Motorists on the Bruce Highway will enjoy safer conditions with the $8 million upgrade to the Lucketts and Goodwood roads intersection opened today, months ahead of schedule.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the job was completed in just five months.

“These important works will make a tremendous difference for the more than 6,500 motorists and truck drivers who use this section of the highway each day,” Mr Truss said.

“From Brisbane to Cairns, the Bruce Highway is the backbone of Queensland. The Federal Government will deliver more than $900 million for further safety works on the highway, starting this financial year, to address issues such as this old intersection.”

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt welcomed the opening of the extended right-turn lane at the Lucketts Road intersection and new traffic signals at the Goodwood Road intersection.

“With the installation of the new signals, the Butchers Road intersection was moved a short distance south, significantly improving safety for turning vehicles,” Mr Pitt said, when officially opening the project.

“The local community and adjacent businesses have been very patient throughout construction, and I thank everyone for obeying road signs, slowing down and driving carefully around the road works site.”

Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said providing better infrastructure is an important part of our strong plan for a brighter future and it is great to have an Australian Government that prioritises the Bruce Highway.

“While interim safety measures have been implemented over the years, it’s great to finally see some long-term improvements come into fruition for our regional communities in Queensland,” Mr Bennett said.

[ENDS]

Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers has been awarded $80,000 to undertake a Trade Mission in South Korea as part of the Federal Government’s Asian Business Engagement Plan. 

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated BFVG on its deserving application.

“BFVG’s success shows what an effective advocate the organisation is for our local producers and value adders,” Mr Pitt said.

“These grants will enable organisations like BFVG to pursue opportunities generated by the Government’s recently concluded Free Trade Agreement with South Korea.”

Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd said helping businesses expand into new markets would give the horticulture sector a much needed shot in the arm.

“Export trade is not only good for the businesses concerned; it’s also good for jobs and good for the local and national economies,” Mr O’Dowd said.

BFVG Executive Officer Peter Hockings said the grant would help support a market familiarisation and trade relations program for some of the Wide Bay Burnett’s horticulture businesses.

“South Korea is one of Australia’s largest trading partners,” Mr Hockings said.

“This is a valuable opportunity for producers to develop longer-term business and trade relations, potentially increasing the volumes and range of horticulture produce currently exported to South Korea.”  

BFVG is one of 18 member-based organisations nationally which have been awarded an ABE grant in 2014. Under the Plan, eligible applicants can be offered between $20,000 and $300,000 in grants. The grants, administered by Austrade, are merit-based and competitive.

Australia’s trade links with Asia are expected to represent at least one-third of GDP by 2025, up from one-quarter in 2011. 

Media contacts: Keith Pitt: Larine Statham 0427 653 814, Ken O’Dowd: David Kerr 0405 380 264

Stakeholders and elected representatives today met in Brisbane to discuss contract labour hire issues confronting the Queensland agriculture sector.

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and Senator Barry O’Sullivan brought peak industry bodies and businesses together to hear firsthand the difficulties workers, hostels, farmers and legitimate labour hire contractors confront.

Mr Pitt and Senator O’Sullivan will take stakeholders’ concerns to the relevant Federal Ministers.

Mr Pitt, a former canefarmer and training provider, said it was the increasing number of very serious complaints made to his office that prompted he and Senator O’Sullivan to organise the forum.

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

“One of the problems people face in formally reporting their complaint is the sheer number of agencies involved across all three levels of Government. In many cases they are just too scared to give their name to the authorities.  

“Today’s forum has helped us flesh out some of the issues. Now, we will be asking our Ministerial colleagues to help us cut this blemish out before it grows and spoils what is by-and-large a very reputable industry.

“We want to ensure our seasonal workers are protected; that businesses have a level playing field and Australia remains a destination of choice for overseas students and working holiday makers.”

Senator O’Sullivan, a former police detective, said maintaining strong communication channels between industry and enforcement agencies was essential to investigating and prosecuting those conducting illegal activities.    

“Whether it is concerns over labour, profitability or trade, the most practical and relevant solutions are those developed by industry,” Senator O’Sullivan said.

