline.
“Tasmanians agreed, with both Federal and State Liberal Governments coming to office promising to rip up the sham forest deal which was written by campaigner and Labor frontbencher Tony Burke.
“Industry are furious and Tasmanians have a right to wonder how many times they have to tell the Labor-Greens: no lock ups, no job losses, hands off Tasmania!
ENDS
--
When released, the Labor National Policy Platform will read: “Labor will continue to support the implementation of the conditions of the Tasmanian Forestry Agreement (TFA) as a future pathway for the forest industry in Tasmania. This provides resource security for the iconic special timbers industry, under agreed terms. Labor supports this as a broad industry plan to achieve the outcomes from the TFA.”
* Labor flirts with forest protection, angering timber industry: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/labor-flirts-with-forest-protection-angering-timber-industry/news-story/79613cff35811a02a4504b0b079b8b90
** Nightly News 7 Tasmania – 18 December 2018:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-B_Q781rAM&t=629s
*** Tasmanian Labor Policy Platform 2018:http://taslabor.com/platform/natural-resources-energy/
**** Tasmanian forest lock-up fears: Jonathon Duniam:https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/5374311/tasmanian-forest-lock-up-fears-jonathon-duniam/
***** Nightly News 7 Tasmania – 18 December 2018:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-B_Q781rAM&t=629s
Read MoreLiberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck and Braddon Liberal Candidate Gavin Pearce have welcomed the launch of the Ulverstone Cultural Precinct Project, which was a commitment made during the Braddon by-election.
The project will construct a Museum and Art Gallery complex that will co-locate the Visitor Information Centre and History Museum and incorporate a retail space, café, Science Centre and Planetarium.
Senator Colbeck: “The Ulverstone Cultural Precinct will be a centrepiece of cultural life and science education for people on the North West Coast.
“The Liberals in Government committed to the Cultural Precinct during the Braddon by-election and today marks the launch of this ambitious project.
“This $7.5 million project includes $2.5 million in funding from both the Australian and State Liberal Governments and demonstrates what can be achieved when all levels of Government work together.
“By delivering a strong economy and a Budget surplus the Liberals in Government have been able to deliver on the education and cultural infrastructure that Tasmanians deserve.”
Mr Pearce: “Having worked in the technology space in the armed services, I understand the importance of encouraging our next generation to take up an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“By delivering the Ulverstone Cultural Precinct commitment we hope to inspire children and school-leavers to pursue higher education, particularly in STEM, which we know is going to be critical to the jobs of the future.
“Australia is soon to be home to a significant space industry and the proposed planetarium may spark the imagination of the next Rose Tasker, who is working to become Tasmania’s first astronaut.
“The Ulverstone Cultural Precinct will be more than just a building; it will be a place to open the eyes of our young people to the possibilities in the world of science, technology and higher learning.”
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Read MoreDisaster assistance has been made available for Tasmania to support the considerable operational effort in combatting bushfires that have been burning since December.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck, representing Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Linda Reynolds who has responsibility for Commonwealth disaster assistance, said the Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments were working together to support operational efforts as difficult conditions continue to fuel bushfires around the state.
“The fires in Tasmanian have been burning for several weeks, threatening communities and scorching thousands of hectares of wilderness. Our thoughts today are with communities on the West Coast, in the Central Highlands and South of Huonville who are under threat,” Senator Colbeck said.
“National assistance, including firefighting personnel, appliances, aircraft and support staff, is being delivered to protect life and property in Tasmania because in tough times Australians pull together.”
Tasmanian Premier the Hon. Will Hodgman MP praised the work of firefighters and the community as fires burn across the state, with a majority burning in remote areas and hard-to-access terrain.
“Tasmania Fire Service, Parks and Wildlife Service and Sustainable Timbers Tasmania have been joined by more than 100 interstate and New Zealand personnel to support firefighting operations across the state,” Premier Hodgman said.
“Our firefighters are facing extremely hot and difficult conditions to ensure Tasmanians are safe and to protect our property and natural heritage. We are extremely grateful for the incredible job they are doing.”
The funding available through the DRFA will help cover the cost of fighting the bushfires.
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Tasmanian Government’s emergency management website at www.tasalert.com.
Read MoreI don’t decry Justine Keay taking advantage of the Defence exchange program, having the chance to talk directly to our defence personnel in their workplace, while they are undertaking their duties and hearing their stories and getting a sense of their concerns. That is what the program was set up for and it is a good program.
I have participated a couple of times myself, most notably in 2003 around the time of the commencement of the Iraq war, one of the most difficult periods of my time in politics.
What I didn’t do though was come home to use that experience as a political weapon, complete with photo.
For Ms Keay to suggest that because she had spent a few days alongside some hard working defence personnel, had a photo taken in uniform and then had all the policy answers that were better than the other side of politics undermines the program and is an insult to those who wear the uniform.
I have had feedback from veterans to that effect already.
Whether Ms Keay’s handlers had decided that they needed to make some sort of statement given the real and genuine experience of her challenger at the election, Gavin Pearce, I don’t know, but putting such a political slant on her Op-Ed along with the accompanying photo was a huge mistake.
I would take Gavin’s view of the experiences and needs of returned service personnel over Ms Keay’s any day, his experience is real, hers is fleeting and observational at best, and particularly given that Gavin is so actively involved in helping those with mental health issues through the development of the Lake Sorell Young Veterans’ Bush Retreat in the Central Highlands.
Justine Keay may very well have just had her “Dukakis in a tank” moment.
A completely disrespectful move by her handlers and she should have known better.
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Read MoreA $750,000 Liberal commitment, made in the Braddon by-election, to deliver an Advanced Welder Training Centre (AWTC) is helping deliver skills and jobs in Burnie and North West Tasmania.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck and Braddon Liberal Candidate Gavin Pearce said the partnership between the Liberal National Government and the Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council (TMEC) was already delivering advanced manufacturing skills.
Senator Colbeck: “North West Tasmania has enormous opportunities for advanced manufacturing in the pipeline and it is vital that we pass on the technical know-how of our region to the next generation.
“This Advanced Welder Training Centre in South Burnie is the first industry-led centre in Australia and has consolidated the town’s reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing and mining services.
“The Liberals are methodically delivering on our Braddon by-election commitments and we are clearly the only Party that believes in delivering on our by-election promises.
“By delivering a strong economy and a Budget surplus we are able to pay for the skills and education opportunities that are essential for the success of Tasmanian’s next generation.”
Mr Pearce: “I congratulate TMEC and industry for identifying and developing a practical way to ensure key skills required for local business to participate in the $200 billion defence industry build-up can be met.
“It is critical that we back North West Tasmanian businesses to train our people in the high-level skills needed in advanced manufacturing.”
“The Burnie AWTC will also increase our capacity to export advanced manufacturing products around the world, including as part of the global defence industry and mining supply chains.
“Welding simulators allow students and professional welders to up-skill with different materials and practice techniques that will allow them to pass the stringent tests required for advanced welding certification.
“It also saves on costs and waste because materials aren’t required until students attain high levels of competence, which allows our manufacturers to maintain their lean manufacturing processes without compromising on training quality.”
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Read MoreAssistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck is encouraging people involved in the dairy industry to give their feedback on the draft Dairy Code.
Assistant Minister Colbeck: “The draft Dairy Code was designed with feedback from the first round of consultations in all eight dairy regions, including in Devonport in November.”
“There is now a second opportunity for consultation as promised, including two tele-town halls that will give even more people the opportunity to hear more and to have their say.
“Farmers are busy people, particularly this time of year, and by opening up the consultations with this exciting new format they will be able to call in and engage in real time without having to physically be off the farm.
“Tasmania is dairy heartland and some farmers and processors here may have different views on the Dairy Code to some of their mainland counterparts.
“It is important that we strike the right balance of power between farmers and processors so that players across the industry remain strong into the future.
“For those people who are unable to call in to the tele-town halls I encourage them to email their submission to the Have Your Say website so that their voices are heard.”
A number of documents have been publicly released online ahead of the final stages of consultation including: Issues raised at public consultations on a dairy code Draft clauses for dairy code Draft clauses for dairy code – overview for farmers Draft regulation impact statement (RIS)
More information about the draft code and consultations can be found on the Have Your Say website at https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/dairy-code-conduct. People can also email dairycode@agriculture.gov.au or phone 1300 044 940.
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Read MoreAssistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck has announced that South Korea has recognised mainland Tasmania as fruit fly free and trade of fruit can resume to the country.
Assistant Minister Colbeck: “This is good news for our exporters who were in the affected zones because they have regained market access to South Korea for their produce at a critical harvest time.
“South Korea is satisfied that mainland Tasmania is fruit fly free, having assessed our data and finding that there is no contamination risk to Tasmanian fruit.
“The Australian Government has been communicating with trading partners in the lead up to 9 January, however decisions on market access are for our trading partners to make based on their own assessments and timeframes.
“Each of our trading partners is quite different and may require different levels of detail and technical data, which is reflected in our various market access protocols.
“The Australia Government continues to work closely with the Tasmanian Government.
“Our trading partners take their biosecurity very seriously like we do – we understand the value of it so we need to respect their protocols and biosecurity as we ask them to respect ours.
“Decisions on market access are for our trading partners to make and based on their own assessments and timetables.
“It is a good sign that a major protocol nation like South Korea recognises that Tasmania is fruit fly free and I look forward to continuing discussions with other protocol nations in due course.”
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Read MoreThe Liberal National Government will provide a record $1.45 billion for community mental health services and change the funding model to ensure security for both jobs and services.
The Tasmanian Liberal Senate Team welcomed the announcement and said the funding will be provided through the Government’s innovative 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs).
“PHNs were setup as independent regional health organisations to commission health services, including mental health, in response to the needs of local communities throughout Australia, including that of Tasmania,” Senator Richard Colbeck said.
“The Tasmanian Primary Health Network is expected to receive $41.9 million over a three period to help tailor services to meet the specific needs in our region and help deliver a stronger, more integrated mental health system.
“Mental health is becoming an increasing concern among the community and timely support can help minimise the harm done by conditions such as anxiety, depression and other illnesses.
“Young people, people in remote areas, and people in aged care will be significant beneficiaries of this major mental health package.
“As part of this record investment, Tasmania’s indigenous community will also receive $3.1 million over three years for targeted mental health services because we know indigenous Tasmanians have particular mental health complexities that need additional support.
“By delivering a strong economy and a Budget surplus the Liberal National Government has been able to increase investment in health and education to support the Tasmanian community.”
It is estimated that one in five people in Australia experience a common mental disorder each year. Nearly half of the Australian population will experience mental illness at some point in their lives, but less than half will access treatment.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said PHNs coordinate local support for child and youth mental health, psychological therapy, severe and complex illness, community-based suicide prevention and Indigenous mental health.
“In 2017–18, about 200,000 Australians accessed over 900,000 mental health services through local providers commissioned by PHNs,” said Minister Hunt.
“The record three year $1.45 billion funding commitment will commence from July this year until 2021-22 and is $170 million more than what was provided for the previous three years.”
