Protecting jobs and providing certainty to industry and regional economies in areas like Tasmania’s West Coast is the focus of a private senators’ bill being introduced to Federal Parliament next week.

Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck will table the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Reconsideration of Decisions) Bill 2024. 

The legislation is designed to introduce limitations on time frames allowed for the reconsideration of decisions, and those who may seek reconsideration after a period of three years.

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The Tasmanian Federal Liberal Team calls on federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to end the uncertainty facing Tasmania’s salmon industry after meeting with a delegation from Salmon Tasmania, local government and industry representatives in Canberra.

Workers from the sustainable aquaculture industry travelled to Canberra alongside West Coast mayor Shane Pitt, Salmon Tasmania CEO Luke Martin and Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman to take their concerns to elected representatives in Canberra, including the Prime Minister.  

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A new National Showcase that helps to promote Australian made products from across the nation in the Parliament Shop will showcase Tasmanian products this June and October.

Senator for Tasmania, the Hon Richard Colbeck encouraged Tasmanian companies to apply to share in this opportunity to showcase their wares.

"I’m excited about this new initiative that will see suppliers from Tasmania invited to apply to have their products featured in a month-long showcase in the Parliament Shop in Canberra, with Tasmania’s first month scheduled for June 2024,” Senator Colbeck said.

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Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck today paid tribute to the service of the Hon Scott Morrison MP      as Prime Minister through one of the most difficult periods in Australia’s history.

“All through the pandemic, working with Scott Morrison every day I never saw anything other than someone determined to get our country through COVID-19 in the best possible shape,” Senator Colbeck said.

“He deserves our country’s gratitude for that dedicated and selfless effort.

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The call by the Agriculture Minister Murray Watt for Coles and Woolworths to freeze their ham prices for Christmas to curb inflation turns out to be one of the biggest of the blagging efforts from the Government since Mr Albanese promised 97 times that Australia would see a $275 reduction in their power bills.

Full of bluster, Minister Watt proudly pronounced that he had called on Coles and Woolworths to freeze ham prices for Christmas. Other Ministers continue to repeat the boast.

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The pain of Labor’s broken election promises continues to be imposed on Australian families as interest rates continue to rise due to the Government’s failure to deal with inflation.

Today’s 25 basis points interest rate rise is the 12th since Labor came to government. The cost to service an average $460,000 mortgage has increased by over $14,000* in Tasmania since Labor came to power and if lenders pass on the full increase, homeowners will now be paying almost another $800 per year from today.

Labor told Australians at the last election that Anthony Albanese had a plan to deal with inflation – he clearly does not.  A broken promise.

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News of a 9.9% increase in Bass Strait shipping rates has prompted calls for an urgent indexation of Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme support in next week’s Budget.

Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the federal government must turn words into action. “The government has been telling us continuously that this Budget will bring cost of living relief,” Senator Colbeck said.

“Then supporting Tasmanian businesses via the TFES is an ideal way to do so.

“The almost 10% increase in the cost of shipping advised to industry only days ago will have a huge impact on Tasmania and the Government needs to be across the detail.

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Liberal Senator for Tasmania, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck, said football-loving Tasmanians can rejoice today as Tasmanians finally achieve a long-held dream of a rightful place in the competition of our Australian national game.

“Many hurdles have been put in the way of Tasmania gaining entry, and through perseverance and persistence we have overcome all those obstacles,” Senator Colbeck said.

“Congratulations to the Tasmanian Government for leading the most recent effort and to the members of the taskforce along with the Tasmanian football community for showing their passion and commitment to the game.

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Tasmanian Liberal Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck welcomed the announcement of funding to support major urban redevelopments at Macquarie Point in Hobart ($240 million)- including funding for a multi-purpose sports and arts stadium/precinct - and York Park in Launceston ($65 million) which will see Tasmania granted its rightful place in the AFL competition.

“The Federal government now needs to ensure that the plan is implemented completely with funding to support the development of the state women’s team, to be based on the North West Coast ($25 million)”, Senator Colbeck said.

“Labor have talked a big game on women’s sport but haven’t delivered anything yet - they can start by supporting women’s AFL infrastructure in Tasmania.”

“Mr. Albanese can’t come down here and do a half-baked job. He needs to support the entire Tasmanian AFL bid plan, and currently he is $25 million short.”

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Labor, in cahoots with the Greens, today trampled all over farmers and their livelihoods by voting down an important motion in the Senate.

