6 October 2020: Hon. Luke Howarth, Assistant Minister for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services speaks in Parliament.

Member for Petrie Hon Luke Howarth said the Government’s $400 million investment in regional education would boost opportunities for students in Petrie to attend university and support regional university campuses.

The initiatives announced today represent a key part of the Government’s delivery of the recommendations made in the National Regional, Rural and Remote Education Strategy.

“Our Government’s new package will give students in Petrie the opportunity to study closer to home, help students to meet the costs of studying away from home, and build the research capacity of regional universities,” Mr Howarth said.

As part of the package, students and universities in Petrie could benefit from:

• $5,000 to students from outer regional and remote areas to help pay the relocation costs when they move to study a Certificate IV qualification or higher, as well as improvements to Fares Allowance.
• $500 million to universities for programs that support Indigenous, regional and low SES students.
• $48.8 million to fund collaboration between regional universities, industry and other higher education partners.
• $21 million to establish additional Regional University Centres.
• 3.5 per cent growth in additional Commonwealth Grant Scheme funding to regional and remote university campuses.
• Demand-driven funding to support more Indigenous students from regional and remote communities to go to university.

“We will also appoint a Regional Education Commissioner to drive the Napthine reforms and support the implementation of the Government’s Regional Education Strategy,” Mr Howarth said.

“Our package provides additional support for Australians in regional, rural and remote Australia to have access to a world-class education.

“There are great incentives for students to engage in further study, as well as additional support for USC Moreton Bay as we continue to unlock the potential of Petrie.”

A new $1.5 billion Australian Government infrastructure package will provide an immediate injection into the economy and bring jobs back online to help stem the impact of COVID-19 Federal Member for Petrie, Luke Howarth said getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects was important for maintaining jobs and economic growth in the area.

“The Federal Government has committed $12.3 million for the Gateway Flyover Project which will benefit local commuters and boost jobs in Petrie.”

“The Gateway flyover at Gympie Arterial Road, will connect the Gateway Motorway to the Bruce Highway Northbound at Bald Hills getting the 40,000 vehicles that use this bridge home sooner and safer every day.”

“Every single job that we support makes a huge difference in our local communities – now and as we navigate out of the pandemic,” Mr Howarth said.

“These types of infrastructure projects will be also particularly crucial for helping us bounce back after the COVID-19 crisis has ended by ensuring we have the safe transport connections needed for all Australians to keep moving.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the new package would fund shovel-ready infrastructure projects that can support local jobs immediately.

“This funding will deliver critical infrastructure projects right across the country to help keep construction businesses running and people in jobs,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“$1 billion of this package will fund projects that can get underway now and over the next six months, to give an immediate boost to the economy and local jobs – right at the time we need it.

“We will work together with the states and territories to deliver these job-creating priority projects, building on our unprecedented cooperation to date through the National Cabinet of States and Territories.”

“The package also includes a $500 million Targeted Road Safety Works initiative for states and territories to deliver smaller but critical projects to improve road safety and bolster the resilience of our local road networks.

“The Government has already announced $500 million for local governments to support projects such as road safety improvements, maintaining community infrastructure and increasing accessibility.

“This is part of our $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline, which is laying the foundations of a financial bridge to recovery on the other side of the COVID-19 crisis.”

Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the $1.5 billion package, combined with the additional funding to local governments, is expected to support up to 12,000 direct and indirect jobs by creating new local opportunities and securing existing positions.

“This package will support thousands of jobs across our national construction sector, which we know is facing many challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis,” Mr Tudge said.

“This includes local governments as well, who will receive funding to deliver targeted projects in their area.

“These types of infrastructure projects will be particularly crucial for helping us bounce back after the COVID-19 crisis has ended by ensuring we have the safe transport connections needed for all of Australia to keep moving.

“We will continue to work across governments and in partnership with industry to ensure the safety of all Australians while they deliver our pipeline of critical infrastructure projects.”

Local road maintenance in Petrie electorate will receive a boost thanks to funding under the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s Roads to Recovery Program.

Federal Member for Petrie Hon Luke Howarth said the Australian Government would deliver over $190 million to 332 local government authorities nationwide for safer and better maintained roads.

“The Roads to Recovery funding in Petrie will allow councils across the area to progress a number of high-priority projects, using local knowledge to deliver the best local roads,” Mr Howarth said.

“The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to getting Australians home sooner and safer, no matter where they live.”