“It will continue to support important services such as headspace centres, psychological services for hard to reach groups, suicide prevention activities, mental health nurses and mental health support for older Australians.”
Included in the $1.45 billion funding is:
$177 million for mental health nurses
$77 million for suicide prevention, including Indigenous suicide
$74 million for the mental health of those in residential aged care
$89 million for Indigenous mental health
$617 million for youth mental health, including headspace
$399 million for psychological therapies for hard to reach populations
Minster Hunt said the Government will also change the way that PHNs are funded to ensure that the staff and mental health professionals who deliver these critical services will no longer face uncertainty on short term contracts.
“This will allow longer term planning, provide job certainty for thousands of people employed in the sector, and deliver a stronger mental health system,” Minister Hunt said.
“The new funding process will dramatically improve their ability to ensure that services can be commissioned well in advance at any point in time, and provide greater funding certainty for the community-based mental health sector.”
“This will particularly benefit those living in rural and remote areas where staffing shortages, due to employment uncertainty, have historically reduced access to mental health services.”
“Our Government has an ongoing commitment to supporting the mental health of Australians,” Minister Hunt said.
The Liberal National Government has prioritised better mental health for all Australians with $4.7 billion expected to be spent on mental health this financial year.
The Government’s strong economic management ensures continued investment of record funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.
(ENDS).
The end of the required period for the Tasmanian mainland to demonstrate freedom from fruit fly is great news for local growers who have been restricted in their trade due to required control zones.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck: “It has been a tough year for many growers and the freedom to once again sell product into the local market will be a great relief.
“The next step is to demonstrate our fruit fly freedom to our export markets so that vital trade can resume as well.
“Our trading partners take their biosecurity as seriously as we do – we can now finalise the technical submissions required by our various biosecurity arrangements so that trade can recommence following on from preliminary communications held in the lead up to today.
“Tasmania will have similar conversations with other Australian States who also have biosecurity requirements.
“The good news today has been made possible by the close cooperation between Federal and State Governments, Tasmanian growers and the general public, all of whom have contributed tremendously to stop this outbreak.
“The Liberal National Government delivered $20 million to ensure that Tasmania had the biosecurity resources needed to tackle the outbreak and were able to increase inspection capacity around the State.
“The funding also supported the Grower Assistance Package so that farmers in the control zones were able to stay afloat during the outbreak.
“Our trading partners internationally have been monitoring our response to fruit fly closely and I am confident that our protocols will stand up to the highest scrutiny and our exporters will have restored access to these lucrative markets soon.
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Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, 5-7 Best St, Devonport TAS 7310
Read MoreLiberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck and Braddon Liberal Candidate Gavin Pearce are encouraging all community and sporting organisations to take advantage of a new grant round to get people moving.
The Move it AUS – Participation Grants Program will deliver $28.9 million in grants to sport and physical activity providers, with a focus on groups who are at risk of inactivity and non-participation.
Senator Colbeck: “The Move it AUS campaign is part of the Liberal National Government’s Sport 2030 plan to make Australia the world’s most active, healthy nation.
“I encourage all community and sporting organisations on the West and North West Coasts and King Island to put their hand up and get involved to encourage more people to participate in sport.
“Obesity is a major cause of many of the chronic health problems faced in Tasmania, and making sport more accessible for more people is a fun and inclusive way to tackle this serious problem.”
Mr Pearce: “We know women’s sport in particular is seeing a participation boom, which is putting resourcing pressure on clubs to upgrade their facilities and field new teams in new leagues.
“Helping remote communities like King Island and the West Coast participate in sport is also a priority of mine because it improves health and brings our dispersed communities together.
“Organisations providing physical activity opportunities for people with a disability also have an excellent opportunity to attract more resources for the amazing work they do.
“Move It AUS is a great new initiative because community sport gets people off the couch, kids away from screens and brings families together and I strongly encourage eligible organisations to apply.”
Applications for the Sports Participation Grants Program close on 18 February 2019. Guidelines and details on the application process are available at www.sportaus.gov.au/participationgrants.
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Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, 5-7 Best St, Devonport TAS 7310
Read MoreFrom 1 January 2019 the latest round of tariff cuts came into effect for Tassie exports around the world, including to China, South Korea, and TPP-11 countries such as Canada, Mexico.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck said removing tariff barriers was leading to strong export growth but Labor protectionism was a threat to that success.
Assistant Minister Colbeck: “Tasmania has what the world wants and removing tariff barriers has allowed our primary producers to compete globally and take advantage of booming demand.”
“From 1 January tariffs are now eliminated on 5418 products with China alone - a benefit to Tassie exporters - which has been opposed by Labor MPs and threatened by their blatant protectionism.
“Bottled wine, for example, will now be exported to China tariff-free, meaning our spectacular Tasmanian cool climate and sparkling wines will have unparalleled access to the Chinese market.
“Australian wine exports to China grew 51% last year to exceed $1 billion for the first time, which makes China both our largest market and our most significant growth opportunity.
“Chinese tariffs have been eliminated on Atlantic salmon, rock lobster and other Tasmanian grown fishes, as well as horticultural produce like potatoes, cherries, raspberries, blackberries and apples.
“Tasmania’s sheep meat producers will have big new opportunities too, with a tariff reduction of 2.2 per cent on sheep meat exported to South Korea.
“Much of Tasmania’s recent growth success can be traced directly back to the success of the Coalition’s trade agenda.
“As a trading nation we can’t afford to return to the lost years of Labor-Green protectionism, where not a single Free Trade Agreement was initiated and delivered in six years of government.
“The union movement in particular has been brazen in holding Australian exporters to ransom, with new changes to the Labor Policy Platform making signing new agreements virtually impossible.
“Labor has been further hog-tied by their union masters with Platform demands that even undo reforms of Hawke and Keating – Tasmania’s growing export sectors will be harmed by such backward-looking madness.
Full details of the latest round of tariff cuts can be found on the FTA Portal: ftaportal.dfat.gov.au
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Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, 5-7 Best St, Devonport TAS 7310
Read MorePrimary school students at Devonport Christian School in Don will benefit from a new science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) building thanks to a major Liberal National Government grant.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck today announced the Liberal National Government would provide $600,000 towards the project at Devonport Christian School through the Capital Grants Program.
Senator Colbeck: “Students and teachers thrive when their schools have modern and up-to-date facilities – that’s why the Coalition Government is proud to deliver the Capital Grants Program, which has benefited thousands of schools across the nation.”
“We know that STEM capabilities will be at the core of the future economy, and encouraging the curiosity of the next generation is one of the best investments we can make.
“These upgrades will help advance Devonport Christian School, ensure our classrooms have modern facilities and offer local parents affordable education choices.
“By delivering a strong economy the Liberal National Government has been able to fund the essential services our community relies on to educate the next generation.
“I congratulate Devonport Christian School for their successful grant and look forward to seeing the impact these improvements will have in the Devonport community for years to come.”
The Coalition Government has committed $660 million until 2021, which provides funding for non-government schools to improve capital infrastructure.
Schools that want to learn more about the Capital Grants Program can visit https://www.education.gov.au/capital-grants-non-government-schools.
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Media contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, 5-7 Best St, Devonport TAS 7310
Read MoreLabor have locked in the promise to shut down native forestry in Tasmania by 2027 and revisit one of the greatest policy disasters in living memory – the sham forest industry death deal.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resource Richard Colbeck said Tasmanians have a clear choice when it comes to forestry jobs for regional Tasmania.
Assistant Minister Colbeck: “Labor’s leadership have locked in a promise to shut down native forestry in Tasmania by 2027 and seek to take Tasmanians back to the dark old days of the Labor-Green sham forest industry death deal.
“Labor’s National Conference voted to bind the Labor Caucus to reinstating the disastrous sham forest deal which collapsed Tasmania’s forest industry in 2012 and destroyed more than 4,000 jobs.
“Justine Keay and Labor remain captured by Green ideology, and the Wilderness Society campaigners who now seek to become Labor Ministers are determined to lock up Tasmania’s resources as they tried to do in 2013.
“Both the Abbott Government in 2013 and the Tasmanian Liberal Government in 2014 came to power in a landslide by promising to rip up the sham forest peace deal and have delivered exactly that.
“Since then confidence has rebounded, production is up, exports are booming, there is no spare machinery capacity, jobs are growing and Tasmania forest industry is attracting investment from around the nation and the world.
“Tasmanians are completely justified in asking themselves how many times they have to send Labor a message on forestry: we don’t want lock ups, we don’t want the death of native forestry, and we don’t want to go back to being ruled by Green ideology.
“Tasmanians have moved on, they know that our forests are well managed and they have rejected the deceit of Tony Burke and his Green mates – Justine Keay should do the same.
“The sham forest peace deal is nothing short of a policy armageddon for the native forest industry in Tasmania and Labor have once again proven they have learned nothing in 5 years of Opposition.
“It is time to send Justine Keay and Labor another message: no lock ups, no job losses, hands off Tasmania!”
Labor’s National Conference passed the motion: ‘Labor will continue to support the implementation of the conditions of the Tasmanian Forestry Agreement (TFA) as a future pathway for the forest industry in Tasmania. This provides resource security for the iconic special timbers industry, under agreed terms. Labor supports this as a broad industry plan to achieve the outcomes from the TFA’.
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Media contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, 5-7 Best St, Devonport TAS 7310
Read MoreLiberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck and Liberal Candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce are encouraging Tasmanians to contribute to the new Australian War Memorial initiative Places of Pride— an online national register of war memorials that will record the locations and images of every publicly accessible memorial in Australia.
Senator Colbeck said Places of Pride reminds regional Tasmanians that their stories are an integral part of the national commemoration led by the Australian War Memorial.
“Places of Pride is open to every club, community group, school, RSL, and individual to share their heritage and make it more accessible for locals and visitors alike,” Senator Colbeck said.
“Our memorials will be beautifully documented online and in a new display in the proposed expanded galleries of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
“Whether you live in Devonport, Burnie, Currie, Smithton or Queenstown you will be able see your local memorial shared with the world.”
Braddon Liberal Candidate Gavin Pearce said as a retired serviceman and veteran himself he welcomed the Government’s commitment to commemorating the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.
“All our war memorials are special places because they allow current and future generations to reflect on the sacrifices made for the peace and freedoms we all enjoy,” Mr Pearce said.
“Being able to access information online about Places of Pride such as the Sheean Walk in Latrobe – named in honour of the heroic actions of Seaman Teddy Sheean – will allow our young people to better connect with their history.
“I encourage every school teacher to do an assignment with their class and upload a local Place of Pride to the database to teach our next generation about the important sacrifices that were made for them.”
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said it was incredibly important to instil an ongoing sense of remembrance and respect in future generations of Australians.
“The way in which Australia commemorates our servicemen and women is just one of the many ways in which we publicly say to our ex-service community, thank you for your service,” he said.
Places of Pride can be found at: https://placesofpride.awm.gov.au.
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Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, 5-7 Best St, Devonport TAS 7310
Read MoreAssistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, said this investment through the Launceston Centre of the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation (NIFPI) will help boost sustainability, jobs and economic benefits to Australia’s forestry industry and Tasmania.
