The Nationals have this weekend voted unanimously in favour of a motion moved by Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt, seeking a multi-jurisdictional taskforce to address exploitation of foreign workers in the horticulture sector.

At The Nationals 2014 Federal Conference in Canberra Mr Pitt moved that: “this Federal Council recognises the existence of labour hire contractors who are not paying employees correctly, and calls on the Government to form a multi-jurisdictional, multi-portfolio task force to advise enforcement agencies”.

The motion was seconded by former police detective, Senator Barry O’Sullivan.

Mr Pitt said the motion was another positive step forward in his efforts to tackle the “seedy underbelly” that exists in farming communities across the country.

“Allegations and complaints made to my office range from the underpayment and exploitation of workers to tax evasion, visa breaches, racial discrimination, intimidation of farmers and overcrowding in private residential dwellings,” Mr Pitt said.

“Earlier this year, Senator O’Sullivan and I hosted a stakeholder forum in Brisbane. The very clear message we received from that meeting was that new legislation and further inquiries are not the answer.

“Stakeholders want real action. They say there needs to be greater enforcement of existing laws and greater cooperation between the many relevant agencies, across all three levels of Government.

“I have briefed the relevant Ministers on the issue and the outcomes of that forum, and will continue to work with them going forward.

“It is imperative that we ensure our seasonal workers are protected; that businesses have a level playing field and Australia remains a destination of choice for overseas students and holiday makers.

“Seasonal workers are vital to Queensland’s agriculture and tourism industries and the Australian economy more broadly.”

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814         

Young people in Hinkler are set to join 17 to 24 year olds across the nation who will, through the Australia Government’s Green Army, become part of the largest environmental movement in the nation’s history, according to Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt.

Mr Pitt said the Green Army was a key Coalition election commitment, with $525 million budgeted over four years.

“The first round of Green Army projects under this funding commitment has been announced and Hinkler will be hosting two teams,” Mr Pitt said.

“Young Australians will now have the opportunity to be a part of one of the Government’s major environmental initiatives and to help our community deliver important local conservation outcomes.”

Green Army projects to be rolled out in Hinkler under the first round are:

•  The Salvation Army Tom Quinn Community Centre (TQCC) – Rehabilitation and Protection of Saltwater Creek, Bundaberg.
•  Bundaberg Regional Council – Restoring Bundaberg’s Rainforests.

“The Green Army provides opportunities for young Australians aged 17-24 years to gain training and experience in environmental and heritage conservation fields and explore careers in conservation management, while participating in projects that generate real benefits for the Australian environment,” Mr Pitt said.

The Salvation Army TQCC has been involved in delivering previous Green Army projects over recent years, which include practical, hands-on training.

Tom Osborne, Community Services Manager for the TQCC, said: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to deliver this latest project, which will deliver tangible benefits for the environment and our local heritage.

“Importantly, using the facilities and experience of the Centre, we will work to provide the participants with skills, training and experience which will help them to enter the workforce or improve their career opportunities. It is part of the way we work, with the support of the government, towards our mission of transforming lives across the Bundaberg region.”

Mr Osborne said of the project: “Saltwater Creek is a freshwater and mangrove-lined creek which runs through residential Bundaberg and is connected to well-known Baldwin Swamp before entering the Burnett River. In the past five years The Salvation Army has partnered with Bundaberg Regional Council and worked with several groups to start to help restore the ecological condition of this creek and form a riparian buffer zone.

“The TQCC has already undertaken work on another stretch of Saltwater Creek, removing invasive weeds, testing and monitoring water quality and replanting with native plants.

“Under this latest project, it is proposed to deliver extra plantings of local native tree species, removal of environmental weeds including invasive vines and removal of debris which degrades the habitat for freshwater and saltwater fish and crustacean species.”

Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Mal Forman said the partnerships experienced with the Federal Government in similar programs in the past had produced outstanding results for the region.

“Council looks forward to the commencement of these projects which provide enhanced skills for the participants and great project outcomes for our community,” Cr Forman said.

The Green Army is one of the Government’s major environmental initiatives and will encourage practical, grassroots action to support local environment and heritage conservation projects across Australia, providing training to 15,000 young Australians by 2018.

