Downloading the COVIDSafe app will get lives and livelihoods back to normal sooner.

The app not only helps keep you, your family and the community safe, but the more people who download it the sooner we can start safely lifting restrictions and get back to business and out in the community.

It is an important public health initiative to help limit the further spread of coronavirus through early notification of possible exposure.

It is voluntary to use and speeds up the ability to respond to local outbreaks. It only keeps contact information for 21 days and information collected by the app is securely encrypted and stored on the user’s phone.

To download the app you can visit the Apple App Store https://apps.apple.com/au/app/covidsafe/id1509242894

or Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.gov.health.covidsafe

If you are having trouble registering your phone number with the app, try temporaryily turning off your wifi and using your mobile data to register.

For more information on the app please visit: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covidsafe-app

Submissions can now be made to the Senate inquiry into the Criminal Code Amendment (Agricultural Protection) Bill 2019, which introduces two new offences relating to the use of a carriage service to incite trespass, property offences, or other offences on agricultural land.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the legislation was introduced into Parliament earlier this month to stand up for the privacy of farmers and primary producers from animal rights activists.

“I encourage people to have their say; submissions can be made in writing or online and the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee will also hold public hearings later in the year,” he said.

Submissions are open until July 31 and for more information head to: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Legal_and_Constitutional_Affairs/Agriculturalprotection

Applications are open now for round 2 of the Australian Aid: Friendship Grants.

The program supports eligible not-for-profit organisations to deliver projects with lasting benefits to communities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said in the first round more than 200 applications were received with 46 organisations awarded grants.

“One-off grants of $30,000 – $60,000 can be applied for projects which assist and strengthen an overseas community’s development or socio-economic situation,” he said.

Applications close at 1pm on 10 September 2019. For more information and to apply head to: www.dfat.gov.au/friendshipgrants.

Nominations are open now to recognise employers who offer work and support to people with significant disabilities.

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the Australian Disability Enterprise Excellence Award also showcases innovative business practices.

“The award is an opportunity to highlight innovation and best practice in a sector which provides quality employment and training opportunities for over 20,000 Australians with significant disability,” Mr Pitt said.

“I encourage anyone who knows an outstanding ADE to nominate the service for the excellence award.”

The winner will be announced on May 30 at the National Disability Services’ Employment Forum in Canberra.

For more information, visit www.dss.gov.au/ade-excellence-award

Applications close on April 8.

Local government and not-for-profit organisations still have time to apply for funding for new safety and crime prevention initiatives.

The application deadline for Round 2 of the Safer Streets Program has been extended until March 2.

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the Federal Government would invest up to $29.4 million in individual grants to contribute to greater community safety and resilience across the electorate.

“The program is already working to improve community safety across Australia by preventing, deterring and detecting crime and antisocial behaviour,” he said.

The Safer Streets Program uses proceeds of crime – confiscated from criminals – to fund these crime prevention projects. 

For more information and to apply visit https://www.ag.gov.au/CrimeAndCorruption/CrimePrevention/Pages/ProceedsofCrimeAct.aspx

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is encouraging local not-for-profit groups to apply for funding through Round Two of the Stronger Communities Program, which opens on Monday, February 15.

The Federal Government provides grants of between $5000 to $20,000 to eligible organisations for small capital projects.

An independent Hinkler advisory committee will examine and prioritise projects to ensure the funding delivers the best possible outcome for our local communities.

The Hinkler electorate has been allocated a total of $150,000 in 2016. Funds must be matched dollar for dollar cash or in kind. 

Full guidelines are available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/scp.

Applications close on April 1.

The Federal Government will provide $150,000 a year over two years for small capital projects in the Hinkler Electorate through the newly established Stronger Communities program.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said eligible not-for-profit organisations and Councils could apply for grants of between $5000 to $20,000, but will need to demonstrate they can match the Government’s contribution.

“As is required, a Hinkler advisory committee has been established to examine and prioritise projects to ensure the funding delivers the best possible outcome for our local communities,” Mr Pitt said.

Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions for the Stronger Communities program are available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/SCP     

Organisations have until midnight on Friday September 25 to apply for Federal Government funding through the latest Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR).

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said there would be 3,120 aged care places funded across Queensland through the 2015 ACAR and 880 home care places.

“I’m pleased to announce $67 million will also be available for capital works to build and extend nursing facilities,” Mr Pitt said.

“I encourage Hinkler’s existing and prospective care providers to apply for the 2015 ACAR, to ensure our region gets its fair share.”

For more information go to www.dss.gov.au/2015ACAR

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is encouraging locals to apply for the Australian Government’s Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) program.

Through WLIS, individuals can apply for grants of up to $5000 per annum and organisations can access up to $10,000 per annum.

WLIS has provided support to more than 22,000 women across the country since it started in 2002.

“Hinkler is lucky to have many outstanding women involved in sport, but there is still room for many more to pursue leadership roles,” Mr Pitt said.

Eligibility criteria and information on how to apply is available at www.ausport.gov.au/wlis

Applications close September 9.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt this week announced the Federal Government will establish a National Ice Taskforce to tackle the growing scourge of ice.

Headed by former Victorian Chief Commissioner of Police Ken Lay, the Taskforce will provide an interim report to the Prime Minister by the middle of this year.

“The Prime Minister will take the report to the State and Territory Governments (COAG) to ensure that the campaign against ice is fought in a coordinated, targeted and effective way,” Mr Pitt said.

“This highly dangerous drug is having a devastating impact on regional communities and our young people.

“With three young children of my own, this is an issue I am particularly passionate about.

“Hinkler residents interested in making a submission to the Taskforce should register with my office by emailing keith.pitt.mp@aph.gov.au”