“I encourage industry and researchers to work together to ensure proposals that will benefit Australia’s strong forestry industry are submitted for support from the $2 million investment available from the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We are seeking to support proposals that show innovation in areas such as new products and services, and opportunities to obtain more benefit from existing forestry resources.
“The forestry industry sales and service in Tasmania for solid timber, log and chip products is worth over $389 million, contributing to Australia’s overall forestry industry sales and service income of more than $23 billion.
“Projects under round one in Launceston saw nearly $5.5 million in combined government, industry and research community funding for nine projects, which include developing new appearance grade products from hardwood, increasing hardwood durability, improving harvesting operations in small scale plantations, using new technologies in hardwood timber drying, and developing collaborative and integrated pest management systems.
“Global demand for timber products is expected to quadruple by 2050. To help meet this demand, we need to work smarter and sustainably. Under the Liberal National Government’s National Forest Industries Plan, this second round of funding will help deliver world-class research.
“The plan is our roadmap to growth in Australia’s renewable wood products industry, and provides it with certainty and support.”
Applications for the second round of NIFPI research grants close 15 February 2019.
For more information, visit nifpi.org.au.
Media contact
Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Read MoreThe Federal Liberal National Government and South Australian Liberal Government are providing $2.5 million for the second round of research proposals to grow the future of forestry.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, said the investment through the Mt Gambier Centre of the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation (NIFPI) will help boost sustainability, jobs and economic benefits to Australia’s forestry industry and South Australia.
“I encourage industry and researchers to work together to ensure proposals that will benefit Australia’s strong forestry industry are submitted for support from the $2.5 million investment available from the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We are seeking to support proposals that show innovation in areas such as new products in bioenergy, improving workplace safety and efficiency, and enhancing forest growth through health and genetic gains.
“The forestry industry sales and service in South Australia is worth nearly $2 billion, contributing to Australia’s overall forestry sales and service industry income of more than $23 billion.
“Projects under round one in Mt Gambier saw nearly $3.3 million in combined government, industry and research community funding for four projects, which include increasing the use of remote sensing for measuring forest inventories, tree health and nutrition and mapping weeds to improve productivity, wearable sensors to improve worker safety, and using remote sensing for early fire detection in forest estates.
“Global demand for timber products is expected to quadruple by 2050. To help meet this demand, we need to work smarter and sustainably. Under the Liberal National Government’s National Forest Industries Plan, this second round of funding will help deliver world-class research.
“The plan is a roadmap to growth in Australia’s renewable wood products industry, and provides it with certainty and support.”
Applications for the second round of NIFPI research grants close 15 February 2019.
For more information, visit nifpi.org.au.
Media contact
Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Read MoreThe Liberal National Government will help people in West and North West Tasmania living with an eating disorder to access life-saving treatment with a $115 million landmark package.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck welcomed the announcement and said for the first time, those Australians with severe eating disorders will now be able to access a comprehensive treatment plan under Medicare.
“Patients in West and North West Tasmania will be able to access up to 40 Medicare funded psychological and an up 20 dietetic sessions each year from November 1 next year,” Senator Colbeck said.
“Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric illness, with anorexia by far the deadliest mental health condition in Australia. There are around 1 million Australians living with an eating disorder.
“The Liberal National Government is committed to delivering more Medicare services to more Tasmanians who need them and we have been able to pay for it by building a strong economy.”
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the $110.7 million investment into the first dedicated Medicare item for eating disorders will benefit around 30,000 people each year living with these debilitating disorders, helping them to get better and stay out of hospital.
“This will undoubtedly save many lives as eating disorders can be debilitating for both men and women of any age and this illness is one of the many nightmares parents have for their children,” Minister Hunt said.
“It is only right that we recognise these debilitating conditions within our Medicare system.”
“We have worked closely with medical experts and key stakeholder for many months to achieve this outcome and we thank the independent Medicare Benefits Schedule Review Taskforce for their work, following our request for a review last year.”
“Our Government will also provide $4 million to the InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders.”
“This funding will support new research into better treatment and care for people living with an eating disorder condition.”
Our Government is prioritising better mental health for all Australians with $4.7 billion expected to be spent on mental health this financial year.
This is also why we are so committed to keeping our economy strong. Because without a strong economy and getting our budget back into balance, we can’t make these important decisions. This is why a strong economy matters.
The Liberal National Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued to investment of record amounts of funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and public hospitals.
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Media contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, 5-7 Best St, Devonport TAS 7310
Read MoreUnder the big stick energy legislation public power assets will remain in public hands and there will be a tough cop on the beat if Labor Governments and the big energy companies try to gouge their customers.
Colbeck: “The Coalition Government’s big stick energy plan will protect customers from big public and private energy companies while keeping public assets in public hands.
“Tasmanians will be disappointed to know that Tasmanian Labor is running a protection racket for a rogue Queensland Labor Government which is paying for its reckless spending by price gouging electricity customers.”
Abetz: “Labor are again working against the national interest and trying to divide the community based on lies to protect the sectional interests of big unions and big business.”
“Responsible State Governments will have nothing to fear, such as the Tasmanian Liberal Government which has delivered the lowest regulated power prices in the nation.”
Bushby: “It is deeply concerning that Labor opposes the powers outlined in the big stick energy legislation, which will only apply to companies whose conduct is dishonest, in bad faith, fraudulent, and for the purpose of manipulating prices.
“It is deeply concerning that Tasmanian Labor is again cosying up to these kinds of corporations, as they have infamously done with the militant MUA and CFMEU.”
Duniam: “The ACCC review identified serious misconduct in the energy sector and the Liberals make no apologies for acting swiftly to bring down energy costs for Australians.
“As history shows, under Labor power prices always go up, whereas only the Liberals have a plan to get energy prices down for families, pensioners and small businesses.”
Any divestiture of a government owned enterprise is only to be made to another government owned energy company where the two entities genuinely compete with one another.
The Treasurer can only make an application to the Federal Court for a Divestiture order where both the ACCC and the Treasurer are satisfied that the order would result in a net public benefit.
The ACCC’s price gouging report can be found here: https://www.accc.gov.au/publications/restoring-electricity-affordability-australias-competitive-advantage
Read MoreThe Coalition Government has delivered on another by-election commitment, this time to King Island with $120,000 for the Phoenix Community Complex – Stage Two.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the upgrade to the facilities for the Island’s Community Centre will provide a safe, friendly meeting place for the local community.
Senator Colbeck: “The Liberal Party is the only Party who is delivering our by-election commitments to the people of West and North West Tasmania.
“King Island’s Phoenix House does extraordinary work in the local community and $120,000 to upgrade their facilities recognises the strong value locals place on their services.
“The Coalition Government is proudly committed to its role in backing the work of volunteers, particularly in remote areas like King Island, where they form the backbone of the local community.
“The consolidation of Phoenix House, including its Men’s Shed, Community Centre and community garden will bring King Islanders from all walks of life together.
“Like similar community centres across Australia, the King Island Phoenix House Community Centre will offer support to locals who need a bit of space and some friendly, easy-going company.
“It will also bring the full array of community services available to more people and in a more accessible way.”
“The Men’s Shed, for example, is extremely important because men are often the last ones to make their health and wellbeing a priority and it’s imperative that we do what we can to ensure they get the support they need and deserve.
“The Coalition Government delivered $125,000 for Stage One of the Phoenix House and the delivery of Stage Two funding will now finish the project.
“By supporting a strong economy the Coalition Government is able to deliver on its election promises and the essential services Tasmanians rely on.”
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Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, 5-7 Best St, Devonport TAS 7310
Read MoreThe release of the 2018 Regional Telecommunications Review reinforces the Liberal National Government’s strategy to invest in telecommunications to build a stronger regional economy and help create jobs.
The 2018 Regional Telecommunications Review: Getting it right out there puts forward 10 recommendations to improve access to telecommunications infrastructure, ensure modern and appropriate consumer protections and promote digital inclusion.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said that the Review provides a pathway for the Liberal National Government to improve regional telecommunications that will support local small businesses, keep friends and family in contact and provide reliable communications in times of emergency.
Senator Colbeck: “We are seeing the benefits already of our investment in regional telecommunications in Tasmania, through more reliable services and strong uptake by business but we can’t afford to slow down.”
“With better telecommunications, small business owners can grow their enterprise without being held back by the tyranny of distance as they know customers are only a click away.
“The Liberal National Government has funded 867 new mobile black spot base stations, compared to 0 from Labor, including at Temma, Gawler, Rocky Cape, Sisters Beach, Elliot, Melrose, South Riana, Loyetea, Gunns Plains,Devonport and two at Yolla.
“The NBN is also rolled out right across the state with more that 99% completed, including delivering fibre down the West Coast.
“The Review shows there are many benefits flowing from increased digital connectivity, with economic modelling showing that digital agriculture could increase the value of the industry by $20.3 billion.
“Better telecommunication also drives a more successful tourism industry that creates jobs in our regions. Tourists being able to share their images and stories in real time from Cradle Mountain or the wild West Coast is showcasing our region to the world.”
The Committee was the most consultative ever held, with 22 public sessions across the country, including in Devonport and Circular Head. More than 380 submissions were received from a range of individuals and organisations.
The Government will respond to the Committee’s recommendations in early 2019.
The final report is available at: www.communications.gov.au/regional-telecommunications-review
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Media contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, 5-7 Best St, Devonport TAS 7310
Read MoreThe Australian and NSW governments have released a modernised approach to forest management through the renewal of three NSW Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs).
Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud, Assistant Minister for Agriculture Senator Richard Colbeck and NSW Minister for Lands and Forestry Paul Toole said the improvements and the
20 year extension to the RFAs provide long-term confidence and sustainability for the future of NSW’s $2.4 billion wood product manufacturing industry.
“We’re pleased to deliver our commitment on these RFAs,” Minister Littleproud said.
“We understand certainty matters to business and that’s what we delivered.”
Assistant Minister Colbeck said the forest industry was the backbone of many regional communities and was set to provide even more opportunities under the extended RFAs.
“Timber is the building material of the 21st century, with global demand expected to quadruple by 2050, so it is important we give regional communities the confidence to invest in their forest industries,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Australia has a recognised world-class forest management system and one covered by multiple internationally recognised sustainability certifications, which give assurance to consumers that their beautiful native species floors,
furniture and feature pieces are sourced with the highest ethical standards.”
New South Wales Minister for Lands and Forestry Paul Toole said as a result of the NSW RFAs, the native forest timber industry operates with some of the highest levels of sustainability in the world.
“The renewed Agreements pave the way for the continued sustainable management of the state’s forests, while providing critical protection of the environment and threatened species,” Minister Toole said.
“The renewed RFAs bring together extensive community and stakeholder input, as well as key recommendations from a detailed independent review of our past performance.
“We are committed to maintaining our support for the long-term NSW RFAs, and the ongoing certainty of a truly renewable industry.”
The Agreements will be underpinned by the NSW Government’s $7.2 million forest monitoring program that focuses on adaptive management and fine-tuning in NSW’s management of the forest estate.