Senator for Tasmania, Hon Richard Colbeck, who led the motion, called out Labor and the Greens on abandoning our fishers and farmers from the impact of infrastructure from new energy projects and their related transmission lines across the country by denying scrutiny of its implementation through an inquiry.

“This Labor-Green alliance today shamefully opposed a Senate inquiry into the impact of transmission lines over prime agricultural land nationally,” Senator Colbeck said.

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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.

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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,”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.’

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

The 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.

Older 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.

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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. 

The 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.

New 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. 

A 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.

The 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. 

A 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. 

The 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. 

Russia’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. 

Sporting 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. 

A 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. 

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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.

Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck has congratulated all 14 winners of the 2021 Sport Australia Media Awards. Now in their 20^th 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.

The 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.

One 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.

The 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.

The 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.

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. “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.

Senior 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.

Senior 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.

Aged 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." 

Australia 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. 

Hundreds 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.” 

The 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.

The 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. 

The 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. 

The 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.

St 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.  

The 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.

The 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.

Senior 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.

New 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.

The 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.

The 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. 

The 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). 

The 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. 

As 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.

Australian 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). 

Outgoing 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. 

The 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.

Young 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. 

The 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.

The 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.

A 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. 

Hobart’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. 

The 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.

Current 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.

Today, 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.

Minister 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. 

The 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. 

The 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. 

A 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.

Work 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. 

The 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.

Three 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. 

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. 

Former 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.

The 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. 

The 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.

The 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. 

Home 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. 

The 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.  

The 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. 

The 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.

Food 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.  

Aged 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.

The 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. 

Nominations 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. 

Older 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. 

A 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.

The 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.”

Hundreds 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.

Staff 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”.

Sports 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."

The 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. 

The 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. 

The 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.

Skilled 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.”

The 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. 

The 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. 

Australia’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. 

The 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.

The 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".

Senior 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.

Senior 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.

The 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.

Minister 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. 

The 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.  

The 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.

Minister 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. 

The 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.

The 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. 

The 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.

The 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.

The 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.

The 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.

The 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.

The 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.

The 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.

The 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.

The 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.

The 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.

The 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.

World 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.

Residential 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.

The 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.

Face-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.

The 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.

The 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.

The 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.

Seniors 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.

Senior 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.

In 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. 

The 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:

• $40.8 million to extend the successful Sporting Schools program;
• $132.8 million for Australia’s high-performance sport programs. This represents a growth in annual funding and will continue through to 2023-2024. It includes:
  • $50.6 million to support 56 high-performance programs – a boost to 2600 athletes and 320 staff particularly in the lead up to the 2022 Commonwealth Games and 2024 Olympics and Paralympics; and
  • $82.2 million to extend Athlete Performance Pathways and wellbeing programs.
• $3.5 million for increased operational costs for the Australian Paralympic team to participate in the Tokyo Paralympics as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.    

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:

• $322.6 million for priority road projects – such as Midland Highway Upgrades, Bass Highway Safety and Freight Efficiency Upgrades Package, South Arm Road Upgrades and Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation – to support economic recovery and jobs;
• Extending the eligibility of the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme assistance with $89.3 million over four years;
• Support for vulnerable veterans, with $10.7 million over four years to establish Veteran Wellbeing Centres in Tasmania (shared with South-East Queensland);
• An estimated $12.8 billion in GST payments from 2021-22 to 2024-25;
• Health funding to increase by $39.5 million from 2021-22 to 2024-25, with major commitments including National Health Reform funding, COVID-19 public health response, public dental services for adults, community health, hospitals and infrastructure projects; and
• Around 220,000 low- and middle-income earners will receive tax relief of up to $1080 for the 2021-22 financial year.

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.

The 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. 

Sport 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.

National 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. 

Australia 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.

The 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.

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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.

Former 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.

New 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.

Cities 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:

• Brisbane – Brisbane Stadium 
• Sydney – Stadium Australia and Sydney Football Stadium 
• Melbourne – Melbourne Rectangular Stadium 
• Adelaide – Hindmarsh Stadium
• Perth – Perth Rectangular Stadium 

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.

The 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.

The 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. 

Older 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.

The 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.

Queensland 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.

Aged 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.

The 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.

Tens 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.

The 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.

More 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.”

The 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.

A 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.

Congratulations 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.

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has marked a key milestone, celebrating its 40^th 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.”