“The participation of so many peak bodies at this meeting illustrates industry’s willingness and desire to confront these employment issues.

“Growers must remain vigilant in their willingness to report illegal contracting arrangements.

“Our international reputation is dependent on Australia’s ability to develop practical and ethical labour sourcing strategies.”          

Senator O’Sullivan and Mr Pitt thanked all the participants for their valuable input, including John Brent (Scenic Rim Mayor and Ausveg board member) who chaired the forum.

Concerned stakeholders can add their voice to the debate by emailing Keith.Pitt.MP@aph.gov.au and Senator.O’Sullivan@aph.gov.au     

Media contacts:

Keith Pitt MP: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

Senator Barry O’Sullivan: Troy Rowling 0400 386 666​

 

 

Contract labour hire practices in the Queensland agricultural sector

Stakeholder Forum hosted by Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and Senator Barry O’Sullivan

STATEMENT OF INTENT

Stakeholders in attendance agree that:

a) Seasonal (foreign/itinerant) workers are vitally important to the agricultural sector, regional Queensland communities and the Australian economy

b) the majority of contractors, hostels, growers/farmers and workers act lawfully. The industry ultimately has responsibility for ensuring the relevant laws are upheld. 

c) external cost and time pressures have increased the industry’s utilisation of low-cost labour hire contractors

d) anecdotal evidence suggests the problem has escalated significantly in recent years

e) offending contractors are highly organised and, due to the transient nature of the workforce, are masters at avoiding detection    

f) the issue has the potential to damage Australia’s reputation among international students and working holiday makers  

Stakeholders in attendance acknowledge:

a) the advocacy and assistance currently being provided to growers by peak industry bodies

b) the efforts of previous Governments to address some of the issues

c) that the issues are extremely complex and broad in nature, and multi-jurisdictional  

Stakeholders in attendance request that:

a) Mr Pitt and Senator O’Sullivan present stakeholders’ concerns to the relevant Ministers

b) Mr Pitt and Senator O’Sullivan seek formal briefings from the relevant Ministers about what action is currently being undertaken by Commonwealth agencies

c) Mr Pitt and Senator O’Sullivan obtain advice from the relevant Ministers about the avenues and resources available to properly address this endemic problem

[ENDS]  Brisbane, 27 June 2014

 

 

 

 

Bundaberg has been prioritised for superfast broadband upgrades, with the NBN Co and Telstra reaching an agreement on an expanded program to plan, design and construct fibre-to-the-node high speed broadband.

About 200,000 premises will be passed by fibre-to-the-node nationally, including a high proportion that were classified as being underserved in the Government’s ‘MyBroadband’ study.

It is expected about 20,000 Bundaberg premises will be covered once planning and design work is completed. End users are expected to be eligible to connect to high speed services in 2015.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the announcement was part of the Government’s ongoing reform of the NBN, to ensure that superfast broadband can be rolled out sooner, more cost effectively in areas that are underserved.

“I’ve been fighting hard to ensure the Hinkler electorate is a priority area for the NBN,” Mr Pitt said.

“As a former electrical engineer and small business owner with three children at school and a wife who works in allied health, I understand how important it is that Australians have access to reliable high speed internet.

“The top available downloads speeds will be approximately 25 times faster than current average fixed line broadband connections to Australian households.

“These speeds would allow more than ten high definition television shows to be streamed to a single household or business concurrently.  A three minute YouTube video will be able to be uploaded in 42 seconds, compared to 20 minutes on current ADSL connections.

“We have taken the steps to get this project on track after so many years of misinformation and frustration,” Mr Pitt said.

“We went to the election promising to get the NBN project done sooner and at less cost. Today’s announcement shows we are delivering on that promise.

“These upgrades will truly revolutionise the way people connect in their homes and businesses.”

Since the election, the NBN Co has expanded its fibre network in existing neighbourhoods to cover 385,000 premises, an increase of 86 per cent.   Work has begun on the fibre to the premises network in areas covering 447,000 premises.

