Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is urging eligible local general practices to apply for new Australian Government grants of up to $300,000 to enable them to build the extra facilities they need to take on more trainees and GP registrars.

“This Australian Government initiative will boost the health workforce in our area and give people in Hinkler better access to quality health services,” Mr Pitt said.

“General practices are now able to access the guidelines for the Rural and Remote Teaching Infrastructure Grants programme and are invited to apply in the round of grants.”

Mr Pitt said the Government committed $52.5 million over three years to help general practices in regional and rural locations to expand facilities, with the additional consultation rooms and space to support more medical students and supervising GP registrars.

“Grants of up to $300,000 are available to help practices upgrade their facilities, with the general practice to also provide matching funding.

“The Government supports a strong primary care workforce that can meet Australia’s future healthcare needs.

“This investment will not only strengthen the general practice workforce in Hinkler; it will also enhance the local training of doctors, GP registrars and medical students and give patients better access to health services.

“We know from the evidence that people often choose to stay and work in areas where they have trained – and we want such people in Hinkler.”

The programme guidelines for the Rural and Remote Teaching Infrastructure Grants programme and an ‘Invitation to Apply’ have been released by Assistant Minister for Health Fiona Nash, and are now available on the Department of Health’s website at www.health.gov.au/tenders

Applications close on 23 February 2015.

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814       

Aged care services in the Hinkler electorate will receive an additional $8.6 million under the Federal Government’s 2014 Aged Care Approvals Round.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today announced the funding boost, which will provide local residents with an additional 126 residential care places and 57 home care packages:

• 32 home care packages  –  Churches of Christ, Bundaberg (new service)

• 25 home care packages  –  Kepnock Grove Retirement Centre, Bundaberg

• 96 residential care places – Carinity, Bargara (new service)

• 30 residential care places  – Ozcare, Hervey Bay

Mr Pitt said more than 17,800 people would benefit from new places and packages nationally.

“These extra residential and home care places will help meet the growing demand for aged care,” Mr Pitt said.  

He said competition for the funding was fierce.

“Nationally this year there were two applications received for every available residential care place and 17 applications received for every available home care place,” Mr Pitt said.

“I’m delighted Hinkler aged care providers – both new and existing – have been able to secure this funding, by successfully demonstrating their ability to deliver care, management experience and expertise.

“Apart from the obvious benefits for our aging residents and their families, this funding presents enormous opportunity for the local community more broadly.

“Growth in the aged care sector has the potential to stimulate the construction industry. It will create jobs and training opportunities in nursing, allied health, pharmacy, administration and retail.”

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814       

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson are preparing for the holiday season by shopping local.

Mr Pitt is encouraging Hinkler residents to do the same in the lead up to Christmas.

“Small businesses and family enterprise are the economic life blood of regional communities like ours, and the Coalition wants to see them prosper,” Mr Pitt said.

“Small business employs more than four million people across the country and one of the ways we can keep our communities strong is to support them at the till.

“Shopping local helps drive competition in the market, which is good for consumers and good for the economy.

“We need to encourage and nurture small businesses to grow – they are the ones who provide employment opportunities to locals.”

Mr Pitt urged Hinkler residents to visit local shopping precincts when buying gifts and preparing for Christmas.

“Without giving away what’s on my family’s Christmas wish list, we’ll be shopping at local stores like Avenell Bros, Queensland Computers and Vo Vo Modelle.

“My wife, Allison has also found some great gifts at the recent Handmade Expo, Mumma’s Nest Markets and the Bundaberg Arts Precinct on Walker Street.   

“The gift hampers we prepare using local produce and food products are always very popular, and we buy a lot of our Christmas groceries from Foodworks on Walker Street and the IGA at Woodgate.”      

We have

• Appointed a Small Business Minister in Cabinet

• Abolished Labor’s Carbon Tax

• Cut over $2 billion in red and green tape costs.