The 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.

The 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:

• Dementia Training Program (DTP)
• Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS)
• Severe Behaviour Response Teams (SBRT)
• Needs Based Assessment (NBA), which is a component of the Specialist Dementia Care Program.

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.

Perth 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.

Senior 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.

The 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. 

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. 

Visitation 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.

Senior 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.”

The 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.”

The 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.

Young 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.

The 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.

The 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.

Senior 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.

The 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. 

The 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.”

Flinders 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.”

Young 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.”

Record 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.

On this 30^th 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.

The 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.

The 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.

The 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.”

Senior 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.”

Senior 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.

Young 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.

Helping 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.

The 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:

• Strengthening the headspace network by investing an additional $375.0 million to establish an additional 30 new services (10 centres and 20 satellites), reduce waiting times at existing services, continue the Early Psychosis Youth Services program, and expand the Young Ambassadors program;
• A focus on Indigenous suicide prevention with an investment of $14.5 million for tailored initiatives such as a national plan for culturally appropriate care; and
• Reinforcing early childhood and parenting support, by investing $11.8 million in initiatives such as Kids Helpline and batyr.

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.

The 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.

Today’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.”

ENDS

The 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:

• Ensuring early identification of all COVID-19 cases via immediate and repeated testing of all residents and staff as soon as the first case is identified;
• Actions to reinforce compromised management;
• Immediate engagement of advocacy group Older People’s Advocacy Network (OPAN) to ensure services and information are available to providers, residents and their families;
• The provision of support from the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (in Victoria) to improve communication, staff and management support;
• Expansion of surge workforce providers for facilities affected by outbreaks; and
• Practical additional infection control training, including support from AUSMAT.

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.

The 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.

Today 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.

•    In Tasmania, the West Tamar Youth Advisory Council has been supported to transfer its activities online due to COVID-19.  The Council is determined to continue engaging in the community and has been holding online interviews to continue to give young people a voice. The online content also includes sessions covering study tips and information as well as virtual cooking classes;
•    In Far North Queensland, Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good (DIYDG), an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth led volunteer group, aims to empower young people through workshops, training, storytelling and advocacy opportunities; and
•    In Victoria the University of Melbourne Pathways to Politics Program for Women aims to increase female participation in politics by equipping young women with the skills and knowledge to succeed in running for elected office, and to thrive as political leaders.

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.”

Aged 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:

•        Deployment of clinical first responders direct to facilities where an outbreak has been identified;
•        Immediate access to emergency response teams if there is a significant outbreak; and
•        Access to a surge workforce, to help providers if they’re unable to fill critical skills because of infection or staff have to self-isolate.

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.

The 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.”

ENDS

The 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.”

The 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.

[ENDS]

Protection 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:

• Supply 500,000 reusable face shields to all residential aged care services across Victoria for use by staff.

• Release a further five million face masks from the National Medical Stockpile for Victorian aged care providers.

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.

I 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.

The 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.”

The 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.

The 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:

•        Ensure aged care employers can cover any additional entitlements to enable employees to work at a single site;
•        Engage and train additional staff where existing employees are unable to work due to self-isolation requirements and/or where a more intensive workforce mix is required;
•        Support aged care workers who are unable to work due to symptoms, self‑isolation or travel restrictions, regardless of whether they would usually receive paid leave.
•        Provide alternative accommodation so workers who live or work in hotspots can continue to work.

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.

-END-

Pregnancy 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.

The 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.

The 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.

-ENDS-

The 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.

The 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.

Five 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.

More 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.

[END]

A 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 manipulation of doses and timing of doses to avoid detection from sampling;
•        an increased interest in corrupting sport by organised crime, particularly through match fixing;
•        the manipulation of gambling markets;
•        the rise of off-shore, illegal wagering service providers; and 
•        the threat of bullying, harassment and abuse of athletes.

“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.

[ENDS]

Migrant 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.

Australia 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.

The 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.

ENDS

The 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.

[ENDS]

A 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.

The 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.

The 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.

[ENDS]

The 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.

The 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.

Free 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:

• Video chatting with family, friends and health professionals;
• Ordering groceries and other shopping essentials online for home delivery;
• Carrying out everyday tasks online, including accessing essential services; and
• Accessing Federal Government information updates from australia.gov.au and the Coronavirus Australia app

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.

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.

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.

The 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.

The 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.

Welfare 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.