Twenty development applications have so far been lodged with Bundaberg Regional Council for wireless internet towers in outlying areas. A further 15 development applications for towers have been lodged with Fraser Coast Regional Council.

“Today’s announcement and the rollout of wireless technology bodes well for further expansion across the electorate, especially given that Bundaberg is a point of interconnect.”    

 Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814        

In less than two weeks, Hinkler apprentices will be able to apply for loans of up to $20,000 to help them complete their trade.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the Coalition Government was delivering on its commitment to introduce Trade Support Loans, in a scheme similar to HECS or HELP.

“About 50 per cent of young apprentices do not complete their training because they cannot afford the costs associated with undertaking an apprenticeship,” Mr Pitt said.

An electrician by trade, who completed his apprenticeship at Fairymead sugar mill, Mr Pitt said a diverse and skilled workforce was vital to having a strong economy.

“Not everyone wants to go to university, and I’m committed to making sure there are also opportunities for those people,” Mr Pitt said.

“There are currently 1,725 people undertaking an apprenticeship in Hinkler. Over the last five years, under Labor, employment growth in the technical and trades field was below average. I want to see the number of apprentices increase.”

Mr Pitt, who spoke extensively about the loans in Parliament this week, said apprentices who successfully completed their training would be rewarded.

“When an apprentice completes their training, 20 per cent of the loan (up to $4000) will be immediately deducted from the debt,” Mr Pitt said.

“The loans will only be repayable once apprentices earn more than $53,345 a year.

“These loans will provide real support for current apprentices to complete their skills training and provide a stronger incentive for young Australians to become apprentices.”

The Trade Support Loans will specifically target occupations on the National Skills Needs List such as plumbers, diesel mechanics, electricians and fitters.

The Trade Support Loans programme replaces the Tools For Your Trade payment. Under Labor, the payment had effectively become a hand-out that did little to help apprentices complete their training. The payment was only given in the later years, instead of when apprentices needed it most.

The Trade Support Loans program starts on July 1, and is part of the Government’s Economic Action Strategy to build a strong, prosperous economy.

Hinkler apprentices can borrow up to $20,000 over the entire period of their training, with more support provided during the initial years when it is needed most. They can borrow up to $8,000 in the first year of the apprenticeship, $6,000 in the second, $4,000 in the third and $2,000 in the fourth.

[ENDS]

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

Child care costs increased $3,500 a year under Labor, Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt revealed today.

Mr Pitt was today joined by Federal Assistant Minister for Education Sussan Ley, who he invited to Hinkler to hear local concerns over the rising cost of child care.

Ms Ley took the opportunity to outline the Coalition’s $200 million Long Day Care Professional Development Programme, which will help local child care centres with the cost of up-skilling their staff.

“Access to quality childcare is essential to creating better economic and employment opportunities for Hinkler residents,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Coalition has kept its promise to task the Productivity Commission with examining ways to make child care more affordable, flexible and accessible.”

Ms Ley said Australians had embraced the opportunity to raise their concerns, making more than 1100 submissions during the Productivity Commission Inquiry’s recent submission period.

“Families Australia-wide are struggling to access affordable and flexible child care due to fees skyrocketing 53 per cent nationally during Labor’s six years in government and Hinkler clearly isn’t immune. That equates to an additional $75 a week or $3,500 a year,” Ms Ley said.

“Child care affordability has become a national problem no thanks to Labor and I’m determined to address these unsustainable increases in child care fees to ease the pressure on family budgets.”

Ms Ley said she was also working with her state and territory counterparts to reduce Labor’s red tape burden on child care centres in a bid to reduce pressure on fees.

The latest Department of Education figures (Sept 2013 quarter) show the average hourly rate for long day care was $7.65. This figure compares with an average hourly fee of $5.00 in the corresponding Sept Qtr in 2007, when Labor took office.

While in Bundaberg, Ms Ley met parents and staff at a local child care centre and attended a round table meeting with centre operators from across the Hinkler electorate.