• Undertaken an independent ‘root and branch’ review of the competition framework

• Reformed the national Franchising Code

• Signed Free Trade Agreements with China, Japan and Korea

• Established the $484.2 million Entrepreneurs’ Infrastructure Programme, providing practical support for businesses including advice from people with relevant private sector experience; small co-contributions for re-engineering or growth opportunities for business; and connection and collaboration opportunities

• Provided an additional $304.1 million over four years from 2014‑15 to boost the wage subsidy for mature age job seekers, through a Restart Program

• Protected the privacy of home-based businesses

• Implemented a dedicated small business support line within Fair Work which has received 100,000 calls in eight months

• Developed a ‘Your First’ employee guide to help time-poor small businesses understand what to do when they hire their first employee

• Moved to make it easier for small businesses to supply their products and services to Government with a new Commonwealth Contract Suite

We are

• Extending unfair contract protections for small business

• Deferring by two years the increase in compulsory employer-funded superannuation

• Protecting the rights of independent contractors and the self-employed

• Improving small business access to government contracts

• Working with the financial sector to improve access to small business finance

• Creating a Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman

• Ensuring Government pays their Small Businesses accounts on time

• And in July 2015 we will reduce the company tax rate by 1.5 per cent to a new rate of 28.5 per cent.

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814       

Bundaberg North State School is a joint winner of the 2014 Resilient Australia Awards for its BEAR Plan, which has successfully assisted students to overcome trauma associated with the 2013 floods.

Federal Minister for Justice Michael Keenan said the Resilient Australia Awards recognise the outstanding contributions communities were making to disaster management including risk assessment and mitigation, education, training and research, community awareness and engagement, as well as response and recovery.

“Many of this year’s awarded projects are effectively addressing local needs and building a greater understanding about potential risks through education and increased community participation,” Mr Keenan said.

“The work of these organisations, groups and individuals are helping to prepare our nation for future adverse events.”

A total of 24 projects have been recognised from 160 entries.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said a significant number of Bundaberg North State School students experienced trauma, losing possessions, homes and pets.

“The school became the hub for physical and emotional support and developed the BEAR Plan to provide ongoing support for students and their families. Students were taught calming strategies based on the letters B.E.A.R: Breathe, Exit, Ask, Relax,” Mr Pitt said.

“By teaching deep breathing, along with other strategies such as moving to a safe location, checking their negative self-talk and some relaxing activities, the students became better able to cope in the classroom.

“Students were also given teddy bears to help calm them when they became emotionally overwhelmed. Having a school teddy bear for comfort also provided a secure safe connection.”

The Bundaberg Regional Council Flood Recovery program provided funding to assist the school to purchase of a range of products to help the students remember the BEAR Plan, including wristbands, rulers, water bottles and fridge magnets.

The Queensland Country Women’s Association members donated more than 300 teddy bears to the school.

Bundaberg North State School was one of 17 winners at the state and territory level, who automatically became finalists in the national competition.

Bundaberg North was devastated by floods in 2013. Nearly every home was inundated and sustained significant damage.

Media contacts:
Emily Broadbent 0400 390 008 (Minister Keenan’s office) and Larine Statham 0427 653 814 (Mr Pitt’s office)

Students and staff at St James Lutheran College in Urraween today celebrated the opening of a new Middle School building, built with the help of $470,000 in Australian Government funding.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt opened the new facilities on behalf of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education Senator Scott Ryan.

A $470,000 Australian Government grant funded the $1.8 million project, along with an equal contribution from the Queensland Government, and $949,046 from the St James Lutheran College community.

The project involved the construction of the Middle School Stage 2 Building, which includes new classrooms, a multipurpose room and outdoor learning areas.

Mr Pitt said the opening was part of the Valedictory Service for St James Lutheran Colleges’ first graduating cohort of Grade 12 students.

“Today is an important milestone for the school and a real tribute to the teachers, staff, students, parents and supporters who have made this possible,” Mr Pitt said.

“Everyone who has worked so hard to bring these new facilities to life has shown exactly what can be achieved by a school with strong leadership and a clear vision for the future.

“This addition to the senior campus will provide much needed educational infrastructure for the Hervey Bay community.”

Speaking at the service, Mr Pitt announced St James Lutheran School had also been successful in applying for a grant of $250,000 for the 2015 school year to build three general learning areas and purchase furniture and equipment.

“These funds ensure students have the infrastructure necessary to help them get the most out of their time at school,” he said.

“While buildings alone do not make a school, we are committed to helping equip all Australian students with the facilities and skills they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.”

Since 2009, St James has successfully applied for $1.76 million in Australian Government funding, through the Capital Grants Programme.