Senior 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

With 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.”

[ENDS]

Media inquiries: Aaron Langmaid 0456 889 018

Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, Tasmania

Aged 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.

ENDS

Media inquiries: Aaron Langmaid 0456 889 018

The 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:

• Have travelled internationally or been exposed to a person with COVID-19 in the preceding 14 days; or
• Are at a high risk including the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

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:

• Players, visitors and officials should minimise physical contact as much as is practicable, for example no shaking hands, no walking out with player mascots, no pre- or post-match celebrations and no celebrating between players during the match.
• When spectating or attending a game or training session, ensure a distance of 1.5 metres is kept between yourself and others;
• Access to change rooms should be restricted solely to players, officials and essential staff;
• If spectating, try to maintain 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
• It is recommended that sporting teams, including school sporting teams, maintain local competitions only, with no inter-district, or inter-club travel. As with all gatherings, basic protective measures should be observed, such as regular hand hygiene practices before, during and after the match, do not share drink bottles, and avoid touching your face.

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:

• Spaces at each facility, surfaces and objects are regularly cleaned with disinfectant;
• Provide hand washing guidance (www.who.int/gpsc/clean_hands_protection/en/);
• Promote regular and thorough hand washing by staff and participants;
• Provide sanitising hand rub dispensers in prominent places around the event (particularly entry or high use areas such as a registration desk, change rooms, toilets or kiosk);
• Make sure dispensers are regularly refilled; and
• Promote exclusion of ill persons.

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

-ENDS-

Media inquiries: Aaron Langmaid 0456 889 018

Today 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.”

ENDS

Residential 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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Senior 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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I 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.

ENDS

Media inquiries: Aaron Langmaid 0456 889 018

Hundreds 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.

The 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.

ENDS

Senator 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.”

Minister 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.

The 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:

• 224 projects funded as part of Round 1;
• 232 projects funded as part of Round 2; and
• 228 projects funded as part of Round 3.

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.

Senator 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.”

The 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.

Latest 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.

Australians 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.

Senior 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.

Pure 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.

The 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.

ENDS

The 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

The 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.

ENDS

Federal 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)

The 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;

•        investing $496.3 million for an additional 10,000 home care packages;
•        providing $25.5 million to improve medication management programs to reduce the use of medication as a chemical restraint on aged care residents and at home, and new restrictions and education for prescribers on the use of medication as a chemical restraint;
•        delivering $10 million for additional dementia training and support for aged care workers and providers, including to reduce the use of chemical restraint; and
•        investing $4.7 million to help meet new targets to remove younger people with disabilities from residential aged care.

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;

•        No people under the age of 65 entering residential aged care by 2022;
•        No people under the age of 45 living in residential aged care by 2022; and
•        No people under the age of 65 living in residential aged care by 2025.

The Government will invest $4.7 million to help remove young people from residential aged care and further support these goals by:

•        establishing a Joint Agency Taskforce (JATF) between the Department of Social Services, Department of Health and National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to develop a new strategy that builds on the Action Plan and takes action to ensure these new targets are met;
•        establishing a specialist team within the NDIA to prevent younger people with a disability who are eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme from entering aged care. The specialist team will grow to 80 complex support needs planners by end March 2020 to find suitable accommodation and match participants to vacancies;
•        working with industry to identify all available Specialist Disability Accommodation and Supported Independent Living supports across the country to develop a database of existing and new housing options available now and in the future; and
•        undertaking a detailed analysis of younger people currently living in aged care, as well as up to 2,000 young people at risk of entering aged care, to better inform new policies and pathways to find alternate accommodation.

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;

•        providing simpler aged care assessments by creating a single assessment workforce and network; and
•        establishing a single unified system for care of our elderly in the home.

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

Almost $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:

• newly arrived migrants and refugees;
• people with a physical or mental disability;
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; and
• Women.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• engaging with community organisations to deliver sport and physical activity projects;
• coaching clinics to teach sports skills and techniques;
• participation in local sports competitions;
• instruction in exercise and physical activity classes delivered by qualified instructors;
• research and data collection; and
• recruitment and engagement of translators required to deliver the activities.

Further information about the Driving Social Inclusion through Sport and Physical Activity Grant Opportunity (GO2645) is available from the GrantConnect website.