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Kevin Hogan said the Australian Government has committed an additional $100 million per year to the Roads to Recovery Program from 2019–20, as part of the Local and State Government Road Safety Package announced in the 2019–20 Budget.

“From 2013–14 to 2023–24, the Government will provide $6.2 billion under the Roads to Recovery Program, with an ongoing commitment of $500 million each year following,” Mr Hogan said.

“We are investing in infrastructure right across the country to lay the foundations for economic recovery on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic. Helping local councils maintain and improve roads under their jurisdiction is a big part of that.”

“The Federal Government is committed to providing vital infrastructure and services through a range of programs to local councils including the newly created $500 million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program, Financial Assistance Grants, the Bridges Renewal, Black Spot, Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity and Roads to Recovery programs.”

More information on these programs is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au.

Residents in the Petrie Electorate are being encouraged to “join the Aussie-made Club” as a new campaign was launched to promote Australian Made.

“I know everyone wants to do their bit to help in our national economic recovery,” Hon Luke Howarth said.

“I encourage local residents to go to the Australian Made website and literally “join the club” – it’s free, you get offers and discounts, and it helps you identify a range of Australian-made products.”

Mr Howarth said buying Australian-made products whenever possible is a really practical way to back local producers and manufacturers.

“So many locals have come to me asking what we can do to grow Australian manufacturing. One of the best things we can do is to buy local,” Mr Howarth said.

“When you buy Australian Made you’re not just helping the local shop, you’re supporting Aussie manufacturers and all the businesses in their supply chains from farmers to designers.”

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the new ad campaign reflects the ground-swell of community support for Australian products.

“As a country we’ve rallied together to slow the spread of coronavirus, now we need to pull together to back our local businesses and manufacturers,” Minister Andrews said.

“Australians are the first to put up their hand to help in a crisis. As we look to navigate the economic impacts of coronavirus the simplest thing we can do to help is to buy Australian.”

Australian Made Campaign Limited CEO Ben Lazzaro said the campaign is designed to build on the huge grass-roots movement spawned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our website is attracting more than 250,000 visitors a month – a 130% increase on normal. Our social media audience has grown ten-fold since the beginning of this pandemic,” Mr Lazzaro said.

“Australian brands are also seeing the value in using our logo, with a four-fold increase in applications and a doubling in new licensees.”

The new ad campaign comes after the Morrison Government earlier this year committed $5 million to expand the reach of the Australian Made logo, so our manufacturers could take on new markets around the world.

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

Mr HOWARTH (Petrie) (17:31): Madam Speaker

I rise today humbled by the responsibility placed in me by my community. I congratulate you on your election to the chair. When I first heard that you were to be nominated I thought that you would be an excellent choice and a fair Speaker, and that has proved an accurate prediction. Thank you for your help during my campaign.

To be elected the ninth member for Petrie is indeed an honour. I would like to acknowledge my predecessors, including the Hon. Yvette D’Ath and my colleague the Hon. Teresa Gambaro, now member for Brisbane and a great trailblazer for Liberal women. Teresa held Petrie for 11 years.

I acknowledge the Hon. Sir Alan Hulme, who was the very first member for Petrie and a former Minister for Supply and then Postmaster-General; and the Hon. John Hodges, who supported me during my campaign and represented this seat with distinction. These former members contributed to the rich history of the Petrie electorate.

I would like to take this opportunity to inform the House of the history behind the seat of Petrie. The division of Petrie was created in 1949 and was named after Andrew Petrie, a noted civil engineer, pioneer and explorer. Interestingly, the suburb of Petrie is not in the electorate of Petrie.

The Petrie electorate covers 152 square kilometres and extends from Cabbage Tree Creek in the south to Burpengary Creek in the north, and from the coastline of Deception Bay to Bramble Bay, located on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Petrie is a diverse electorate with a vibrant culture and busy community centres. To all residents of Petrie: as your local member I say to you I have spent my life living in the local area and I am passionate about providing grassroots representation. I am your voice in Canberra.

Madam Speaker, I say to you and the people of Petrie: we have a bright future ahead. My constituents voted for change and I am immensely proud to be part of a government that has a positive plan to build a strong, prosperous economy and a safe and secure Australia.

I have been listening to the people in my electorate and the number one issue that has been raised with me is the need to create jobs. At present, my electorate has an unemployment rate well above the national average. I will be working every day to address the issue of unemployment by consulting small businesses and providing job seekers with information about the skills they need to find a job.