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

St Joseph’s School at Childers will soon have an improved administration facility, with a professional learning and work space for teachers, thanks to a $325,279 grant from the Australian Government.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt visited St Joseph’s on Wednesday to congratulate students and staff on the School’s successful application to the Capital Grants Programme (CGP).

“CGP provides funding for non-government schools to improve capital infrastructure where they otherwise may not have access to sufficient resources,” Mr Pitt said.

“While buildings alone do not make a school, we are committed to ensuring students are equipped with the facilities and skills they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.

“These funds will ensure St Joseph’s has the infrastructure necessary to support teachers, as they help students get the most out of their time at school.

“St Joseph’s is an important and valued part of the broader Childers community, and I congratulate them on their ongoing commitment to local education.”

St Joseph’s School Principal John Hinton said the funds would be used to refurbish the administration area and provide a professional learning and work space for staff.

“Over recent years, student learning spaces have attracted school funds to ensure they are contemporary and well maintained. The administration area was the one part of the school still requiring a much needed renovation,” Mr Hinton said.

“This $325,000 Government grant, coupled with a $50,000 contribution from the school, will ensure the high quality educative service we provide to the community will continue well into the future.”

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

Tourism operators and local politicians took to the water today to show Darren Chester, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, why Wide Bay is the ideal location for a dive wreck.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said he was delighted Mr Chester had accepted his invitation, following positive discussions in Canberra.

“Local support for the proposal has grown significantly since I first floated the idea with Mr Chester in May,” Mr Pitt said.

“Senator James McGrath, State Member for Hervey Bay Ted Sorensen, Fraser Coast Regional Council and local tourism operators – such as Brian and Jill Perry – are all on board.

“Hervey Bay already has the infrastructure and skills needed to support a scuba diving industry, and operators are crying out for a new tourist attraction to keep boats in the water from December to June when the whales are not migrating.

“Military dive wrecks in similar regions have been estimated to be worth about $5 million per year to the local economy, boosting trade for retail, hospitality and accommodation businesses.

“Not only would it give divers an opportunity to explore a part of Australia’s history in an underwater world, the wreck would also provide additional habitat for local marine life.

“Mr Chester’s visit is a positive step in the right direction and demonstrates The National Party’s commitment to long term economic development in regional Australia.”

Mr Chester said he was pleased to have been invited to Hervey Bay by the Member for Hinkler, to discuss potential options for future decommissioned naval vessels.

“For communities like Hervey Bay, regional tourism plays an important role in the economic development through the promotion of jobs and small business initiatives,” Mr Chester said.

Mr Chester also took the opportunity to inspect the new Freedom Park Memorial, before meeting with local veterans groups at Hervey Bay RSL.

“The light horse monument is an impressive testament to the work of the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch, and shows just how much the local community values the sacrifices made by our service men and women,” Mr Chester said.

Mr Chester and Mr Pitt also inspected facilities and equipment, including a new safety boat, at the local Australian Naval Cadet unit, Training Ship Krait, in Urangan.

The unit supports 27 naval cadets and, in August, received a new RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) from the Federal Government. The RHIB is used as a Safety Boat for all navy cadet waterborne activities, as well as boat coxswain training.

“Navy sponsorship of the Australian Navy Cadets is a significant investment in the youth of Australia,” Mr Chester said.

“Australia’s Navy Cadet organisation has nearly 2900 youth around Australia participating in activities that build leadership, self-reliance, confidence, teamwork and communication.

“The Government provides support to the Navy Cadet program in a variety of ways, so the program can keep its training activities fresh and challenging.

“Providing TS Krait’s new safety boat is an example of the Government’s support to cadets, which is returned ten-fold in the development of these young men and women and how they contribute to their local community.”

As part of the visit, Mr Pitt also facilitated a meeting between Mr Chester, Bundaberg Regional Council and other stakeholders to discuss the Port of Bundaberg’s existing capabilities and potential to be a support base for Defence vessels.

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

Hinkler residents will today have the opportunity to discuss the impacts and causes of crime in the community with their local MP and Federal Minister for Justice Michael Keenan.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is hosting a community crime forum in Hervey Bay, to facilitate discussion between Neighbourhood Watch groups, local police, businesses, schools, State and Local Government representatives and residents.

Mr Pitt said Mr Keenan’s visit showed crime prevention in regional Australia was a key priority for the Coalition Government.