Fast facts:
Media contacts:
LITTLEPROUD: Les White, 0409 805 122
COLBECK: Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
TOOLE: Ashley Gardiner, 0429 063 494
Read MoreBusinesses from across the country came together last night in Canberra for the 56th Australian Export Awards, with Barossa Valley winemaker Torbreck Vintners taking out this year’s Regional Exporter Award.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, said the award celebrates exporters outside our metro areas that are succeeding internationally.
“Our regional exporters play a vital role in supporting the prosperity of local communities, driving jobs and economic growth through their business ventures,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Congratulations to Torbreck Vintners for taking out the 2018 Regional Exporter Award.
“I would like to congratulate all the finalists for their hard work and dedication in raising the profile of Australian products in the international marketplace, particularly a number from the agriculture sector.
“It takes a lot of work to build international trade links and each of this year’s finalists has demonstrated extraordinary talent to succeed in a highly competitive global market.
“It is great to see regional Australian businesses using innovative approaches to help contribute to our global reputation as a provider of world-class products.”
The 2018 Regional Exporter Award finalists included:
The Australian Export Awards is a national program that recognises and honours Australian companies engaged in international business who have achieved sustainable growth through innovation and commitment.
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has sponsored the Regional Exporter Award since 2015.
For more information, visit https://www.exportawards.gov.au/
Media contact:
Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
Read MoreThe Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) has considered the views of stakeholders and agreed to implement a Tropical Rock Lobster (TRL) Fishery Management Plan, from 1 December 2018, to coincide with the commencement of the Torres Strait Fisheries Amendment (Tropical Rock Lobster) Management Instrument 2018.
The Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, and Chair of the PZJA, Senator Richard Colbeck said the Australian Government had taken decisive action to deliver the TRL Fishery Management Plan after extensive consultation.
“Today’s historic announcement is the result of strong and decisive leadership from Torres Strait Islanders, non-traditional fishers and the Australian Government, and adds to Australia’s reputation as a world leader in fisheries management,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Management Plan will implement a quota management system and includes an allocation process that will take a minimum of 10 months.
“The PZJA has agreed to an interim total allowable catch (TAC) of 200 tonnes from 1 December 2018, which will allow fishers to head out and free dive and lamp fish from this weekend, and hookah fishing can commence on 1 February 2019.
“The annual stock assessment undertaken by CSIRO has been completed and the PZJA expects to receive advice from the TRL Resource Assessment and Working Groups early next year, in order to determine a final TAC by late March 2019.”
The Chair of the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), Pedro Stephen, said recent community visits included discussions with Traditional inhabitants across 16 islands and there was considerable support for the TRL Management Plan and instrument.
“Management arrangements have been made for the 2018–19 fishing season while the Management Plan gets implemented,” Mr Stephen said.
“The instrument will ensure Traditional Inhabitant Boat (TIB) fishers are allocated 66.17 per cent of the TAC and 33.83 per cent will be allocated to the Transferrable Vessel Holder (TVH) licence holders, according to the October 2007 provisional allocation notices.
“These new arrangements will provide certainty for the fishing community, from the fishers, to fish receivers, communities and seafood retailers, whilst the allocation process under the Management Plan is completed.
“The PZJA recognises and fully supports the aspirations of Traditional inhabitants to increase their share of TRL Fishery quota to 100 per cent and the Management Plan will pave the way.”
Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the development of the TRL Fishery Management Plan has been very thorough.
“I thank the industry and all stakeholders for their comments and submissions, which have allowed the PZJA to improve the draft Management Plan and to create a strong foundation for the TRL Fishery into the future,” Minister Furner said.
The PZJA is comprised of the Chair of the Torres Strait Regional Authority, the Commonwealth Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources and the Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries.
Further information about the TRL Management Plan and associated management measures can be found on the PZJA website at pzja.gov.au
Read MoreThe Liberal National Government will expand free access to glucose monitoring devices for pregnant women, children and more adults with type 1 diabetes, saving people in West and North West Tasmania up to $7,000 a year.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck welcomed the $100 million announcement and said the investment guarantees certainty.
“This additional funding over the next four years will ensure that free glucose monitoring devices will be available to over 37,000 eligible people with type 1 diabetes across Australia,” Senator Colbeck said.
“Delivering a strong economy is allowing the Liberal National Government to invest in the essential services Tasmanians rely on.
“Diabetes management is an ongoing challenge for many people, but particularly pregnant women and young people, and the consequences of mistakes can be dire.
“Free access to glucose monitoring devices will ease household budgets and make life just that bit easier for people facing the challenge of monitoring and managing their type 1 diabetes.”
From March 1, 2019 eligibility for fully subsidised continuous glucose monitoring devices will be expanded under the National Diabetes Services Scheme to include:
have a high clinical need such as experiencing recurrent severe hypoglycaemic events
This includes a range of conditions such as cystic fibrosis related diabetes or neonatal
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that attacks a person’s ability to produce insulin. People with this condition must be able to monitor their glucose levels day and night.
Continuous glucose monitoring devices continually monitor a person’s glucose levels and provides alerts if glucose levels drop too low.
It involves a sensor, usually attached to the stomach, that monitors the glucose levels and has an alarm that can alert people or their carer if the levels drop to low
Our Government also plans to add the new the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system to the scheme for these people with type 1 diabetes. This will provide patients with more choice in how they manage their diabetes through this important program.
The FreeStyle Libre device involves a sensor on the arm that monitors glucose levels and sends readings to a user’s mobile phone or diabetes management device. When a patient passes their phone or device past the sensor it provides a reading of their glucose levels.
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Government will work with Diabetes Australia and key diabetes experts to implement the expanded scheme and finalise the clinical criteria.
“Expanding access to these glucose monitoring devices helps reduce stress and anxiety as well as emergency visits to the hospital,” Minster Hunt said.
“These devices will bring peace of mind to Australians with type 1 diabetes and improve their quality of life now and into the future.”
In line with a commitment made during the 2016 federal election, the Coalition Government has already made access to glucose monitoring products available to eligible children and young people aged under 21 years with type 1 diabetes - nearly 9,500 young Australians - through the National Diabetes Services Scheme have already taken up the free devices.
The Morrison Government’s strong economic management means we can make sure more patients have access to more life-saving and life-improving medicines and treatments.
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Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, 5-7 Best St, Devonport TAS 7310
Read MoreTasmania’s forest industries are set to benefit from $5.5 million of new research through the inaugural round of projects funded by the Launceston centre of the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation (NIFPI).
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, joined Tasmania’s Minister for Resources, Sarah Courtney, in congratulating the funding recipients and welcoming the benefits these projects will bring to Australia and Tasmania.
“The projects will provide economic returns to Tasmania’s forest industries and the local economy while the lessons learned here will help lead the way across Australia,” Minister Colbeck said.
“They range from improving remotely acquired forestry data to increasing the durability of Tasmanian hardwoods and developing next generation engineered structural timber.
“Global demand for timber products is expected to quadruple by 2050 and the Coalition Government’s National Forest Industries Plan will deliver world-class research and one billion new trees to meet that demand.
“The total combined value of this first round of approved projects is over $5.5 million in a combination of Commonwealth and State funds, and matched funding and in-kind contributions by industry and research agencies.
“This investment will play a vital role in fostering collaboration, supporting cutting edge research, boosting innovation, growing jobs and securing Tasmania’s place as the centre for forest-industry research.”
Tasmania’s Minister for Resources, Sarah Courtney, said the first round of projects would contribute to further enhancing Tasmania’s forestry management practices and bringing new ideas to life.
“Tasmania has a proud history of supporting a sustainable and well-managed forestry sector,’’ Minister Courtney said.
“These exciting and innovative projects will maximise the economic value of our forest products, ensuring sustainable jobs into the future.
“The Tasmanian forest industry continues to evolve into a sophisticated, high value industry. This is only possible due to our extensive expertise and local knowledge and I congratulate the successful recipients.
“I encourage innovators in the industry to apply for the second round of grants opening soon.”
Find out more about the NIFPI recipients and the round one projects here: www.nifpi.org.au
Fast Facts:
Media contacts:
COLBECK: Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
COURTNEY: Ben Hansen, 0439 553 390
Read MoreAustralia’s forestry industries are set to benefit from $3.3 million of new research through the inaugural round of projects funded under the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation (NIFPI) centre in Mount Gambier.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, joined South Australia’s Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Tim Whetstone, in congratulating the funding recipients and welcoming the benefits these projects will bring to Australia and South Australia.
“These projects will play an important role in exploring and facilitating innovation in areas such as forest management, worker safety, advanced remote sensing, forest water use and the application of advanced technologies ” Minister Colbeck said.
“Importantly, the research done in Mount Gambier will have national implications—it can be applied to other plantation regions across Australia—and it will maximise the economic returns from every dollar invested.
“Global demand for timber products is expected to quadruple by 2050 and the Coalition Government’s National Forest Industries Plan will deliver world-class research and one billion new trees to meet that demand.
“The total value of this first round of approved projects is $3.3 million through a combination of Australian and South Australian government funds, together with funding and in-kind contributions from industry and research agencies.”
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Tim Whetstone, said these projects provide exciting opportunities for the future of the South Australian forestry industry.
“Forestry is truly a sunrise industry in South Australia—I am proud to see Mount Gambier leading the way in building knowledge on Australia’s plantation forests and revolutionising the way they are used,”
Minister Whetstone said.
“I encourage innovators and researchers to apply for the second round of grants opening soon.”
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the South East of South Australia had a long history in plantation forestry dating back to the establishment of some of Australia’s first forest plantation trials in the 1870s, and that this local knowledge was invaluable.
"By building on this long tradition of plantation forests, and by making the most of local knowledge in the South East and research and innovation capacity, we can increase the plantation sector’s contribution, not only locally but also to the broader South Australian and national economy," Mr Pasin said.
Find out more about the successful NIFPI recipients and the round one projects here: www.nifpi.org.au
Fast Facts:
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said Bill Shorten’s plans announced this morning to subsidise chemical batteries has cast doubt on his commitment to Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation project.
Senator Colbeck: “Today Labor jeopardised 3,000 jobs in regional Tasmania so that Elon Musk can buy a new yacht.
“Labor’s announcement today on chemical battery handouts has shown that once again Bill Shorten is crab-walking away from vital Tasmanian energy infrastructure that is genuinely renewable.
“Under the Coalition Government, Tasmania is gearing up for a once-in-a-generation investment in the pumped hydro Battery of the Nation project which will bring down power prices, provide reliable energy into the national market and future-proof our State’s economy.
“Under Labor, Silicon Valley billionaires will be licking their lips and the Tasmanian taxpayer will foot the bill.
“Expensive chemical batteries will only drive up prices in the grid and send profits offshore, whereas pumped hydro will provide cheap, reliable power and the profits will go into the Tasmanian economy.
“Shorten’s plan will also cripple the business case for a second Bass Strait interconnector which is vital for pumped hydro and a range of major North West wind power projects.