Young Australians interested in joining the Green Army can apply through the appointed Service Providers for each state and territory. Contact details for Service Providers are available from www.environment.gov.au/green-army.

Media contact: Debbie Leis 07 4152 0744

This Seniors Week, Hervey Bay seniors are breaking stereotypes by jumping on board the digital evolution of government service delivery.

Minister for Human Services Senator the Hon Marise Payne and Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today visited the Hervey Bay Service Centre to observe new ways for older Australians to connect with the Department of Human Services.

“The theme of this year’s Queensland Seniors Week is ‘on for young and old’ and while many people may think online services are just for the young, many seniors are in fact internet savvy and taking up our digital service options,” Minister Payne said.

“Hervey Bay seniors have joined over 63,000 older Australians nationally who use the Department of Human Services Express Plus mobile apps to manage their government business.

“Seniors now expect to have more control over the way they interact with government services and staff at the new Hervey Bay one-stop shop can help seniors connect to the department digitally.

“Customers see the benefits of going digital and want to know how to be part of the evolution – our Hervey Bay staff can show local seniors ways to do their government business anywhere, anytime.”

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said providing access to a range of services under the one roof at Hervey Bay’s one-shop-stop has multiple benefits for the community.

“Older Australians are discovering the benefits of using online and digital services to complete their business at a time and place that suits them – either at home, while travelling or at the doctors’ surgery,” Mr Pitt said.

“While these technologies are making business much more convenient, staff will always be available at the Hervey Bay one-stop shop to provide face-to-face services to those who require more personalised or intensive support.”

The Hervey Bay one-stop shop is located at 6 Hunter Street and is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Media contacts:

Minister Payne’s Office: Henry Budd 0429 531 143

Mr Pitt’s Office: Debbie Leis 0419 535 722

Speaker of the House of Representatives Bronwyn Bishop visited Bundaberg today to officially open the annual Seniors’ Week Expo and visit a local retirement village.

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said he was delighted Madam Speaker had accepted the invitation from the event’s organiser, Nina Higgins OAM.

“Madam Speaker has long been an effective advocate for senior Australians,” Mr Pitt said.

“In the Howard Government, Ms Bishop served as the Minister for Aged Care and was responsible for the introduction of mandatory national standards for aged care.

“Having such a well-respected and senior member of the Coalition visit Bundaberg for this very worthwhile event is a show of this Government’s commitment to older Australians and the Hinkler Electorate.

“The wisdom, local knowledge and life experience seniors bring to our community is invaluable.

“Hinkler is fortunate to have a very strong and active senior population, and I’m pleased they’ve had the opportunity to speak directly to Ms Bishop today.”

Ms Higgins said she was delighted to have Madam Speaker and Mr Pitt at the Expo, which is now in its 17^th year.

“The Expo is one of several events hosted locally by the Bundaberg Seniors’ Network, which enables seniors to ask questions and share ideas about matters that are vital to their wellbeing, such as finance, technology, health and fitness,” Ms Higgins said.

In the afternoon, Madam Speaker will be visiting a local retirement village Argyle Gardens to meet residents over afternoon tea.

Argyle Gardens manager, Lois Donovan said both staff and residents were delighted to welcome Ms Bishop to the village.

“We have a great community of residents here at Argyle Gardens who are looking forward to welcoming Ms Bishop into our excellent facilities,” Ms Donovan said.

Media contact: Debbie Leis 07 4152 0744         

New payments to councils in the Hinkler Electorate are being made today under the Australian Government’s Financial Assistance Grant programme.

Federal Member for Hinkler, Keith Pitt MP, said Federal Government is providing $2.3 billion to local councils nationwide in 2014-15 alone, including $453.1million to Queensland councils.

Councils in the Electorate of Hinkler will receive a total of $15 million this financial year.

“The Coalition Government is committed to supporting local communities to deliver the services and facilities they need,” Mr Pitt said.

“We will deliver a further $9.3 billion to Local Governments from 2014-15 to 2018-19 through the Financial Assistant Grants programme to deliver services and build community infrastructure.

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

“The first quarterly payment for 2014-15 has been made.

“I am looking forward to seeing our local councils target local priorities with this funding, along with additional funding provided by the Federal Government under the Roads to Recovery, Black Spot and Bridges Renewal programmes,” Mr Pitt said.