“Criminal activity, including vandalism and general nuisance behaviour, affects every sector of our community. It impacts the economy and ties up our valuable emergency resources,” Mr Pitt said.

“In low socio-economic areas with high unemployment, like Hinkler, criminal activity is often linked to financial hardship, domestic violence, marital breakdown, drug and alcohol abuse and declining school attendance.

“That’s why it’s so important that all sectors of the community work together. I’m grateful Mr Keenan accepted my invitation to hear locals’ concerns and outline the Government’s broader approach to National Security.”

Mr Keenan said the Coalition Government had established a $50 million Safer Streets Program to provide grants to assist local communities in implementing strategies to address crime and anti-social behaviour.

“Only safe communities can be strong and prosperous, and the best way to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is to prevent it from happening,” Mr Keenan said.

During his visit, Mr Keenan will also meet with representatives from the Fraser Coast District Law Association and Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce, as well as stakeholders concerned about the exploitation of workers in the horticulture and tourism sectors.

Media contacts:
Emily Broadbent (Minister Keenan’s office) 0400 390 008
Larine Statham (Mr Pitt’s office) 0427 653 814

Hinkler Councils will receive a total of $3.76 million for the second quarter of 2014-15 under the Australian Government Financial Assistance Grant (FAG) program.

The first quarterly payment for 2014-15 was made to councils in August 2014.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the Australian Government was providing $2.3 billion each quarter to local councils nationwide in 2014-15, including $113 million to Queensland councils.

“Councils are free to spend this untied grant funding according to local priorities, including for infrastructure, health, recreation, environment, employment and roads projects,” Mr Pitt said.

Mr Pitt said councils in the Hinkler Electorate would receive $3.76 million in Financial Assistance Grants each quarter this financial year, including:

• $1.9 million to Bundaberg Regional Council

• $1.85 million to Fraser Coast Regional Council

“I look forward to seeing these Councils target local priorities with this funding.

“The Australian Government strongly supports Councils with programs like FAG and the $565 million Black Spots Program.

“For example, Bundaberg Regional Council will also receive $1.34 million this quarter under the Australian Government’s $2.1 billion Roads to Recovery program.

“Our councils rely on Roads to Recovery funding to target the roads that need it most.”

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today welcomed NBN Co’s release of the Hinkler suburbs which will be among the first to receive the latest vectored VDSL technology over fibre-to-the-node connections.

Mr Pitt announced in June that Bundaberg, at the northern end of the electorate, was one of only ten sites prioritised nationally for superfast broadband upgrades.

“I’m pleased we can now offer some certainty to about 25,000 Hinkler residents with the release of these initial rollout maps,” Mr Pitt said.

Suburbs included in the initial rollout, where premises are expected to be able to connect in 2015:

• Bundaberg Central
• Kalkie
• Bundaberg East
• Walkervale
• Norville
• Thabeban
• Avenell Heights
• Bundaberg South
• Kepnock
• Ashfield
• Millbank
• Svensson Heights
• Bundaberg North

NBN Co has so far connected 50 end users to its fibre to the node network, achieving average speeds of 90mbps download and 36mbps upload.This bandwidth would allow a single premise to stream more than 15 high definition video streams at once.

Mr Pitt said almost 30 per cent of premises selected in the initial rollout were classified as ‘underserved’ in the Government’s MyBroadband study, which ranked all suburbs in Australia in terms of the quality and access to fixed line broadband.

“In coming weeks, the community will see workers out in the street, planning the new network and undertaking civil construction work in getting the fibre-to-the-node network built,” Mr Pitt said.

“Bundaberg is a point of interconnect for the NBN, which bodes well for further expansion of fibre-to-the-node to other suburbs across Hinkler.”

Mr Pitt said the Government was delivering on its promise to deliver the NBN sooner, at a lower cost to consumers and taxpayers, by using a mix of technology.

“Construction has begun on fixed wireless internet towers at Apple Tree Creek, Doolbi and Alloway, which between them will service about 1000 premises,” he said.

You can find more information about the rollout at www.nbnco.com.au/maps.

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

Further background reading:

https://keithpitt.com.au/news/bundaberg-priority-national-broadband-network

https://keithpitt.com.au/news/adjournment-debate-national-broadband-network

https://keithpitt.com.au/news/nbn-co-recommends-plan-save-taxpayers-and-consumers-money