“It is becoming clear why Bill Shorten and Labor are only proposing some vague concept of a “Renewable Energy Zone” rather than backing pumped hydro and a second interconnector.
“Justine Keay must decide whether she supports Bill Shorten and Elon Musk or construction and energy workers in Tasmania.
“Only the Coalition will put Tasmanians before tech billionaires.”
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Media Contact: Felix Ellis
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, 5-7 Best St, Devonport TAS 7310
Read MoreAssistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Tasmanian Senator Richard Colbeck, said Labor’s union masters have endangered Tasmania’s economy by demanding a future Labor government gut the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES).
Assistant Minister Colbeck: “With Bill Shorten’s union masters demanding he scrap the TFES for unprocessed Tasmanian goods, Labor must reveal their plans to cut the TFES.
“The Labor-aligned meatworkers union demanding the gutting the TFES is the one of the most staggering acts of economic sabotage I have ever seen.
“What is so disturbing about the proposal to end TFES rebates for raw materials is that it will be an economy-wide hit on Tasmania’s primary producers – from farmers to foresters, miners to fishers.
“The meatworkers union, like the MUA, are calling for Tasmania’s agricultural sector to be brought to its knees and a permanent handicap be placed on our economy.
“Bill Shorten and his Tasmanian Labor-Green cohort must come clean on their plans to butcher the TFES and hold Tasmanian primary producers to ransom.
“The Coalition Government has a proud record of extending the TFES on many occasions since its inception, including most recently by extending the TFES to exports and donated drought relief fodder.
“The extension of the TFES to exports in 2015, in particular, was regarded as a game-changer for the Tasmanian economy and our unparalleled export growth since then has proved it to be true.
“Livestock has been a part of the TFES since its inception under Malcolm Fraser and Labor’s plans will rock the scheme to its very core.
“Gutting the TFES is quite simply an act of treason against the Tasmanian economy and Bill Shorten must come clean on his plans.”
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Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, 5-7 Best St, Devonport TAS 7310
Read MoreThe agency responsible for the sustainable management of Commonwealth fisheries, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), has today farewelled their CEO, and has welcomed a new acting leader.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, thanked outgoing AFMA CEO, James Findlay and welcomed Anna Willock to head the authority.
“James has done an exceptional job at the helm of AFMA over the past eight years, ensuring that Australia continues to be a global leader in fisheries management,” Minister Colbeck said.
“James worked effectively to balance the interests of commercial, recreational and Indigenous fishers, environmental and marine stakeholders, regional and global institutions and policy agencies from all Australian fishing jurisdictions, leaving our Commonwealth fisheries in excellent condition.
“For the fifth year in a row, not a single fishery managed solely by the Commonwealth is subject to overfishing, which sets a shining example of effective fisheries management internationally.
“Our fish stocks are sustainably harvested with domestic and international consumers enjoying safe, high-quality Australian seafood sourced from flourishing marine ecosystems.
“I would like to express my gratitude to James for his leadership and commitment to a sustainable fishing industry, and wish him well in his new appointment to Parks Australia.
“I’m pleased to welcome Anna Willock as AFMA’s acting CEO to carry on this important work, including leading our world-class fisheries management policy.
“The authority is in safe hands, with Anna bringing 20 years’ experience in fisheries management conservation and regulation, across national, regional and international positions.
“She comes across from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, where she has been leading the department’s Biotechnology, Dairy and Levies Policy branch.”
A selection process is underway to identify the new permanent AFMA CEO, and is expected to be finalised in early 2019.
For more information on the important work AFMA does please visit: https://www.afma.gov.au/.
Media contact
Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
Read MoreAssistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, welcomed National Agriculture Day today and encouraged Tasmanians to celebrate by buying local Tasmanian produce.
Assistant Minister Colbeck: “For generations agriculture has been the backbone of Tasmania’s society and economy, and it is important we honour this important industry today.
“I urge all Tasmanians to celebrate by buying Tasmanian produce at their local shop and enjoy the high-quality produce our farmers work hard to deliver to us every day.
“Tasmania is recognised as producing some of the best food and fibre in the world and it is important we stop and reflect on the value of this special part of living in Tasmania.
“Our meat producers provide the cornerstone of a healthy diet and keep Tasmanians strong and performing at their best.
“Our dairy industry has shown its resilience and consumers have responded with a clear show of support for our locally produced milk and dairy products.
“Our horticulture industry provides the two fruit and five veg we need daily to keep our families healthy and happy.
“Tasmanian salmon farmers Frances and Peter Bender were this year awarded Australian Farmer of the Year and a feed of seafood would also be a fitting tribute to this landmark achievement.
“Tasmania’s forest industry also continues to grow in an effort to meet the surging global demand for our sustainable timber and timber products.
“Celebrate this National Agriculture Day by buying local, and particularly by buying Tasmanian.”
To learn more about National Agriculture Day please visit: https://www.agday.org.au/
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Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, 5-7 Best St Devonport TAS 7310
Read MoreLabor’s refusal to honour the Liberal National Government’s $4 million in grants for North West Tasmanian truck washes is a threat to our biosecurity.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture Richard Colbeck said Tasmania’s biosecurity underpins our State’s reputation for safe, high-quality produce.
“Our livestock transporters do an excellent job getting Tasmania’s safe, high quality produce to market but we need to be doing more to support them to fight biosecurity risks.
“Modern truck washes will help our truckies stop any potential spread of pests and diseases between farms, which is why the Liberal National Government has approved grants in Smithton, Burnie, Devonport and King Island.
“Labor’s refusal to honour these grants to pay for their MONA handouts is simply disgraceful, and to tell the livestock transport industry to come back, cap in hand, and beg for money in a fruit fly fund shows how out of touch Labor is.”
Braddon Liberal Candidate Gavin Pearce said small trucking operators, in particular, would benefit from modern, accessible truck washes.
“Truck washes may not be sexy in Salamanca but they will make a hell of a big difference for small livestock operators in the North West and will mean far more for the local industry than Labor’s $50 million MONA handout.
“As a farmer and heavy haulage contractor myself, I know how important having clean trucks moving between farms is for our biosecurity and also for animal welfare.
“At this election the people of Braddon have a clear choice: between the Liberal National Government backing farmers and jobs, or Shorten Labor who seem more interested in lining David Walsh’s pockets than they are about projects for the North West.”
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
The harvest strategy policy underpinning Australian fisheries has been updated, in a move which reflects advances in international best practice, further supports trust in our world-class fisheries management systems and provides certainty for commercial fishers and the environment.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, said that the Second Edition of the Commonwealth Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy and implementation guidelines would ensure that Commonwealth-managed fisheries remain at the forefront of sustainability.
“Australia is a world leader in fisheries management and I am committed to keeping our fisheries healthy and sustainable for the benefit of all Australians,” Minister Colbeck said.
“This policy is the cornerstone of the government’s commitment to Australia’s fishing industry—providing the framework for the evidence-based approach to setting sustainable harvest levels.
“The second edition of the policy has been updated following developments in fisheries science and fisheries management practice, as well as stakeholder consultations and technical reviews.
“The policy now gives even greater guidance on managing for variability in our ocean environment, and more explicit consideration of recreational and Indigenous fishers.
“It also ensures consistency of management across fisheries to provide the industry with a more certain operating environment.
“By using the best available research, we’re able to meet these sustainability targets and support jobs all over the country, particularly in regional areas.
The Commonwealth Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy and the Commonwealth Fisheries Bycatch Policy, also released today, are the foundation for the management of Commonwealth fisheries.
The Commonwealth Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy is available online at agriculture.gov.au/fisheries/domestic/harvest_strategy_policy.
Media contact
Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
Read MoreAustralia continues to improve its fisheries management systems with the release of a new Commonwealth policy for avoiding and minimising bycatch—species caught but not targeted by commercial fishers.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, said that the Second Edition of the Commonwealth Fisheries Bycatch Policy and implementation guidelines give practical instructions to limit fishing impacts on the marine environment and further supports trust in our world-class fisheries management systems.
“Being World Fisheries Day, today is a perfect opportunity to launch the revised policy and highlight Australia’s role as an international leader in sustainable fisheries management”, Minister Colbeck said.
“This bycatch policy complements and supports the new Commonwealth Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy, and will contribute to Australia’s world-class, sustainable and environmentally responsible fisheries management regime.
“This will in turn increase the confidence of retailers, consumers and the general public in the world-leading sustainability of Australian seafood.
“The bycatch policy and harvest strategy policy will also provide greater management certainty for fishers.
“We continue to work collaboratively with marine scientists and fisheries managers to drive innovation in on-water practices, bycatch mitigation technologies and fishing gear design.”
Minister for the Environment, Melissa Price, said the policy aims to reduce fishing-related impacts on bycatch species and the marine environment consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development.
“The purpose of the bycatch policy is to ensure that direct and indirect impacts on marine systems are taken into account and managed accordingly,” Minister Price said.
“This is done through mechanisms that reduce bycatch, improve mitigation measures for protected species and minimise impacts of fishing on the marine environment.
“These policies reflect the significant commitment by the government, industry and scientists to ensure Commonwealth fisheries are managed on an ecologically sustainable basis.
“This Government pursues bycatch management options that are practical, cost-effective to apply and that support environmental and fisheries legislative requirements.”
Media contact
Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
Read MoreA new $13.3 million joint research project will look at tree genetics to better understand how genes control traits that are valuable to Australian horticultural growers.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck said this genomic project is essential to ensure Australia’s horticulture industry growth remains competitive domestically and internationally.
“This is a landmark investment in research and development that will improve productivity, farmgate profitability and global competitiveness for Australian horticultural industries,” Minister Colbeck said.
“This five-year project, delivered through Hort Innovation and its research partners, aims to build a complete DNA map, which shows the genetic make-up and variability of Australia’s leading tree crops – avocado, mango, macadamia and citrus fruits.
“The Coalition Government is committed to its vital role in enabling research and development which will bear fruit for industries, workers and businesses in regional Australia.
“Understanding our leading tree crop DNA will help our Australian growers to develop more resilient trees and produce new plant varieties in response to pest and disease outbreaks, climate variation, and evolving consumer preference.
“In times of drought, trees which are able to produce more value for less water are critical and will allow our growers in areas like the Murray Darling Basin to better adapt to dry spells.
“I am excited the Australian Government was able to contribute to Hort Innovation’s research through Commonwealth co-investment in the Hort Frontiers Advanced Production System Fund.
“Australia’s horticultural industry operates in a highly competitive market—domestically and internationally—and has a reputation for high quality and safety standards across all stages of the supply chain—from the farm to consumers.
“Excluding wine grapes, our competitive horticultural industry is Australia’s third largest agricultural industry, behind meats and grains. For it to remain competitive, our growers need cutting edge research and efficient production technologies.”
Further information on the project can be found at https://www.horticulture.com.au/hort-innovation/our-work/hort-frontiers-strategic-partnership-initiative/advanced-production-systems/.
Media contact
Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
Read MoreAssistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, welcomed the continued growth in the forestry sector as outlined in the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) report released today.
Minister Colbeck said the forestry sector was experiencing a strong surge in confidence and was benefitting from regulatory certainty and growing global demand for sustainable product.