The 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:

• greater regulatory capacity and coordination
• greater oversight of financial and commercial arrangements
• greater oversight of the purchasing and sub-contracting of approved provider status
• better managing the risks associated with key personnel and organisational culture
• sanction options which better balance the need for decisive action with the desire of people to remain in their homes
• better planned and coordinated responses to emerging situations in aged care facilities.

“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

ENDS

The 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:

• establishing the new Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to deliver a tough and vigilant cop on the beat to improve quality and safety
• allocating $38.4 million over five years to strengthen regulation through risk-based targeting and information sharing
• on 1 July 2019, implementing new tougher Aged Care Quality Standards and a new Charter of Rights covering 14 fundamental rights for seniors receiving aged care
• mandating participation in the quality indicator program from 1 July 2019
• implementing new provider requirements to minimise the use of restraints in residential aged care
• investing $4.6 million to trial a new residential care funding tool (to replace the Aged Care Funding Instrument)
• increasing the provision of home care packages by 161 per cent from 60,308 in 2012-13 to 157,154 in 2022-23. Over the same period, funding for home care packages will increase by 242 per cent due to growth in high-level packages.

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.

ENDS

Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734

Fewer 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.”

Mobile Medicare x-ray services were recommended by the independent expert Medical Services Advisory Committee.

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.

-END-

The 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 25^th 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.

-END-

The 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.

-ENDS-

Australian 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.

Australia 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.

ENDS

I 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.

ENDS

The 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.

ENDS

Liberal 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.”

ENDS   

The 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

ENDS

Today 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:

• a $10,000 Restart wage subsidy for employing Australians aged 50 and over; and $2000 for new skills and training for mature aged workers
• changes to retirement income law to allow pensioners to earn more
• expanding the Pension Loan Scheme to allow every Australian of pension age to borrow against their home to create an income stream.
• two free online “Life Checks”: one for 45 to 64 year olds, and one for older people
• $22.9 million in grants to sporting organisations to develop local sports programs for seniors
• expanding in-home care services, with an increase in the number of Home Care Packages by 25,000, or 25%, in the year to June 2019.
• The Morrison Government is also delivering record investment in aged care.

ENDS

More 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.

ENDS

The 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 1/16^th 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

ENDS

The FSANZ review made five recommendations:

1. That FSANZ develop and declare as urgent a proposal to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) to prohibit the retail sale of pure and highly concentrated caffeine food products.
2. That FSANZ consider developing a maximum limit of caffeine in foods, based on the outcomes of the current review of Standard 2.9.4 – Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods.
3. That a coordinated inter-agency consumer information campaign on safe caffeine consumption be developed and implemented in conjunction with the implementation of recommendation one, if adopted.
4. That, prior to or in parallel with the consumer information campaign, guidance on the regulation of products containing pure or high concentrations of caffeine, and high caffeine content products, be developed by the Implementation Subcommittee for Food Regulation (ISFR) for, and agreed by, enforcement agencies to inform compliance action.
5. That targeted research on caffeine consumption across the Australian and New Zealand population, including consumption by specific vulnerable population groups, continue to be undertaken as part of the upcoming Intergenerational Health and Mental Health Study.

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:

•          Additional funding of $3m to meet growing demand for further support and upskilling of care providers to deliver best practice dementia care and behaviour management. This additional funding announced today will be provided to boost the sectors capacity to deliver training and behaviour management advice
•          awarding $4m for three projects to trial innovative technology for people living with dementia to link into community supports and better manage medicine. This funding was made available in the 2018-19 Budget
•          awarding $5m to trial a new innovative way of determining pain in people living with dementia in order to manage their care and medication needs
•         continuing our partnership with Dementia Australia with $31m over three years to fund the National Dementia Support Program. This important program provides education, services and resources to those living with dementia. It also focusses on increasing awareness and reducing stigma about dementia and includes targeted outreach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

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/

-ENDS

Townsville 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.

 [ENDS]

Today, Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck launched the WNBL’s 40^th 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 40^th 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/

Tasmania 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.”

ENDS

Statement 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

ENDS

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.”

ENDS

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.”

ENDS

Media Contacts

Minister Colbeck: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734

Mr Pearce: Denise Fletcher 0438 022 726

Today 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.

ENDS

Senior 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.

ENDS

The 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:

• Running is not allowed. A participant always has to have one foot on the ground.
• It is non-contact
• The ball cannot be kicked above head height
• There is no heading of the ball
• There are no ‘referees’ as such and participation is prioritised over competition

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.”