In order to create more jobs we need to reduce red tape, reduce taxes and provide support to small- and mediumsized businesses. Petrie is a great place to invest and grow a small business. Not only does my electorate have some of the fastest-expanding residential areas in Australia, including Griffin, Mango Hill and North Lakes, but we also have a number of key infrastructure programs commencing.

The government has committed $1 billion towards the Gateway Motorway, which will see the widening of lanes to ease traffic congestion currently experienced by motorists. The government has also committed funding to build the Moreton Bay Rail Link.

Petrie is a great place to visit for a weekend away or an extended holiday. The Redcliffe Peninsula is just 20 minutes north of Brisbane airport and has a long history as a holiday destination. Redcliffe has wonderful beaches, restaurants, accommodation and tourist activities which operate all year round. On Sunday mornings the Redcliffe markets set up along the Esplanade, with the iconic Redcliffe Jetty and Moreton Bay as a backdrop.

Visitors and locals can enjoy breakfast, grab a coffee at one of the many cafes and restaurants or stroll along the Esplanade and enjoy some leisurely shopping on the shore of our magnificent seaside.If you prefer to spend time on the water then I can highly recommend the whale-watching tours on offer. For the more adventurous thrill-seekers, Redcliffe offers skydiving. Redcliffe is the closest place to Brisbane city to skydive. I must not forget the other suburbs in my electorate—suburbs like Deception Bay, Burpengary, Rothwell and those aspirational hardworking suburbs located in the Brisbane City Council. All of these suburbs form part of our great community and have lots to offer, including great schools.

With three young sons at school, extracurricular activities and homework are fixtures in our household. I had the opportunity to visit a vast majority of schools within my electorate to see firsthand what a wonderful job principals, teachers, chaplains and support staff do with our children and young adults. I strongly believe it is the parents’ responsibility to provide for their children and to give them the best possible start to life, and that includes education. We all know the significant role teachers play in our children’s lives. Not only are they teachers; they are the people who spend the most time with our children during their school years. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all the educators in our schools for the fantastic job you do.

In Australia we are privileged to have a world-class secondary education system that attracts international students from across the globe. Not only do these students obtain a top-class education; they contribute greatly towards our economy. I support the government’s plan to foster international educational opportunities through the implementation of the Colombo Plan. The plan will see our brightest minds study overseas whilst at the same time providing opportunities for foreign students to come to Australia. I believe we are the lucky country, with open minds and ompassionate hearts, and I hope our international students return home with good news about the wonderful country Australians call home. I am proud of the role we play in international education and knowledge sharing with today’s youth. It is these youth who will grow into tomorrow’s leaders.

Since my fellow members and I were sworn in at the beginning of this 44th Parliament I have had time to reflect on what motivated me to represent the seat. Whilst I was heading to Canberra this week I reflected on the journey I have travelled during my life. As my aircraft took off from Brisbane airport I saw the Petrie electorate from the air as we flew across Moreton Bay. I reminisced about the time I spent with my father when I was a child, fishing in the bay and camping on the banks of Saltwater Creek at Mango Hill during one of many mud-crabbing expeditions. Growing up in Bracken Ridge, I was fortunate to have a typical suburban upbringing in a stable family environment. My parents, Ron and Denise Howarth—who are in the gallery today—met on a Queensland
dairy farm and were married in 1968. They did a wonderful job of raising me and my younger sister, Gemeah. Mum was a steady hand who was always there to provide support, from helping with our homework to running us around for sporting events and disciplining us when we stepped out of line. Mothers are the silent heroes of our community, so I want to say a big thankyou to all the mothers in my electorate. I am proud to stand up and represent you in this place.

My Dad, who had a pretty ordinary upbringing, left school and moved away from home after completing grade 5. He is an inspiration and a great example to me, and he has taught me about the importance of possessing a strong work ethic. Dad owned his very first home outright and had started his first business by the time he was 21. With his drive and determination, and ability to satisfy a need in the community, he owned several small businesses, including a second-hand shop, a furniture removals business and then a business building greenhouses. This business he later swapped for a pest control company, which has been in our family for more than three decades. My extended family have also provided me with a strong sense of history. Three of my grandparents served in World War II, which sparked my interest in the defence forces from a very early age. I will never forget Anzac days with my late grandfather, having a beer after the dawn service and  remembering his mates who did not come home.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the generation who fought for Australia, and we must never forget their legacy and sacrifice. We must also not forget those who have sacrificed their lives and those soldiers who have returned from theatres of war such as Iraq and Afghanistan with both physical and mental injuries. We need to make sure their sacrifices and their decisions to go willingly into a war zone do not go unnoticed. We need to ensure that our soldiers continue to receive the support they need both on and off the battlefield. That is why I am proud of the coalition’s commitment to restore defence spending and to ensure that our military personnel are well trained and well equipped to effectively carry out operations in all theatres of war. It is simply unacceptable that in the last six years Labor cut over $16 billion from our defence force budget and put our national security at risk. Speaking of budgets, before entering parliament I managed the family business.