“The Australian forestry industry continues to provide more jobs, exports and sustainable products for Australian and global consumers,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Coalition Government continues to enable a strong resurgence in the forest and wood products industry, with the industry growing 4.4 per cent to $8.8 billion in 2016–17.
“The value of woodchip exports, in particular, has soared to a record $1.3 billion in 2017–2018, a 6.1 per cent increase from the year before.
“Paper and paperboard exports also increased by 5.8 per cent to $962 million, driven by a massive 33.9 per cent growth in the value of newsprint exports.
“Global demand for timber and timber products is projected to quadruple by 2050 and the Coalition Government has delivered a National Forest Industries Plan to take advantage of this, which includes the planting of a billion new trees over the next decade.
“The Coalition Government will also establish Regional Forestry Hubs based in leading production zones to drive strategic development and research opportunities in regional Australia.
“20 year rolling extensions to the Regional Forestry Agreements are providing long-term certainty across the country, with the Tasmanian agreement already signed and other states set to follow.
“Exciting opportunities also exist with the recent release of the national standard for the Forest Stewardship Council certification to go with our existing Australian standard of the ‘Responsible Wood’ certification.
“Consumers and communities can be confident that Australia’s forestry and wood products industry continues to grow as a preferred supplier of sustainable timber products both here and around the world.”
Australian forest and wood products statistics: March and June quarters 2018 is available here: www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/publications.
Media contact
Felix Ellis, 0457 517 734
Read MoreThe National Water Infrastructure Development Fund will deliver an extra $500 million for water infrastructure, including in Tasmania.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, said the Coalition Government is committed to a stronger economy.
Assistant Minister Colbeck: “We can grow a strong economy by investing in infrastructure that grows jobs and opportunities for Tasmanian farming communities.”
“Irrigation infrastructure has been transformative for farmers right across Tasmania and access to new resources will provide expanded export opportunities.
“Tasmania has a competitive advantage because we are one of the only areas in Australia where we are actively developing water resources.
“This year the Coalition Government, in partnership with local irrigators and the Liberal State Government, has delivered funding for the $57.3 million Tranche 2 Scottsdale Irrigation Scheme.
“For some farmers in that region it has given them the opportunity to double their herds because the right amount of water at the right time provides the certainty they need to invest and to grow.
“The Duck River scheme in Circular Head has also been vital for that region’s cropping and grazing operations and was made possible by a $15.8 million Coalition Government investment.
“The transformative effect of irrigation is seen most starkly in the Midlands, where irrigation has reinvigorated the area and been a major contributing factor to the strong growth of our exports.
“New markets for Tasmanian farmers have emerged through Coalition Government Free Trade Agreements with China, Japan, South Korea, Peru, TPP-11 and now Hong Kong, and Tasmanian farmers will be able to take advantage by investing in new water infrastructure through the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund.”
The Fund’s expansion to more than $1 billion, as well as the existing $2 billion National Water Infrastructure Loan Facility program, means more than $3 billion is now available from the Federal Government to support State and Territory Governments and their project partners, to build new water infrastructure and provide greater social and economic opportunity for Australians.
Further information on the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund is available at https://www.agriculture.gov.au/water/national/national-water-infrastructure-development-fund.
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Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457
Small and family businesses in Tasmania will benefit from the Coalition Government’s introduction of a $2 billion Australian Business Securitisation Fund.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said many small business owners on the West and North West Coasts find it difficult to obtain finance, and funding costs can be unnecessarily high.
Senator Colbeck: “Family businesses know all too well the daunting feeling of putting up the family home as collateral as a condition of getting finance.
“Small and family businesses are the engine room of our economy, particularly in regional Tasmania, but their enterprise is often restricted by a bottleneck in finance and a lack of competition among lenders.
“The Coalition Government believes it has a strong role to play in enabling businesses to get the vital access to capital to grow, develop and employ more Tasmanians.
“To overcome the finance bottleneck and ensure small businesses in Tasmania are able to grow, the Australian Business Securitisation Fund will invest up to $2 billion in the securitisation market.
“This will provide significant additional funding to smaller banks and non-bank lenders to on-lend to small businesses on more competitive terms.
“The Government has introduced a number of measures to support Australian small businesses including our small business tax cuts, the $20,000 instant asset write-off and cutting nearly $6 billion worth of red tape.
“This stands in stark contrast to the Labor-Green opposition who are committed to imposing $200 billion in punishing new taxes, including on housing, low-income retirees and family businesses.”
ENDS
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Read MoreAustralia’s seafood and offshore petroleum industries will benefit from a workshop held today that provides a forum to discuss issues and opportunities to promote stronger relationships into the future.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Senator Richard Colbeck said both industries make an important economic contribution to Australia and share a commitment to safe and environmentally-responsible operations.
“The Coalition Government is committed to supporting a sustainable seafood industry, protecting the marine environment and encouraging the investment in, and development of, Australia’s offshore petroleum resources,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Our oceans are a shared resource and coordination between both industries will allow them to continue to be major job creators for regional Australians.
“That means open dialogue, better information sharing and constructive cooperation, including the joint research already underway to identify effects of seismic testing on fisheries.
“Australia is a world leader in sustainable fisheries management and has one of the most robust regulatory regimes for offshore oil and gas exploration and development in the world.
“This workshop will build on the successes already under our belts as well as review the Memorandum of Understanding between the industries.
“The challenge for the fisheries and petroleum industries is to learn from past experiences and move forward in a way that promotes collaboration and a constructive and positive relationship between the industries – it is important that they work together cooperatively.”
Fast facts:
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, is encouraging local landholders and community groups to apply for round 2 of Smart Farms Small Grants.
Assistant Minister Colbeck said Landcare groups, NRM bodies, Indigenous organisations and community groups in Tasmania could apply for grants of between $5,000 and $200,000.
Assistant Minister Colbeck: “Tasmania is incredibly lucky to have committed people from all walks of life who value their local environment and regularly make a contribution in caring for it.
“The Coalition Government is backing industry and community groups to continue the excellent work they do on natural resource management in Tassie with round 2 of Smart Farms Small Grants.
“Sustainable, long-term land management practices make for profitable and productive farms which support jobs, particularly on the North West Coast and King Island.
“The flow-on effects of strong land care initiatives are felt throughout our natural systems and healthy, functioning environmental processes contribute so much to our economy.
“Timely interventions on pest and weed management are vital in ensuring we protect our native flora and fauna, as well as improving land use productivity.
“Proper care of our waterways will also protect our valuable fisheries resources and ensure Tasmanian families can all take part in this key part of the Tasmanian way of life.
“The first round of funding was highly competitive and I strongly encourage those who missed out to apply again.”
More information is available online. Visit the Community Grants Hub to apply.
ENDS
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, 5-7 Best St, Devonport TAS 7310
Read MoreTasmanian families and businesses are set to be major beneficiaries of a new initiative to upgrade the capacity and capability of the NBN Sky Muster satellite service.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, welcomed the upgrade as a major boost to internet access in remote areas.
Senator Colbeck: “Sky Muster provides NBN access to some of our most remote areas, such as King Island and the West Coast, where access to high quality internet is essential to overcome the tyranny of distance.
“On the North West, West Coast and King Island we have 1,000 premises registered on the NBN Sky Muster satellite service and scrapping the download cap will encourage a further 2,638 premises to take up the service.
“Businesses in remote areas, particularly those in primary industries, will also be able to further modernise and digitise their operations, which will drive productivity gains for our exporters.
“Farmers are increasingly embracing precision agriculture, with harvesting data becoming almost as important as harvesting crops.
“Boosting “burst” downloads speeds above 25 Megabits per second will make data transfers between farmers and agronomists far less excruciating than previously.
“With mountainous terrain, isolated communities and a primary industries sector punching above its weight, the North West, West Coast and King Island will be major beneficiaries of the $2 billion NBN Sky Muster program.”
The new product is to be known as Sky Muster Plus and it will provide unmetered monthly data for web-browsing, email and software updates, and is expected to be available in 2019.
For more information about the Sky Muster satellite service visit: www.nbnco.com.au
ENDS
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, 5-7 Best St, Devonport TAS 7310
Read MoreAustralia’s forestry industry is set to benefit from the launch of a second Australian certification standard for the sustainable management of the nation’s forests.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck welcomed the Forest Stewardship Council’s (FSC) National Forest Stewardship Standard, which joins the existing “Responsible Wood” certification standard in providing assurances that Australian wood products are from forests managed to the world’s highest standards.
"Australia's forest and wood products sector is a great contributor to our nation—through the jobs and wealth the industry creates and its dedication to sustainable production,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Global demand for timber products is projected to quadruple by 2050 and the new Australian FSC Standard will help us tap into this growth market by utilizing a globally recognised trust mark for sustainable forest management.
“Certification continues to be an important part of the Australian forestry sector and demonstrates the strong sustainability credentials of our well-managed forest industries.
“Consumers are increasingly aware of, and interested in, the origins of the products they buy and the processes that go into making them.
“Both nationally and internationally, certification has developed as a way of providing assurance to consumers that the wood products they are purchasing are from sustainably managed forests.
“The new FSC national standard was jointly agreed by industry, environment and community interests. Australia now has national standards aligned to the two global certification systems, PEFC and FSC, which have been specifically tailored to Australia’s unique conditions and high-quality regulatory framework.
“The Australian Government contributed $900,000 to the development of both the new FSC standard and the Responsible Wood standard and is fully committed to sustainable management of Australia’s forests.
“This new FSC standard will also complement the Coalition Government’s new National Forest Industries Plan, which will help plant one billion new trees to meet future demand and establish research and production hubs to help set up the industry for decades to come.
“The forest industry is in a strong position to continue to grow and prosper, and the Australian Government will be there every step of the way.”
Consumers and producers can read the ‘National Forest Stewardship Standard for Australia’ here: https://au.fsc.org/en-au/standards/forest-management
Fast Facts
8 November 2018
Heritage Rifles Presented to Honour Centenary of Armistice
On behalf of the Department of Defence, Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck today presented Wynyard RSL with heritage rifles in the lead up to the Centenary of Armistice.
Senator Colbeck said it was a special honour to recognise the service of local veterans and contribute to their preservation of our military history.
Senator Colbeck: “The Wynyard RSL is a passionate custodian of the local military heritage, with a collection of artefacts and memorabilia from conflicts spanning more than a century.
“The presentation of M16A1 rifles is significant because they are weapons of high heritage value and are immediately recognisable as a weapon used by the Australian Army during the Vietnam War.
“In many ways Centenary of Armistice this Sunday is a reminder of the sacrifice of generations in the hundred years since the end of the “War to End All Wars.”
“The presentation of these heritage rifles to Wynyard RSL reminds our veterans of later conflicts that their stories are intrinsic to the story of Australia at war, and to the freedom we all enjoy today.
“North West Coasters played a vital role in all wars fought in the name of this country and the presentation today is a reminder of the sacrifice of our region in the pursuit of peace.”