[ENDS]

Mr Pitt’s media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

Ms Ley’s media contact: Troy Bilsborough 0427 063 150

The Australian Government is delivering on its plan to build safer roads and a stronger economy through its record $500 million investment in the national Black Spot Programme.

Member for Hinkler, Keith Pitt, today announced funding of $366,348 to fix three black spots in the Hinkler electorate.

“I look forward to working together with all levels of government and the community to continually improve our local road network,” Mr Pitt said.

The approved projects are:

•           PIALBA (Old Maryborough Road Nissen Street), $167,489 to install channelised right turns, medians and pavement widening

•           PIALBA (Nissen Street Islander Road), $68,859 to install new intersection threshold treatments, line marking and signage

•           BUNDABERG (Barolin Street Crofton Street), $130,000 to restrict access from Crofton Street to left in/left out, improve pedestrian safety by installing raised kerb extensions and refuge areas and upgrade signage and line marking

The projects were recommended by a panel of independent road safety experts and will be delivered during the course of the coming financial year (2014-15).

Mr Pitt said this investment in Black Spot projects will deliver safer roads for Hinkler through targeted upgrades proven to deliver results.

“Black Spot projects target dangerous roads to save lives and reduce road trauma, ensuring our local roads are safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

“Anyone can suggest an intersection or stretch of road they believe should be considered for a safety upgrade, and I strongly encourage all councils and individuals to submit further nominations,” Mr Pitt said.

Further information and nomination forms can be downloaded from: http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/blackspots/index.aspx

A recent evaluation of the programme found that fatal and casualty crashes are reduced at treated sites by 30%, equalling one life per year for every 84 projects.  This programme delivers genuine results by saving lives and returning around $7.70 for every $1 invested by reducing the number and cost of road crashes.

Media Contact:  Debbie Leis 0419 535 722

Bundaberg and Hervey Bay have been selected for phase one of the Coalition Government’s new Work for the Dole arrangements for young job seekers.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today announced 18 to 30 year olds, who have been unemployed for 12 months or more and receiving Newstart and/or Youth Allowance (other), will be required to Work for the Dole in 2014/15.

He said the first phase of the program would be rolled out in 18 communities across Australia, five of which are in Queensland. The program will be rolled out nationally in 2015.

“I’m extremely pleased Bundaberg and Hervey Bay have been selected. I have been fighting to get this program established in Hinkler, to help address the region’s high unemployment rate,” Mr Pitt said.

“Earlier this year, Assistant Minister for Employment Luke Hartsuyker visited Bundaberg to discuss some of the issues confronting young Hinkler job seekers, and our region more broadly.

“Work for the Dole is an important part of the Government’s plan to help young job seekers gain the skills and experience they need to move from welfare to work.

“The Coalition Government firmly believes that all Australians, who are capable of working, should be working.  They should be earning, learning or Working for the Dole.      

“Work for the Dole was a huge success in Hinkler when it was in place under the Howard Government.”

State Member for Hervey Bay Ted Sorensen said Work for the Dole participants helped build the footpaths and walkways along the town’s picturesque esplanade.

“I was Mayor at the time, and saw firsthand how the program helped build self-confidence and gave participants a sense of achievement,” Mr Sorensen said.

“Many of the participants gained long-term employment as a direct result of their involvement in Work for the Dole.”   

From 1 July 2014 participants will complete around 15 hours per week for six months in a work-like environment.

Local Work for the Dole Coordinators will be appointed, with tenders to be called this week.

Coordinators will have the vital, on-the-ground task of identifying local organisations willing to host a Work for the Dole place, and connecting those organisations with employment-service providers in the area.

Work for the Dole placements will be sourced in not-for-profit organisations, local councils and federal and state government agencies.

From 1 July 2015, when the program is rolled out nationally, all job seekers aged 18 to 30 and in receipt of Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (other) will be required to undertake Work for the Dole for 25 hours per week when in receipt of payment.

Further information on the tender for the Work for the Dole Coordinators will be available at www.tenders.gov.au  from May29.