Running a small family business with a team of people really does give you a good understanding of the challenges SMEs deal with on a daily basis. During the years of the global financial crisis our family business performed well. We balanced the books and avoided debt, had good cash flow, and invested in our staff. After many years of spending, it is now time for the nation to balance its books. The former government approached the GFC by running huge deficits. I would like to ask this question: can a government take credit for good economic management when their plan to stimulate was to rack up billions in debt? I wondered at the time how former Treasurer Peter Costello would have handled that situation. I suspect it would have been quite different. After all, anyone can spend money they do not have. The good news is that at the last election the Australian people elected a coalition government, who are proven economic managers and have a vision to bring the budget back to surplus.

I feel it is important to inform the House and the Petrie electorate of how I came to be here today. It was back in 2009 that I spoke to my wife, Louise, about taking the boys on a journey around Australia to show them the vastness and diversity of our country, from the bustling cities to the wide open spaces of our remote outback. So in 2011 we rented out our home, hooked up our caravan and set off to explore. And explore we did. We saw  the beauty of our vast coastlines, the mountains where the boys learnt to ski and the southern tips of Australia down in Tasmania. We visited cities and towns from the Great Ocean Road to the wineries in South Australia and across the Nullarbor before heading into Western Australia and onwards from there.

During the trip we really did all learn so much about our wonderful country. However, for me and my family, this trip will always hold a significant place in our family’s history as it was during this trip that we made the decision that I would run for the federal seat of Petrie. The decisions the Labor government was making were hurting Australians. I was very concerned at the time that just three years on from the end of the Howard government much of the wisdom, statesmanship and great policy achievements of John Howard were being overturned. With my experience in small business, I was appalled that the level of Australian debt was increasing so fast that Australia had never witnessed such a turnaround in three short years. The strong border protection policies of
the Pacific Solution that had been proven to work were overturned by Labor without any thought about the consequences.

Then, whilst in WA, as we headed north into cattle country, we saw for ourselves the devastation of the knee-jerk decision by the previous Labor government to ban live exports without any consultation. We saw communities that suddenly had their livelihoods taken away and family incomes destroyed overnight. As we headed south from Darwin we passed road trains with huge signs written across the back saying ‘No carbon tax’ and ‘Call an election now’.

It was at this point that I decided to run and, by winning, I knew I would help deliver a coalition government. I am proud to be part of the Abbott government. At the beginning of the election campaign I remember sitting down with the then Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott, at a coffee shop, and the words he spoke to me will never be forgotten. He said: ‘Luke, this election is not about us. It’s not about you becoming the local member or me becoming Prime Minister. It’s about better government for all Australians.’ The Prime Minister, the Hon. Tony Abbott, is a man of integrity and a leader that truly cares about all Australians.

Whilst travelling around Australia, I was in awe of Australia’s landscapes, which fuelled my love for theenvironment. During my campaign some of the most productive times I had were with the local environment groups. Together we planned activities that will truly benefit the environment. These green army proposals are a practical and positive part of our direct action plan—a plan that includes one million additional homes throughout the country installing solar panels over the next decade. I am pleased to say that almost 13,000 homes in the Petrie electorate have already made the switch to solar, which is helping the environment and reducing homeowners’ cost of living.

Madam Speaker, as you would know, campaigning is tough and you cannot run a successful campaign without support from your volunteers, supporters, party members, family, friends and those members of the community who offer to help you along the way. I did not win this seat on my own, and whilst I cannot mention everyone here today, I do want to send a big thank you to everyone who was involved in my campaign. Their time, commitment and enthusiasm got me over the line, and for this I am eternally grateful.

To all the community volunteers I have met on my journey so far: I have enjoyed meeting you, and I look forward to supporting your activities during the next three years. I know we can work together to create an even better place. To my parents and parents-in-law: thank you for your tireless campaigning and the support you provided both to me and Louise and to my campaign. To the Petrie FDC members and executive: thank you for your support; I greatly appreciated it. Thank you to the Young LNP for flooding my seat with blue shirts. There was always such energy when you came to town. There was never a task too large or small for you.