ENDS
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, 5-7 Best St, Devonport TAS 7310
Read MoreLiberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck and Liberal Candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce have welcomed the progression to Full Business Case assessment for Simplot in their application for a $12 million economic development grant.
Senator Colbeck: “The Coalition Government is committed to unlocking significant private investment in our regions through the Regional Growth Fund, which will support the generation of new local jobs.
“Simplot has successfully passed the initial phase of the grant process for its Ulverstone plant and is now invited to submit a Full Business Case for final assessment.
“Industry Minister Karen Andrews will be touring the facility today to gain an understanding of the importance of this potential $12 million investment, which will unlock a further $37.1 million investment from Simplot in Ulverstone.
“The upgrade of the potato processing facility will see Simplot increase production capacity by 5-10% over the next decade, driving a projected growth of $164 million in the local economy over that period in logistics, packaging and raw materials (including potatoes) with additional revenue for local businesses reaching approximately $11.5 million by Year 3 of operation.”
Mr Pearce: “As a farmer I get how important it is to invest in the economic future of our region, particularly when it comes to helping our businesses compete.
“Simplot directly employs 320 locals in our region and sources potatoes from over 150 local growers and 15 seed growers.
“I’m very pleased to see the commitment from Simplot and the Coalition Government to progress this project to the next stage.
“Agriculture is one of the core industries in our local economy and the opportunity to facilitate the growth of downstream processing and the increased demand for product from our farmers is very welcome.”
ENDS
Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734
Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, 5-7 Best St, Devonport TAS 7310
Read MoreAssistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, welcomed the beginning of the consultation process around a proposed mandatory Code of Conduct for the dairy industry.
Assistant Minister Colbeck said he was pleased the North West was able to lead off on the consultation process nationally.
Assistant Minister Colbeck: “North West Tasmania is dairy heartland and the perspectives of farmers here matter a great deal when it comes to future decisions made for the industry.
“I encourage all dairy farmers in the region to come along and have their voices heard.
Read MoreA showcase midrise timber building launched today will benefit Australia’s construction and forestry industries by demonstrating the extraordinary capacity of timber as a sustainable, renewable and versatile building resource.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, said Forest and Wood Products Australia’s (FWPA) midrise demonstration represents an exciting step forward for Australia’s forestry sector.
“The change to the national construction code in 2016 has created new opportunities for the forestry sector to market timber products as a renewable rival for steel and concrete,” Minister Colbeck said.
The Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) has reaffirmed its intention to have the Torres Strait Tropical Rock Lobster (TRL) Fishery Management Plan in place by 1 December this year.
The PZJA has also further considered implementing catch share splits between the Traditional Inhabitant Boat (TIB) sector and the Transferrable Vessel Holder (TVH) sector for the 2018-19 TRL fishing season.
“A quota management system will better ensure the sustainability of TRL stocks and encourage greater business efficiency and profitability than the current management arrangements,” Senator Colbeck said.
Read MoreAustralia continues to improve its fisheries management systems with the release of a new national approach to mitigating incidental catch of seabirds.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, said the release of Australia’s National Plan of Action for Minimising Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Australian Capture Fisheries (NPOA–Seabirds) demonstrates Australia’s commitment to ensuring our world-leading sustainable fisheries don't negatively impact our unique environment.
“It’s very important that we maintain trust among Australian and international consumers, and manage our fisheries with minimal impact on the natural environment – including seabirds,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreMental health care for young Australians is set for a $51.8 million funding boost.
Tasmanian Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck said the Government’s extra investment in the national network of headspace centres and the digital portal, eheadspace, means young people will have access to around 14,000 additional services nationally, shorter wait times and extra clinical staff.
“We want young people to know they are not alone on their journey, and that we’re backing quality frontline support,” Senator Colbeck said.
Read MoreTasmanian Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck is today encouraging local residents, community organisations and businesses to get on board to support the opening of Round 4 of the Coalition Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP).
“The Coalition Government is committed to making it easier for small business in rural and remote areas to serve their customers and keep in contact with suppliers,” Senator Colbeck said.
“Our Government is also focused on helping to keep Australians together, and one of the best ways to mitigate the tyranny of distance is for families to have access to reliable mobile phone coverage.”
Read MoreTasmanian Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck welcomed today’s announcement to fast-track legislated tax relief to bring down the tax rate to 25% for businesses with a turnover under $50 million by 2021– five years early.
“Small and medium businesses employ more than 50% of our workforce and tax relief gives them the ability to provide more opportunities for workers and young people in Braddon,” Senator Colbeck said.
“The first wave of tax relief has already boosted jobs, investment and wages in towns right across our region.”
Read MoreThe Australian Government is delivering on its commitment to undertake a survey of the recreational catch of Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT).
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Richard Colbeck, announced that the survey will be conducted by the University of Tasmania, starting 1 December 2018 and concluding on 30 November 2019.
“This survey will encapsulate recreational fisher efforts, catch, release and harvest estimates of SBT and other large tuna and billfish,” Minister Colbeck said.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck has congratulated Cider Australia for launching the world’s first trust mark for craft cider.
“Australia, and particularly Tasmania, produces some of the best apples and pears in the world and Cider Australia’s trust mark will let consumers know that the cider they are buying is made from the highest quality fruit.
“Provenance is playing an increasingly important part of consumer choices, and the trust mark of Australian fruit also lets people know the product is quality and safe.
Read MoreCommunities in West and North West Tasmania are invited to apply for a share in $200 million under Round Three of the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.
Senator Richard Colbeck is urging communities in the region to take advantage of the fund and get local infrastructure and community-building projects of all sizes off the ground.
“This fund is dedicated to unlocking the economic potential in remote and regional Australia and I encourage all eligible organisations with a great project idea to apply for the third round of funding,” Senator Colbeck said.
Read MoreAssistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck today welcomed the latest Fishery status reports by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), which show that Commonwealth fisheries management continues to deliver for the sustainability of our oceans.
“For the fifth year in a row, the reports show that no solely Australian government managed fish stock has been classified as subject to overfishing,” Minister Colbeck said.
Read MoreNational grants of $22,000 are being offered for young people between 18 and 35 to find the next big breakthroughs in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry.
“I encourage young Tasmanians looking to build their future in agricultural science to apply - you might be able to make the next game-changing discovery in your field,” Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck said.
The Tasmanian Liberal Senate Team has today announced $34,147 in grants to Men’s Sheds around Tasmania to support their work in local communities.
“Men’s Sheds provide an important space for some friendly, easy-going company, right around Tasmania and the Federal Government, along with the Tasmanian Liberal Senate Team, are pleased to support them,” Senator Colbeck said on behalf of the Tasmanian Liberal Senate Team.
Read MoreThe Devonport Men’s Shed has been awarded a grant of $2,500 from the Morrison Government for new digital equipment while the Burnie Men’s Shed is set to receive $3,545 for soundproofing upgrades under round 17 of the Government’s National Shed Development Programme.
“Like similar sheds across Australia, the Devonport and Burnie sheds offer support to any local men who need a bit of space and some friendly, easy-going company,” Senator Colbeck said.
Read MorePeople living in West and North West Tasmania can have their say on the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission into the aged care sector through an online feedback tool.
“As the Prime Minister has said, there are thousands of operators, facilities, care providers, nursing and other clinical staff, volunteers, cleaners, cooks and therapists here in West and North West Tasmania and across the nation who are out there improving the lives of senior Australians every day. This is something we should all be proud of,” Senator Colbeck said.
Read MoreWork has begun on 45 kilometres of world-class mountain bike trails in north-west Tasmania as part of a plan to promote the state as a first-rate adventure holiday destination.
“It’s likely to become one of Australia’s leading mountain bike attractions, hosting annual mountain bike events, including national championships which will benefit the local economy and market the north-west as a wilderness-based adventure destination,” Senator Colbeck said.
Read MoreThe Coalition Government has re-opened the Mobile Black Spot Program’s Database of Reported Black Spot Locations for new nominations from state and local governments, and Federal Members of Parliament.
“I strongly encourage residents in Tasmania to contact my office as soon as possible to nominate any mobile phone black spots in our community,” Senator Colbeck said.
Read MoreAustralia’s renewable timber and wood-fibre industry will be better prepared for future challenges and opportunities with the support of the Australian Government’s National Forest Industries Plan – Growing a better Australia.
Minister Colbeck said the delivery of the plan will underpin growth in the renewable timber and wood-fibre industry, provide the vision and certainty for Australia’s sustainable forestry industries, and support the sustainable forestry industries as long-term growth engines for regional Australia.
Read MoreSenator for Tasmania the Hon Richard Colbeck is pleased to announce schools in the West and North West will soon be receiving their annual educational kits in preparation for Remembrance Day, this year marking the centenary of the First World War Armistice.
“Today we know 11 November as Remembrance Day, but its origins started 100 years ago when the Armistice ending the fighting during the First World War was signed,” Senator Colbeck said.
Read More“I congratulate fellow candidates Claire Chandler and Tanya Denison for their selections,” Senator Colbeck said.
“I am delighted to lead a powerful ticket to represent the values of Tasmanians in the Federal Parliament.
Read MoreAssistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Senator Richard Colbeck welcomed the release of a KPMG report* on Dutch agricultural lessons for Australian producers.
“I have had the opportunity to observe protected horticulture in the Northern Hemisphere when I was previously in this role and from those observations I believe that Tasmania could be one of the best locations in Australia to develop this practice,” Assistant Minister Colbeck said.
Strahan has officially become the first major West Coast town to connect to the NBN today, with around 400 premises served by the new infrastructure.
“The Coalition Government is delivering on its election promise to the people of Strahan, who can officially sign up today for an NBN service,” Senator Colbeck said.
Read MoreSenator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck is delighted with his inclusion in the new generation Morrison Ministry.
"It is an honour to serve my country as Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources and I'm delighted to return to this portfolio which I know well," Senator Colbeck said.
Read MoreSenator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck congratulated the new Liberal leadership team of Scott Morrison and Josh Frydenberg and thanked outgoing Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party Julie Bishop for their service to the people of Australia.
Read MoreToday marks the 75th anniversary of the day Dame Enid Lyons became the first woman elected to the Australian House of Representatives.
Senator Richard Colbeck paid tribute to the Smithton native who represented the seat of Darwin, the precursor to the seat of Braddon in North West Tasmania.
Read MoreStudents and staff at St Peter Chanel Catholic School in Smithton will have full use of the newly constructed Josephite Centre consisting of the extended general learning areas, the new general learning areas and multipurpose hall and the refurbished administration area thanks to funding from the Turnbull Government.
Senator Colbeck participated in the opening of the new facilities today on behalf of the Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham.
Read MoreThe Coalition Government has extended the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES) to include northbound donated fodder, in a move which will ease some of the hardship in drought affected areas of the mainland.
“We don’t know what next summer will bring but, with this historic amendment to the TFES, mainland farmers can be sure that Tassie has their backs," Senator Colbeck said.
Read MoreFormer Braddon MP Justine Keay has been exposed in an act of brazen deception towards the Tasmanian people in the final days of the campaign.