1. Fairfield, Liverpool (NSW)
2. Nepean, Outer Western Sydney (including Blue Mountains NSW)
3. Central Coast (NSW)
4. Shoalhaven (NSW)
5. Richmond, Tweed, Clarence Valley (including Ballina and Byron Bay NSW)
6. Coffs Harbour, Macleay, Hastings (NSW)
7. Bundaberg (Qld)
8. Fraser Coast (Qld)
9. Outer North Brisbane (Qld)
10. Cairns (Qld)
11. Logan (Qld)
12. Westgate (north west Melbourne Vic)
13. Goulburn Valley (Vic)
14. Peninsula (south eastern Melbourne Vic)
15. Geelong (Vic)
16. Central and West Metro (south west Perth WA)
17. Northern Adelaide, Gawler (SA)
18. West and North West, Launceston (Tas)

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814       

Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson today officially launched the inaugural Wide Bay Australia 2014 Bundaberg Business Expo.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt welcomed Minister Billson to Bundaberg.

“Minister Billson’s visit is a show of the Coalition Government’s commitment to small business in regional Australia,” Mr Pitt said.

“After the Expo, I hosted a roundtable session to give Hinkler small businesses and representatives from the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce an opportunity to meet Minister Billson.

“I also took Minister Billson on a short tour of Bundaberg’s industrial precinct, and showed him how far the town has come since the 2013 floods.”

Minister Billson said he was excited to travel to Bundaberg to talk face-to-face with local business owners.

“Small businesses are a key driver of growth and jobs in communities like Hinkler and it’s great to see so many people come along to the Expo to make new business connections,” Minister Billson said.

“I was delighted to outline some of the Coalition’s policies to help small business grow and create jobs. We’re working to ensure fair competition between big and small businesses, and removing unnecessary red tape to save businesses time and money.”

Bundaberg BEC Manager Peter Peterson thanked Minister Billson and Mr Pitt for their attendance at the Expo.

“Well over 300 people registered for the event,” Mr Peterson said.

“It is events like these that enable businesses to share ideas, seek advice and be inspired.”

Mr Pitt congratulated Mr Peterson for putting together such a worthwhile and long overdue event.  

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814        

The Abbott Government’s first Budget lays the foundations for a strong and prosperous economy with less debt, Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt says.

“At the election, the Coalition made the commitment to get the Budget back under control, as well as scrap the Carbon Tax, end the waste, stop the boats and build the roads of the 21^st century.  This Budget keeps that pledge,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Budget is part of the Abbott Government’s Economic Action Strategy to build a strong, prosperous economy for a safe, secure Australia.

“The Government has made the difficult but necessary decisions to put the Budget on a more sustainable footing so that we can all share in prosperity in the future.

“We are all playing a part – because it’s in sharing the load that we lighten the load.

“Labor ran up five record deficits and left $123 billion in future deficits.  If we took no action, debt would have hit $667 billion.  Every month, the government is paying $1 billion in interest costs on Labor’s debt.

“Governments, like households, must live within their means.

“Because of this Budget, Labor’s deficits have been reduced by $43 billion and debt is forecast to be about $275 billion lower in a decade.”

The Budget includes:

• Australia’s biggest infrastructure programme – with $50 billion in transport investment;
• Creating the world’s biggest medical research endowment fund – the $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund.  It will find the cures of the future and be funded by the health reforms;
• Requiring young people who can work to be earning, learning or participating in Work for the Dole;
• Providing stronger incentives to businesses to hire older workers – businesses will receive up to $10,000 for employing workers older than 50;
• Funding for additional road infrastructure by reintroducing twice-yearly indexation of fuel to CPI from 1 August 2014;
• Providing Australian universities with the freedom to innovate through full deregulation;
• Reforming the Age Pension to make it more sustainable – that includes gradually increasing the Age Pension age to 70 by 1 July 2035;
• Freezing politicians’ pay and ending the life-time gold pass;
• Changing family payments to target support to those who need it most; and
• Introducing a three-year Temporary Budget Repair Levy – payable, from July, by individuals with a taxable income above $180,000 at a rate of two per cent. The Levy will ensure those on a higher income contribute to the Budget repair.