The 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.”

ENDS

Today 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

ENDS

Minister 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.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Felix Ellis 0457 517 734

Every 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.

Minister 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.”

Minister 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.”

Minister 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.

The 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

Liberal 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

Australians 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

Taiwan 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

In 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.”

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.

*https://www.themercury.com.au/news/politics/anthony-albanese-delivers-13-billion-pledge-to-fix-tassie-roads/news-story/c01c4ac70ddfaab9dfcee97956229362

**https://factcheck.aap.com.au/claims/has-the-coalition-failed-to-start-any-new-major-road-projects-in-tasmania

• 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

• EXAMPLE ONE - $85 million in grants for local communities in regional Tasmania
• EXAMPLE TWO - $10 million Kings Meadows Community Health Centre Upgrade
• EXAMPLE THREE - $10 million Upgrade to the North West Regional Hospital at Burnie
• EXAMPLE FOUR –  $4 million modern wash down truck washes to protect our biosecurity
• EXAMPLE FIVE - $40 million brand new bulk minerals loader at Burnie Port

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

• EXAMPLE ONE - $85 million in grants for local communities in regional Tasmania
• EXAMPLE TWO - $10 million Kings Meadows Community Health Centre Upgrade
• EXAMPLE THREE - $10 million Upgrade to the North West Regional Hospital at Burnie
• EXAMPLE FOUR –  $4 million modern wash down truck washes to protect our biosecurity

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

• EXAMPLE ONE - $85 million in grants for local communities in regional Tasmania
• EXAMPLE TWO - $10 million Kings Meadows Community Health Centre Upgrade
• EXAMPLE THREE - $10 million Upgrade to the North West Regional Hospital at Burnie

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

• EXAMPLE ONE - $85 million in grants for local communities in regional Tasmania
• EXAMPLE TWO - $10 million Kings Meadows Community Health Centre Upgrade

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

• EXAMPLE ONE - $85 million in grants for local communities in regional Tasmania.

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

• 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
• EXAMPLE 14 - 150 Diagnostic mammography units
• EXAMPLE 15 – 36 hospital helipads
• EXAMPLE 16 – 750 Oral Health Therapists

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

• 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

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

• 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

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

• 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

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

• 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
• EXAMPLE FIVE – 80 senior Emergency Department Doctors
• EXAMPLE SIX – 150 paramedics for a year
• EXAMPLE SEVEN – Five new bulk billing MRI licenses
• EXAMPLE EIGHT – 850 hip replacements
• EXAMPLE NINE – Two brand new 15-bed community mental health facilities
• EXAMPLE TEN – Four new ambulance stations

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

• 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
• EXAMPLE FIVE – 80 senior Emergency Department Doctors
• EXAMPLE SIX – 150 paramedics for a year
• EXAMPLE SEVEN – Five new bulk billing MRI licences
• EXAMPLE EIGHT – 850 hip replacements
• EXAMPLE NINE – Two brand new 15-bed community mental health facilities

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 50^th 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 50^th 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

• 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
• EXAMPLE FIVE – 80 senior Emergency Department Doctors
• EXAMPLE SIX – 150 paramedics for a year
• EXAMPLE SEVEN – Five new bulk billing MRI licenses
• EXAMPLE EIGHT – 850 hip replacements

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

• 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
• EXAMPLE FIVE – 80 senior Emergency Department Doctors
• EXAMPLE SIX – 150 paramedics for a year
• EXAMPLE SEVEN – Five new bulk billing MRI licences

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. 

*https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/invisible-shorten-gets-brush-from-campaign-flyers/news-story/f4358190bb6a3442d514b8997456af7d

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

• 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
• EXAMPLE FIVE – 80 senior Emergency Department Doctors
• EXAMPLE SIX – 150 paramedics for a year

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

• 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
• EXAMPLE FIVE – 80 senior Emergency Department Doctors

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.”

ENDS

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.”

ENDS

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

• EXAMPLE ONE – 260 new graduate nurses
• EXAMPLE TWO – two brand new regional hospitals

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:

•          $5.7 million towards a new Visitor Gateway, including transit hub with new road access and car parking, shelter and information area.
•          $650,000 for an Aboriginal education program and expanding the Discovery Ranger Program to allow visitors to learn about local Aboriginal cultural practices and heritage.
•          $450,000 for a new Wineglass Bay lookout
•          $400,000 for a foreshore walkway.

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