The Morrison Government has commenced consultation on a proposed new Online Safety Act to keep Australians safe when online.

Luke Howarth MP, Federal Member for Petrie, said keeping Australians and residents in his electorate safe online is a top priority.

“The internet offers significant economic and social benefits, but these benefits will only be fully realised if Australians can engage confidently and safely in the online world,” said Mr Howarth.

“We have many school-aged children studying at numerous schools within Petrie whom are vulnerable to exploitation material so it is important that we ensure their safety through the Act.

“The proposals include expanding Australia’s cyberbullying scheme to protect kids across the full range of online services they use and the creation of a new cyber abuse scheme for Australian adults.”

Other features of the proposed new Act outlined in the discussion paper include:

• Decreasing the time within which platforms must facilitate the takedown of harmful content under the cyberbullying and image-based abuse schemes – from 48 hours to 24 hours.
• Extending the application of cyberbullying scheme for children to cover various other services they use every day (e.g. gaming chat services, messaging apps, social connection sites).
• Reducing the availability of harmful material by working with ancillary services providers, like search engines, to de-rank offending content.
• Providing the eSafety Commissioner with powers to mandate transparency reporting by the digital platforms.
• Introducing new basic online safety expectations to be proactively met by service providers.

The proposed reforms deliver on a commitment made at the 2019 election and respond to the 2018 review of online safety legislation by Ms Lynelle Briggs AO, which recommended the replacement of the existing framework with a single Online Safety Act.

Mr Howarth is encouraging interested individuals in the electorate to view the Government’s proposals and to have their say by Wednesday 19 February 2020.

More information about the proposed reforms and how to make a submission is available at www.communications.gov.au/onlinesafetyact

The Morrison Government will support Football Federation Australia’s joint bid with New Zealand Football to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

Luke Howarth MP, Federal Member for Petrie said a successful bid will mean millions of football fans will be able to watch the spectacle on both sides of the Tasman.

“Just like The Lakes FC, Peninsula Power FC and Ridge Hills United FC in my electorate, women’s football in Australia is going from strength to strength,” Mr Howarth said.

“The Australian and New Zealand Governments are harnessing this momentum to bring one of the world’s biggest sporting events to the southern hemisphere.’’

“By hosting such a premier sporting event, we strengthen Australia’s reputation as a world leader in women’s sport.

“The past two years have seen landmark achievements for women in sport, including football, with improved pay and conditions and record crowds turning out to support female athletes.

“The time is right to host such an important international sporting event.”

Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the bid for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 aligns strongly with the Australian Government’s commitment to inspire more girls and women to participate in sport and increase their physical activity for better health and wellbeing.

“Australia and New Zealand 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,” said Minister Colbeck.

“We have the infrastructure, expertise and enthusiasm to co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and I wish FFA and New Zealand Football every success.”

The Morrison Government has commenced consultation on a proposed new Online Safety Act to keep Australians safe when online.

Luke Howarth MP, Federal Member for Petrie, said keeping Australians and residents in his electorate safe online is a top priority.

“The internet offers significant economic and social benefits, but these benefits will only be fully realised if Australians can engage confidently and safely in the online world,” said Mr Howarth.

“We have many school-aged children studying at numerous schools within Petrie whom are vulnerable to exploitation material so it is important that we ensure their safety through the Act.

“The proposals include expanding Australia’s cyberbullying scheme to protect kids across the full range of online services they use and the creation of a new cyber abuse scheme for Australian adults.”

Other features of the proposed new Act outlined in the discussion paper include:

• Decreasing the time within which platforms must facilitate the takedown of harmful content under the cyberbullying and image-based abuse schemes – from 48 hours to 24 hours.
• Extending the application of cyberbullying scheme for children to cover various other services they use every day (e.g. gaming chat services, messaging apps, social connection sites).
• Reducing the availability of harmful material by working with ancillary services providers, like search engines, to de-rank offending content.
• Providing the eSafety Commissioner with powers to mandate transparency reporting by the digital platforms.
• Introducing new basic online safety expectations to be proactively met by service providers.

The proposed reforms deliver on a commitment made at the 2019 election and respond to the 2018 review of online safety legislation by Ms Lynelle Briggs AO, which recommended the replacement of the existing framework with a single Online Safety Act.

Mr Howarth is encouraging interested individuals in the electorate to view the Government’s proposals and to have their say by Wednesday 19 February 2020.