“Ms Keay, in prepared remarks that she later double down on, told the people of Braddon at the TCCI forum that her party would match the Coalition Government’s business tax reduction to 25%,”* Senator Richard Colbeck said.
Read MoreThe Coalition Government will contribute $300,000 to complete a new facility for the Devonport Gymnastics Club.
Read MoreReports* that Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s Devonport business lunch has had to be downgraded to a “working lunch” due to a lack of numbers are telling about what business think of Mr Shorten, Senator Richard Colbeck said today.
Read MoreSenator Richard Colbeck has called on Justine Keay to come clean with the electorate and tell them if she backs Tasmanian colleague Bass MP Ross Hart or leader Bill Shorten on Labor’s new company tax hike.
Read MoreToday Justine Keay must call on leader Bill Shorten to rule out rolling back legislated tax cuts on all businesses between $2m and $10m which would hurt the workers of 388 businesses in Braddon.
Read MoreSenator Richard Colbeck has said that Justine Keay shows no shame with her misrepresentations.
Read MoreSenator Richard Colbeck paid tribute to the life and contribution to her community of former Devonport Mayor Mary Binks OAM. “I had the genuine pleasure to serve on Devonport Council with Mary when she became Devonport’s first female Mayor from 1999."
Read MoreThe Coalition Government is delivering on our strategy to tackle the scourge of ice in our communities, with a Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) being established in Circular Head.
Read MoreThe Coalition Government continues to deliver on its commitment to regional communities with a $7,827 grant to Ulverstone Neighbourhood House for a solar PV system.
Read MoreThe Federal Coalition Government has delivered $660,000 for the Cradle Coast and Southern National Resource Management organisations to ensure business continuity.
Read MoreDuring their seven years in Government from 2007-2013 Labor delivered ZERO new mobile phone blackspot towers in Braddon – they scrapped the Black Spots Program. The facts are, since being elected in 2013, the Liberal Government has delivered nine new mobile phone towers in Braddon and three more have been announced in recent weeks.
Read MoreIn today’s Advocate, Bill Shorten twice failed to rule out doing a preference deal with the Greens in Braddon.
Read MoreSenator Richard Colbeck and Liberal candidate Brett Whiteley have urged North West businesses to jump on board the State Government’s latest Trade Mission, announced today.
Read MoreSenator Richard Colbeck has called on Bill Shorten to rule out a preference deal with the Greens in the upcoming Braddon byelection, during his visit today. "Mr Shorten needs to be upfront with the voters - will he rule out doing a preference deal with the Greens?" Senator Colbeck said.
Read MoreBill Shorten’s promise today is as dodgy as he is - it’s a fake promise that won’t be delivered because even if Labor win the Braddon by-election, they won’t be in government.
Read MoreFormer MP Justine Keay has been caught out fudging the numbers on her company tax claims. Her recent claims that only ten businesses on the North West Coast would benefit from the Coalition Government’s tax relief have turned out to be completely false.
Read More"The Labor position is little different from the Liberal position except they have allocated $6 million and we have allocated $400 million," Senator Colbeck said. "Labor hasn’t nominated a single project for the Bass Highway. Both need to talk to the State Liberal Government. We don’t pretend to ride into town and tell the State what to do. We all know Bill Shorten came to Tassie and promised enough money to build less than a quarter of the Bridgewater Bridge."
Read MoreWith negotiations set to heat up around a potential EU/Australia Free Trade Agreement, Senator Richard Colbeck has debated the European Trade Delegation on the issue of Geographic Indicators in Tasmania. Senator Colbeck, who was previously Minister assisting the Minister for Trade, said that protecting Brand Tasmania was a critical part of the state’s future but that Geographic Indicators were not the way to do it."
Read MoreThe next phase of the Britton Brothers High Value Timber Drying Improvement Project (HVTDIP) has commenced, with the project to provide five full time jobs in the timber industry in Smithton as well as five in construction. Senator Richard Colbeck congratulated Britton Brothers on the progress of the project, welcoming the boost to jobs in the North West forestry sector.
Read MoreThe Coalition Government continues its strong commitment to the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES) with continued funding for the export component across the forward estimates in the 2018/19 Budget. Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said that since its expansion to include exports in 2016 the TFES had been the assisting Tasmanian businesses to compete in markets around the world.
Read MoreThis year’s Federal Budget is an “exceptionally good” budget for Tasmania, the Tasmanian Liberal Senate Team said tonight. It delivers a record-breaking nearly one billion dollars in infrastructure funding, as well securing essential services funding, while delivering tax relief that will directly benefit around 170,000 Tasmanians. Spokesman for the Tasmanian Liberal Senate Team, Senator Richard Colbeck, said: "This budget delivers for Tasmania, and is clear evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to our state."
Families in Braddon are set for more support to access early childhood education and care, backed by new funding from the Turnbull Government. Senator Richard Colbeck today welcomed the support for much needed local child care and early learning services.
Read MoreTasmanian Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck has acted to help lift flu immunisation rates by getting his flu vaccination administered by a local community pharmacist.
Read MoreThe agriculture sector is predicted to be a significant area of jobs growth over the next 6 years, with a report by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research predicting 80,900 job openings for farm managers in that time.
Read MoreSenator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck has urged young athletes to apply for a Local Sporting Champions grant to support their involvement in sport. “The Coalition Government is committed to getting Australian kids more active, more often,” Senator Colbeck said today.
Read MoreThe Turnbull Government has taken the next step in creating a significant defence export industry with the establishment of a coordinating body to link suppliers with overseas customers.
Read MoreAhead of early negotiations of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and Australia, the Europeans have made ambit claims over a number of generic product names that are widely used in the rest of the world. Senator Richard Colbeck said that Tasmanian producers of feta, parmesan and many other goods would be harmed by European insistence that only producers from particular continental regions can use such terms on their labelling.
Read MoreIn a sign of the increasing disconnect between the AFL and the many Tasmanians who love the game, Gillon McLachlan’s new steering committee met far from the people they seek to provide solutions to. “It was telling that while Tasmania’s State League footy club Presidents met in Hobart last night, the AFL steering committee deigned to meet in Melbourne to decide their fate,” Senator Richard Colbeck said.
Read MoreTasmanian Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck has called on the Tasmanian State Government to take the lead in coordinating submissions to Qantas for their proposed Pilot Training College.
Read MoreThe North West Recreational Fisheries Public Forum held last night at the Devonport Yacht Club was an opportunity for around 65 interested recreational fishers, DPIPWE fishery managers and IMAS fisheries scientists to come together to discuss key challenges and opportunities for the industry.
Read MoreDeliveries of prepared meals have helped support hundreds of thousands of senior Australians, amid a spike in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, National Meals on Wheels Day, the Australian Government acknowledges the vital Meals on Wheels service and its largely volunteer workforce.
The Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Senator Richard Colbeck, said significant investment from the Australian Government had reinforced the service during a challenging time.
Deliveries of prepared meals have increased by up to 50 per cent in some parts of the nation.
“With the impact of both the bushfires and the pandemic, the care and wellbeing of senior Australians has been a priority this year, and meals services and food security have become even more important,” Minister Colbeck said.
“This is why the Australian Government has provided an additional $59.3 million to ensure more prepared meals, food staples and essential daily items are delivered to those who need them most.”
For more than 60 years, Meals on Wheels has been operating in hundreds of metropolitan and rural communities nationally.
More than 10 million meals every year are delivered with the support of more than 76,000 Meals on Wheels volunteers.
The Government provided an additional $59.3 million to enable more prepared meals, food staples and essential daily items to be delivered to older people who needed them.
Meal deliveries are available through Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
A survey of CHSP providers who signed up for the funding for extra meal deliveries, including Meals on Wheels, found that:
Meal deliveries can be organised by contacting CHSP meals providers directly, or through My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or on the internet.
Meals delivery is one of the services provided under the CHSP. In 2019-20, more than 580 different meals providers were funded, including Meals on Wheels services.
The CHSP assists older people with limitations in their ability to remain living independently at home and in their community.
Read MoreLabor’s Justine Keay has proven once again that she is out of touch with issues facing the electors of Braddon.
Read MoreYoung people will have more say on the issues that matter to them under a significant funding package today unveiled by the Morrison Government.
The Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC) will be strengthened in its role as a national peak body advocating to the Commonwealth to ensure the needs of young people are on the national agenda.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck said eight youth organisations will share in an investment of $900,000 to give Australian youth a greater voice.
“The Australian Government is working hard to ensure young people have a platform to voice their concerns about the issues that affect them,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it would be my role to provide a strong voice for issues facing young Australians.
“These funding measures are ensuring we deliver on that promise.
AYAC will receive a $150,000 injection to boost its efforts to underline the issues affecting youth and to encourage wider participation.
In addition to funding the national peak, another seven organisations will receive grants totalling $750,000.
The funded groups will also act as a youth advocacy network with projects spanning a variety of youth demographics across vast geographic areas from the city to regional, rural and remote communities.
The projects will have a strong focus on supporting marginalised young Australians including those with a disability, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young carers, young people with mental illness and the gender diverse.
Leadership and advocacy skills will be a key feature of a number of funded projects with a strong focus on empowerment and development.
Young people will have more say on the issues that matter to them under a significant funding package today unveiled by the Morrison Government.
The Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC) will be strengthened in its role as a national peak body advocating to the Commonwealth to ensure the needs of young people are on the national agenda.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck said eight youth organisations will share in an investment of $900,000 to give Australian youth a greater voice.
“The Australian Government is working hard to ensure young people have a platform to voice their concerns about the issues that affect them,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it would be my role to provide a strong voice for issues facing young Australians.
“These funding measures are ensuring we deliver on that promise.
AYAC will receive a $150,000 injection to boost its efforts to underline the issues affecting youth and to encourage wider participation.
In addition to funding the national peak, another seven organisations will receive grants totalling $750,000.
The funded groups will also act as a youth advocacy network with projects spanning a variety of youth demographics across vast geographic areas from the city to regional, rural and remote communities.
The projects will have a strong focus on supporting marginalised young Australians including those with a disability, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young carers, young people with mental illness and the gender diverse.
Leadership and advocacy skills will be a key feature of a number of funded projects with a strong focus on empowerment and development.
Seventeen prominent Australians will provide expert advice on aged care issues and the implementation of the Morrison Government’s $17.7 billion reform agenda in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Led by inaugural chair Andrea Coote, the National Aged Care Advisory Council will ensure aged care reforms meet the needs and expectations of senior Australians, their families and carers and the Australian community.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, has joined aged care peak bodies Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) and Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) to encourage more visitors to return to residential aged care facilities across Australia. “We know how important it is for aged care residents to see visitors, such as family, friends and members of their community in person” Minister Colbeck said. “Personal contact is vital to maintaining the social, emotional and mental wellbeing of residents, reducing their social isolation and loneliness.
Read MoreOne year since the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Morrison Government has achieved significant reform across the five pillars of its five year plan to deliver respect, care and dignity for every senior Australian. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the Government called the Royal Commission because it recognised change was needed. We responded to the recommendations and are now implementing this once-in-a-generation reform that puts senior Australians first.
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