To the organisational wings of the Queensland Liberal National Party and the federal Liberal campaign team: thankyou for providing a well-organised campaign and structure and our winning plan. To my state colleagues, the members for Sandgate, Murrumba and Aspley: thank you for your support. To Senator Ian Macdonald, James McGrath and the entire 2013 Queensland Senate team: thank you for helping the Petrie campaign. To my patron senator, Sue Boyce: thank you for your thoughtful and considered advice. During your time in the other place I know you have achieved great things, particularly in the areas of disability and small business.

I would like to thank some of my Queensland colleagues in this place: the member for Longman, Wyatt Roy, and the member for Bowman, Andrew Laming. Your enthusiasm and great campaigning ideas were much appreciated. To the ‘big guns of politics’ who threw some credibility behind my campaign events: I would like to thank the member for Groom, the Hon. Ian MacFarlane, and the member for Curtin, the Hon. Julie Bishop. Your encouragement was inspirational.

To the Hon. Greg Hunt, the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull, the Hon. Christopher Pyne and the member for North Sydney, the Hon. Joe Hockey: thank you for believing in me. And to all those ministers that travelled to my electorate: thank you. To the Hon. Tony Abbott and the Chief Whip, the Hon. Phillip Ruddock: thank you for your continued support and for taking the time to visit me in the electorate of Petrie. To my friend and colleague the member for Dickson, the Hon. Peter Dutton: Peter, you have been a great supporter of mine. Your experience, knowledge and mentoring before and during my campaigning really gave me the confidence to know that my campaign was on track and that I could win. Thank you. To the excellent staff at our family business: thank you for your patience and support and for running the show without me.

I have saved my last thanks for those most dear: my dear wife, Louise, and my three sons. Louise, you are a wonderful partner, and together we make a great team. You were the rock for our children while I was busy campaigning, and you continue to hold our family lives together. Your wisdom, support and organisational skills make it possible for me to be here today representing the electorate of Petrie. To my boys William, Thomas and Samuel: thank you for sharing your dad with the electorate of Petrie. I hope that through my work and the efforts of my parliamentary colleagues we are able to give you a prosperous future with endless opportunities. To the community of Petrie: my journey as your member of parliament may be bumpy at times, yet I can assure you I have the drive to ensure that you have a member interested in what you have to say. I affirm my pledge that I will work hard to ensure a brighter future for each one of you and the electorate of Petrie as a whole.

I wanted to end with a simple belief of mine, just four words: ‘Life is about relationships.’ I truly believe this. The most important relationships in my life are: (1) my relationship with God, as a man of strong faith, and (2) my relationship with those people around me—my friends, my family, my neighbours and my work colleagues in this place. At the end of the day, when everything else is gone, relationships are what count.

Councils in Petrie will be supported as part of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s $1.8 billion boost for road and community projects through local governments across Australia.

The investment will support local jobs and businesses and boost local economies struggling under the effects of COVID-19.

Federal Member for Petrie Hon Luke Howarth said the package included the establishment of a new $500 million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and the bringing forward of $1.3 billion of the 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant payment.

The new Program is based on the successful Roads to Recovery program and will enable local councils to deliver priority projects with a focus on upgrades and maintenance to local roads and community infrastructure.

Mr Howarth said accelerating local infrastructure projects was important for supporting jobs and the local economy in Petrie.

“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local communities, now and as we navigate out of the coronavirus pandemic,” Mr Howarth said.

“Not only will this package support jobs, construction businesses and the economy across Petrie, it will improve our local roads and provide for new and upgraded amenities to help communities stay connected.

“I will be working closely with Moreton Bay Regional Council to make sure projects get under way to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”

Local road projects to be delivered under the Program include but are not limited to constructing or improving bridges and tunnels, street lighting, and heavy vehicle facilities such as rest areas.

A broad range of community infrastructure projects will be eligible including new or upgraded bicycle and walking paths, community facilities, and picnic shelters and barbeque facilities at parks.

Under the Financial Assistance Grant program the following funding allocations have been made to Brisbane City Council and Moreton Bay Regional Council in Petrie Electorate this financial year:

• $11,710,003 for Brisbane City Council
• $5,003,061 for Moreton Bay Regional Council

Guidelines for the Program will be provided directly to local governments by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.

Allocations under the Financial Assistance Grant and Local Road and Community Infrastructure programs can be found at https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/lrci.

The Morrison Government will provide a funding injection for 19 local community groups and organisations in Petrie to support the work of local volunteers.