More information about the proposed reforms and how to make a submission is available at www.communications.gov.au/onlinesafetyact

The Australian Government has recognised the importance of the many thousands of volunteers in our society and launched a $10 million national grant program to financially assist volunteer organisations and to increase volunteer participation.

Luke Howarth MP, Federal Member for Petrie, said grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to help community organisations support the efforts of their volunteers.

“Volunteering and helping out others is what we do in this great country and the 2019-20 Volunteer Grants is the Australian Government’s way of easing the associated costs when donating time and expertise,” said Mr Howarth.

“Each of the 151 electorates in Australia has been allocated $66,000 for purchasing small equipment or for the reimbursement of fuel, transport or training costs.

“There are many worthy organisations in Petrie who could greatly benefit so I’m looking to support a diverse range of priorities such as drought, environmental conservation, youth services including scouting groups or local sports clubs, community organisations supporting older Australians, arts groups and rural service providers.”

Volunteer organisations in Petrie wishing to apply must be invited by Mr Howarth as part of phase one. A Volunteer Grants Expression of Interest form can be downloaded at lukehowarth.com.au, filled out and returned to Luke.Howarth.MP@aph.gov.au by Friday 14 February where organisations will be selected to be put forward to the Department of Social Services based on the information provided.

In phase two, invited applicants will receive an application form from the department’s Community Grants Hub in March. Submitted applications will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis until the allocation has exhausted.

Visit www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/volunteer-grants-activity-%E2%80%93-2019-20-volunteer-grants to subscribe for alerts or for more information.

Supporting-First-Home-Buyers-Factsheet

From elections to announcements and everything in between Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth has celebrated a triumphant 2019 and is looking forward to an equally successful 2020.

After holding onto his marginal seat of Petrie at the Federal Election in May, Howarth was appointed to the position of Assistant Minister for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services, but his commitment to his electorate remains strong.

As a vital part of the Morrison Government Mr Howarth said he’s proud to have been able to deliver for locals including securing funding for vital community projects, driving employment, delivering local infrastructure and giving more locals access to affordable health care.

“In the past year just some of my achievements include securing $100,000 for a new playground at Aspley East Kindy, $590,000 for a shade structure at Aspley Memorial Bowls Club, $550,000 for the Redcliffe Volunteer Coast Guard and $650,000 for the Redcliffe Surf Life Saving Club,” said Mr Howarth.

“Our Government continues to provide for local families and this year I’ve helped deliver half a million dollars for local organisations through the Stronger Communities Programme, Communities Environment Program and the Local Schools Community Fund to deliver various projects including shade sails, air-conditioning and solar panels to support our community.”

“I am passionate about supporting local employment and I hold regular Job Seeker Boot Camps to connect job seekers with employers. The most successful Boot Camp since 2014 was held in Deception Bay in October which attracted more than 120 job seekers.

“We’ve listed more and more medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme which will make it more affordable for many in the electorate. And the MRI machine at Redcliffe Hospital, which we facilitated a licence for earlier this year, is scheduled to be operational by the end of next year.”

Mr Howarth said drought-hit communities and farmers in affected regions will get a significant boost from the Coalition Government’s $709 million drought relief package.

“Farmers in drought-affected regions will have access to loans of up to $2 million with no interest or repayments for the first two years,” Mr Howarth said.

“This will save farmers who refinance thousands of dollars and help them get back on their feet when the drought breaks.”

Highlights

• $1.6 million grant funding for Arethusa College
• $1.5 million secured for Deception Bay Little Athletics running track
• $120 million secured for Dohles Rocks Road on and off ramps, Griffin
• Griffin Pharmacy licence
• $4 million committed for Mango Hill Train station car park upgrade
• $1 million for North Lakes Blues Netball Club
• $263,000 for North Lakes Eels AFL Football Club
• $3 million for Mango Hill State School hall
• $100 million secured for Linkfield Road overpass
• $50 million committed for Beams Road upgrade (Lacey Road to Handford Road)
• $7.5 million for Bracken Ridge road upgrades (Hoyland Street and Norris Road)
• $800 million secured for Gateway Motorway upgrade (Bracken Ridge to Pine River)
• $100,000 for Aspley East Kindy
• $590,000 for Aspley Memorial Bowls Club
• $4 million committed for Klinger and Boardman Road upgrade
• $7 million for Dolphin Stadium upgrade
• $550,000 grant funding for Redcliffe Volunteer Coast Guard
• $650,000 grant funding for Redcliffe Surf Life Saving Club
• $450,000 for Redcliffe PCYC extension
• MRI licence for Redcliffe Hospital

Mr Howarth said despite his best efforts some of the local State Labor Members are still ignoring the needs and wants of the community.