Mr Pitt said the Government was honouring its commitment to reduce the overall tax burden – so that families can plan their future and get ahead.

“Every year, the Carbon Tax is a $9 billion hit on the economy and it costs an average family $550.  We will scrap the Carbon Tax,” he said.

“Fewer than 4 per cent of taxpayers will pay the new Temporary Budget Repair Levy on high income earners making over $180,000.”

Mr Pitt said the largest roads Budget in our country’s history will improve Australia’s productivity.

“This record roads Budget will, in part, be funded by the change in fuel excise.  The change will cost about 40 cents a week, depending how far you travel.  The increase in fuel excise will be directed towards road funding.”

He said medical research will benefit from the changes to the Medicare Co-payment.  Prevention is always better than cure – and this will become a $20 billion fund in our future health.

“By making the Health system more sustainable and investing in medical research, we are ensuring that Australia remains the best and healthiest place in the world to raise a family and care for loved ones”.

“The key goal of the Budget is to strengthen the economy – because when you strengthen the economy, small businesses succeed, families have less pressure on them and jobs are created.”

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814        

WHAT IT MEANS FOR HINKLER:

• $1 Million for Old Toogoom Road
• $3.75 Million for River Heads Road
• $350,000 for the Hervey Bay Hockey Association to install synthetic turf
• $100,000 for a tower at the Hervey Bay Surf Lifesaving Club
• $400,000 to extend the Bundaberg Surf Lifesaving Club
• $27,000 for Bundaberg Regional Council to install a surf safety/surveillance camera at the Elliott River Mouth
• $27,000  for Bundaberg Regional Council to install a surf safety/surveillance camera at Palmers Creek in Innes Park
• $27,000 for Bundaberg Regional Council to install a surf safety/surveillance camera at Mon Repos
• $12,000 for Bundaberg Regional Council to install a permanent Emergency Response beacon at Mon Repos
• $125,000 for the Centenary of Anzac Local Grants program across Hinkler
• A total of $6.7 Billion to fix the Bruce Highway
• $10.3 Billion over 2013-14 to 2018-19, plus an additional $3.1 Billion from 2019-20, for  infrastructure in Queensland
• $1 Billion for the National Stronger Regions Fund to create stronger, more prosperous regional communities (specifically targeting areas with high unemployment)
• $300 Million nationally for the new Bridges Renewal Programme
• $100 Million nationally for the mobile telephone phone Black Spots Programme
• $320 Million in drought relief measures including $280 million in drought concessional loans, $12 Million for emergency water infrastructure, $10 million for pest management in drought affected areas and $10.7 million in social and mental health support
• $100 Million extra for applied agricultural research and development
• $8 Million to improve access to agricultural and veterinary chemicals
• $20 Million to build a stronger biosecurity and quarantine system
• An extra $9 Million for fisheries, including more support for recreational and commercial fishing bodies, support for these groups to meet maritime standards, and a review of invasive marine pests
• $15 Million to help small exporters with costs
• No changes to the diesel fuel rebate
• Removal of $1 Billion a year in red tape, because regulation means more staff doing paperwork and fewer staff helping customers
• Cutting company tax by 1.5 per cent for about 800,000 businesses
• $10,000 to each business that employs an Australian over the age of 50, who has been on unemployment benefits or the disability support pension for six months
• $14.9 million over two years from 2013-14 to phase in a new Work for the Dole programme for young job seekers
• From July, the Government will support those learning a trade by providing concessional Trade Support Loans of up to $20,000 over a four-year apprenticeship
• $245.3 million over four years to continue the National School Chaplaincy program
• The Coalition will deliver more than $12 Billion in overall funding to the veteran community, including honouring our commitment to deliver fair indexation for military superannuants
• $40 million for a Reef Trust to support the improvement of coastal habitat, water quality and enhancing species protection along the Great Barrier Reef
• Creating more opportunities for students with low socio-economic backgrounds and from regional areas through a Commonwealth scholarships initiative