Local councils will receive the following funding under the Australian Government’s Financial Assistance Grant programme:

Hinkler Electorate total $15,047,775.00

• Bundaberg Regional Council $7,622,042.00
• Fraser Coast Regional Council $7,425,733.00

Full details of the allocations to councils under the Financial Assistance Grant Programme are available online at regional.gov.au/local/assistance/index.aspx.

Media Contact: Debbie Leis: 41520744 or 0419535722

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss, Federal Member for Flynn, Ken O’Dowd and Federal Member for Hinkler, Keith Pitt, today announced that Mission Australia has been selected to deliver the new Work for the Dole Coordinator services in the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast employment services areas.

The Federal Liberal Nationals Government is rolling out new Work for the Dole arrangements for job seekers aged 18-30 in the Fraser Coast, Bundaberg and Burnett region.

“The Work for the Dole program helps people to transition from welfare to work by giving young people the experience they need to make them job ready,” Mr Truss said.

“The program encourages the participants to demonstrate the qualities and attributes that employers look for, and will help them to become productive and valued employees.

“The participants work will boost their confidence and they can be proud of their contribution to building a better community.

“While the Work for the Dole program will complement and enhance the work that is done by the host employer, it will not be a substitute for their paid employees. The scheme will deliver projects in the area that otherwise would not have happened.

“I congratulate Mission Australia on their selection, and look forward to the expansion of the Work for the Dole programme to other parts of Wide Bay.”

Federal Member for Hinkler, Mr Keith Pitt said, “Work for the Dole gives job seekers the opportunity to learn new skills to be work ready.”

“Our new Work for the Dole programme will include a mix of individual and group based projects in community organisations such as not for profit organisations and local councils.”

Federal Member for Flynn, Mr Ken O’Dowd whose electorate also includes the Burnett region added “I strongly believe that the best form of welfare is a job. The Government and our society must not allow our young people to drift into welfare dependency.

“In addition to Work for the Dole, the Government is supporting young job seekers through the new Job Commitment Bonus that provides a financial bonus to young job seekers who move off welfare and stay in a job and investing $5.1 billion in a new employment services system to help more job seekers into work.

“Mission Australia will serve as the first point of contact for organisations in the region wishing to be involved in Work for the Dole and help match job seekers to available places.

“I congratulate Mission Australia and welcome their commitment to Work for the Dole and helping more job seekers into work in our region.

If you would like any further information on Work for the Dole, please visit www.employment.gov.au/work-dole.

Media Contacts:

Warren Truss: 41212936

Ken O’Dowd: 4972 5465

Keith Pitt: 4152 0744

The Woodgate Men’s Shed has been awarded $2550 from the Federal Government to purchase metal work equipment and storage cabinets.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated the organisation on their successful application, under the Tools & Equipment and Building Maintenance & Development categories.

“The Woodgate Men’s Shed provides social and emotional support to local men in an environment that is conducive to learning new skills and sharing ideas,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Woodgate group is one of 102 Men’s Shed organisations nationally to receive funding in Round 7 of the National Shed Development Program.”

Graham Black, president of the Woodgate Men’s Shed said the funding would enable them to purchase a mig-tig-stick welder for work with aluminium and stainless steel.

“When Keith rang the other day and asked if he could come for a cup of coffee, I was thinking he was just going to be in the area.  We were completely surprised by the fact he was announcing this federal grant,” Mr Black said.

“This grant will enable us to weld items that we are unable to at present and perhaps repair such things as tinnies.  We sincerely thank him for his efforts in obtaining this on our behalf,” Mr Black said.

The Woodgate Men’s Shed has 81 members.

Media contact: Debbie Leis 07 4152 0744  

Three Hinkler veterans groups will share in a total of $87,000 in Round 16 of the Federal Government’s Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated the three groups on their successful applications:

• $3432 for the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Bundaberg and District Sub-branch
• $40,631.51 for the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-branch
• $43,232 for the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Hervey Bay City Sub-branch

“These ex-service associations provide invaluable support to our veterans and their families. With these funds, their work can continue,” Mr Pitt said.

“The BEST program, administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, provides support and resources for welfare officers, pensions officers and advocates within ex-service organisations.