“After door knocking the Griffin community I fought to secure $100 million for a major upgrade of the Dohles Rocks Road on and off ramps in Griffin, all we need now if the State Labor Government to put forward its commitment of $25 million so the work can begin.

“It’s disappointing that the Member for Murrumba and the Palaszczuk Government is dragging their feet on this, but no matter how much Labor tries to push this issue aside it’s my pledge to locals that I will continue to fight for this upgrade in 2020.”

Luke Howarth MP, Federal Member for Petrie has congratulated thousands of local school students and their teachers for a successful school year saying students should enjoy a well-earned break.

“I am sure that all students in Petrie can look back on the year and be proud of the effort they put into their studies and the contribution they made to their school community,” said Mr Howarth.

“Completing another year of schooling marks the end of another chapter in your education and we can all remember how excited we were on the last day of school.

“From Aspley to Deception Bay to Redcliffe, congratulations to our Year 12 students who have now graduated from their final year of school education. This is an exciting time and the start of a new journey for you.

“Our hardworking local teachers and school staff have gone above and beyond this year, providing quality education to our students and supporting their development.

“Parents and carers also play an important role in their child’s education and I encourage them to continue taking an active interest over the holiday period.”

The Australian Government has developed a range of resources for parents and students, including tips to support learning outside of the classroom, school holiday activities, and national comparison tools to help post-secondary school students with future study options.

Helpful resources can be found here:

• www.learningpotential.gov.au
• www.studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/
• www.CourseSeeker.edu.au
• www.ComparED.edu.au
• www.studyassist.gov.au

Local families in the Petrie electorate are the real winners thanks to the Morrison Government’s Local Schools Community Fund.

It was announced this week that eighteen schools in the Petrie electorate have successfully been awarded a share in $200,000 funding for small scale works.

Projects ranging from air conditioning of classrooms to play equipment and IT upgrades were among the approved projects.

Luke Howarth MP, Federal Member for Petrie, said it’s awesome to have been able to assist to secure this funding for our local schools; it’s even better news for the local students who will directly benefit from the upgraded facilities.

“We had an overwhelming number of applications for this grant with requests of $566,000 from 34 local schools and I’m very thankful for the community committee who had to make those difficult choices,” said Mr Howarth.

“Some schools will be using the funding to modernise facilities and improve safety while others simply need air conditioning to help students and teachers to concentrate in class during our hot Queensland summer.”

“These local school projects will go a long way in helping our students and the local school community and I look forward to seeing the finished products.”

Deception Bay North SS Principal Troy Barath said it’s an all-round benefit to be able to fund some air-conditioning for the school.

“Lack of air conditioning in classrooms is a constant concern raised among our teaching staff every year. The installation of air conditioning will increase student engagement, improve student behaviour and teachers’ wellbeing.”

Aspley SHS Principal Jacquita Miller said their funding will be focused on increasing arts engagement at the school.

“The Lecture Centre will be a fantastic gathering area and will be used by students at lunch time for performances, academic morning teas, cultural performances and Sunday family master classes. It’s only thanks to the hard work of Luke Howarth and his team that we’ve been able to achieve this great outcome for our students.”

List of schools with successful applications:

• Aspley East State School, Aspley (outdoor traverse bouldering wall)
• Aspley State High School, Aspley (Lecture Centre outdoor landscaping)
• Bald Hills State School, Bald Hills (tennis court resurfacing)
• Bounty Boulevard State School, North Lakes (air conditioning)
• Bracken Ridge State High School, Bracken Ridge (Student Wellbeing Hub)
• Christ the King Catholic Primary School, Deception Bay (safety footpath)
• Clontarf Beach State School, Clontarf Beach (outdoor seating replacement)
• Deception Bay Flexible Learning Centre, Deception Bay (mobile bus upgrade)
• Deception Bay North State School, Deception Bay (air conditioning)
• Grace Lutheran College, Rothwell (musical instruments upgrade)
• Hercules Road State School, Kippa-Ring (Bays Cluster Hub Initiative)
• Kippa-Ring State School, Kippa-Ring (air conditioning)
• Moreton Downs State School, Deception Bay (playground refurbishment)
• Scarborough State School, Scarborough (IT equipment)
• Southern Cross Catholic College, Scarborough (shade sails)
• St John Fisher College, Bracken Ridge (exam desks)
• St Paul’s School, Bald Hills (community garden)
• Woody Point Special School, Woody Point (Sensory Room and Sensory Garden upgrade)

Funding will be paid to each school at the beginning on the 2020 calendar year allowing projects to begin as soon as possible.