“At the 2013 election, the Coalition promised to restore BEST funding to 2010 levels to ensure veterans get support where and when they need it.  In our first Budget since coming to Government we increased the funding by $1 million, bringing the total grant money available nationally for Round 16 to $3.772 million.

“Earlier this week marked 100 years since the declaration of WWI and later this month we will commemorate the Battle of Long Tan – their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

“Grants like these are one of the small ways we can show our appreciation and respect.”     

The Department of Veterans Affairs currently provides direct financial support to 3,687 Hinkler residents. There are 556 DFRB/DFRDB pensioners in the Hinkler Electorate.

Media contact: Debbie Leis 07 4152 0744  

Construction has begun on the Australian Service Nurses Memorial Wall in Bundaberg, to expand and revitalise the existing Park.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and State Member for Bundaberg Jack Dempsey today joined members of the Bundaberg & District Ex-Service Women’s Association to inspect the project’s progress.

“The Association is to be congratulated for its efforts in ensuring the remarkable women who nursed our soldiers – both on the battlefield and upon their return to Australia – are never forgotten,” Mr Pitt said.

“Earlier this year, I announced $1668 for the Association to host an event in September commemorating 100 years since the departure of the first contingent of Australian Army Nurses from Queensland for WWI.

“I am pleased to be able to provide a further $4000, under the Federal Government’s Saluting Their Service program, which the Association applied for to assist with the cost of constructing the wall.”

State Member for Bundaberg Jack Dempsey announced a $40,970 contribution toward the Service Nurses Memorial.

“It is so important that we honour the dedication and sacrifices our hard-working nurses made during battle,” Mr Dempsey said.

“This money will go toward commemorative gardens that will include a peace garden, incorporating plaques and plants dedicated to those who paid the supreme sacrifice.

“The memorial will also include a remembrance avenue that will link the memorial pavilion to the new memorial wall and history storyboards focusing on local nurses.”

“It will be a place where all community members can come to celebrate nurses who’ve served Bundaberg and the rest of the country.”

Bundaberg & District Ex-Service Women’s Association President Jenny Waldron said the wall and gardens would breathe new life into the memorial park and extend the recognition to include all service nurses.

“There are currently 12 nurses named on the existing War Nurses Pavilion. Through extensive research, we’ve identified a further 17 nurses who were connected to the Bundaberg and Burnett regions prior to their enlistment to Gallipoli,” Ms Waldron said.

“This memorial park will now be a lasting legacy for the families and descendants of all the extraordinary nurses who served in conflicts since 1899.

“The wall will provide a place for us to lay our wreaths on Anzac Day, as we reflect on what these women did for our country. It will also be a place where Bundaberg Base Hospital staff, patients and the public can go to spend a quiet moment or two.

“The support we have received from the community, Mr Pitt, Mr Dempsey and Bundaberg Councillor Wayne Honor has been overwhelming.

“We look forward to having the memorial park finished in time for the dedication in September.”

Media contacts:

Mr Pitt: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

Mr Dempsey: Andrew Kos 0408 912 821

Bundaberg District ESWA: Jenny Waldron 0487 302 114

The Coalition has delivered on its promise to repeal Labor’s Carbon Tax, reducing costs for Hinkler families, farmers and small businesses.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt MP said average households would be around $550 a year better off as a result of the Senate today voting to repeal the Carbon Tax.

“That includes around $200 on the average household electricity bill and around $70 on the average gas bill,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Government’s consumer watchdog, the ACCC, has been given extra funding and powers to ensure that savings are passed on to consumers.

“Families and pensioners will keep the associated tax cuts and compensation that are already in place.”

Mr Pitt said scrapping the Carbon Tax would also benefit regional businesses.

“It will make it easier for them to compete and, therefore, employ more people,” he said.

“I’ve listened to many residents concerned about how this unfair tax imposed a real burden on their small businesses and their family.

“The cost of refrigerant gases skyrocketed with the introduction of the tax, hurting our local fishing and farming businesses.

“The Carbon Tax was a $9 billion a year hit on the economy.

“Today is another important step in our action strategy to boost the Australian economy, create jobs and repair the Budget.

“It may have taken time and there were obstacles along the way, but we’ve done what we said we would do.”

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814