Luke Howarth MP, Federal Member for Petrie has announced Arethusa College in Deception Bay will benefit from two new classroom buildings thanks to a Coalition Government grant.

Mr Howarth said the Australian Government would provide $1,630,000 towards the projects at Arethusa College through the Capital Grants Program, which provides funding for non‑government schools to improve capital infrastructure.

“Students and staff at Arethusa College will benefit from the construction of two classroom buildings which includes three general learning areas, a flexible learning area, staff room, withdrawal room, verandahs, storage area, covered walkway, student and students with disability amenities as well as car parking,” Mr Howarth said.

“Arethusa College has a wonderful school community, and these new facilities will further enhance the learning environment.

“Students and teachers thrive when their schools have modern and up-to-date facilities – that’s why the Morrison Government is proud of the Capital Grants Program, which has benefited thousands of schools across the nation.

“Our Government is ensuring that every child gets a quality education no matter where they go to school. We are providing a record $310.3 billion in recurrent funding for all Australian schools under our Quality Schools package.

“We are delivering real, needs-based funding that is matched by national reforms that will drive better results and outcomes, as recommended by David Gonski in his Review to Achieve Educational Excellence in Australian Schools.

“I congratulate Arethusa College on their successful grant application and look forward to seeing the positive impact the new facilities will have on students and our community.”

Schools that want to learn more about the Capital Grants Program can visit https://www.education.gov.au/capital-grants-non-government-schools.

Thousands of offers are now available to Veteran Card holders from businesses across Australia as part of the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant which was passed recently in Parliament.

Luke Howarth MP, Federal Member for Petrie said the Veteran Card is providing the opportunity for businesses and organisations across the country to show their support and recognition of veterans and say, ‘thank you for your service’.

“So far around 500 businesses are on board, making more than 10,000 offers available for Veteran Card holders, both over the counter and online,” Mr Howarth said.

“Veteran Card holders in the Petrie electorate are entitled to 25 per cent off their first pair of glasses at Specsavers Mango Hill, 20 per cent off at Tarocash Mango Hill and 40 per cent off in store at Sleepy’s Carseldine.

“Businesses and communities are encouraged to show their support for the Covenant by offering benefits or concessions for Veteran Card holders so if you’re a business in Petrie, get on board and support the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant.”

Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the new Veteran Card will be available to all veterans as a practical demonstration of respect and recognition for their service.

“Our Government is committed to putting veterans and their families first and we provide more than $11 billion every year in support for veterans and their families,” Mr Chester said.

“Bringing corporate Australia on board will be a tangible benefit to the veteran community, with the card providing access to services and benefits for eligible veterans.

“We are proud to be partnering with APOD (Australian Partners of Defence) — an organisation founded and run by veteran families for veteran families — to ensure veterans can easily find local businesses in their area that are showing that respect and recognition of their service.

“I encourage veterans and reservists who have not already registered for the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant, which includes the Lapel Pin and Oath, to do so through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs online portal, MyService at dva.gov.au/myservice.

“Businesses can sign up to support the Covenant at apod.com.au/about/advertise while community organisations can register with DVA through recognition.dva.gov.au.

“The service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families to our nation is profound, and supporting our veterans through this program is a positive and tangible way to recognise that.”

Once card holders are registered with apod.com.au, they can gain access to offers from businesses in Petrie by searching online and using a unique offer code. Existing DVA Health Card holders can register directly through APOD or when they apply for the Covenant through MyService.

Businesses honouring the Veteran Card include retailers, travel and tourism operators, accommodation and car hire, entertainment, hospitality, restaurants, as well as service and trade industries such as gyms to automotive mechanics. Offers generally constitute discounts on goods, services and gift cards as well as promotional offers and concession listings. Discount values and redemption processes may vary, so check the relevant terms and conditions attached to each APOD offer.