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the funding would go a long way to support organisations and their volunteers through what has been a tough year.

“The bushfires had a devastating impact on many of our people and communities across the country and we are now living through a global pandemic,” Minister Ruston said.

“Volunteers freely give their time and skills to support others and will play a key role in communities over the next few months. This funding recognises the sacrifices they make to help deliver vital services to those who need it most.”

Member for Petrie Hon Luke Howarth, said “I was pleased to have secured $65,000 for the electorate of Petrie and its volunteer groups.”

The volunteer groups who received a grant included:

• $1,100 for 99.7 Bridge FM
• $5,000 for Aspley Special School Parents and Citizens Association
• $1,500 for Bracken Ridge Uniting Church Congregation
• $4,590 for Deception Bay Branch Little Athletics Centre Inc
• $4,810 for Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre Inc
• $4,890 for Guides Queensland
• $1,800 for Hope Centre Services
• $5,000 for Lions Club of Redcliffe/Kippa-Ring Inc
• $2,000 for Peninsula and Districts Football and Sporting Club Incorporated
• $1,900 for Peninsular Development Riding Centre Inc
• $5,000 for Pine Rivers Koala Care Association Inc
• $2,960 for Redcliffe Musical Theatre Inc
• $4,940 for Redcliffe Peninsula Surf Life Saving club Inc
• $3,000 for Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Deception Bay Sub-Br
• $4,990 for Southern Cross Swimming Club Inc
• $1,900 for St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland
• $2,500 for The Breakfast Club Redcliffe Inc
• $5,000 for The Lakes Football Club Inc.
• $2,420 for Unit Committee T.S Moreton Bay Incorporated

“While the work of our volunteers may be unpaid it is not unrecognised,” Member for Petrie Mr Howarth said.

“From fighting bushfires, delivering food to vulnerable Australians in isolation and helping out with the weekend sport, they are all local champions.

“Their contribution is vital to ensuring that we continue to support families, provide employment pathways for young people and strengthen community resilience.”

Mr Howarth said the funding injection coincides with National Volunteer Week being celebrated this week.

“It’s vital we acknowledge the important contribution of our local volunteers in Petrie electorate.”

Nationally, volunteering has an estimated annual economic and social contribution of $290 billion.

The awarded grants are between $1,000 and $5,000. National Volunteer Week runs from 18-24 May. You can get involved in the online activities by visiting the Volunteering Australia website.

The Morrison Government has delivered on its commitment to boost funding for wildlife and habitat affected by bushfires, announcing an additional $150 million to assist in disaster response.

Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the Government’s total investment, now $200 million, will secure the future of treasured native species across Australia.

“We have listened to the experts from the Wildlife and Threatened Species Bushfire Recovery Expert Panel, from wildlife carers, conservation organisations and community groups,” Ms Ley said.

“They are identifying ways to best help our native animal and plant species in terms of recovery and long-term protection.

“Since our initial package which has delivered much needed relief for volunteers, land managers, seed banks, veterinarians and zoos, we have been clear that more money would be forthcoming and we intend to put it to the best possible use, using expert advice.”

Available from 1 July over the next two years, the additional $150 million will target on‑ground action across bushfire-affected regions, including our treasured World and National Heritage places.

Member for Petrie Hon Luke Howarth said the Government will partner with states and territories, Indigenous communities, scientists, zoos, Landcare groups, non‑government organisations and local communities in the roll out of recovery projects.

“We are targeting interventions for at-risk species in bushfire-affected regions and in vulnerability hotspots across Australia to ensure we limit the decline of as many species as possible and help some of our most special places bounce back,” Mr Howarth said.

“The impacts of the bushfires on native wildlife and landscapes has been significant. While there are some encouraging signs our native animals and plants are starting to bounce back, experts advise it will take at least a decade or more of sustained effort to recover.”

Beyond the investment announced today, the Morrison Government remains committed to developing innovative funding mechanisms to help protect and support the long-term recovery.

Whether on the ground or in vital research and planning, this important work will continue where possible to give our precious plants and animals the best chance at survival and long-term recovery.

More information on the Government’s action to drive recovery of our precious native wildlife and plants from the bushfires is at https://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/bushfire-recovery/

The Morrison Government is rolling out extra measures to ensure people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence know where to get help during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Help is Here campaign will include advertising across television, digital, social media, radio, magazines and newspapers as well as in shopping centres, hospitals and GP surgeries.

Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, and Minister for Families and Social Services, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, said the campaign had two clear messages that help is here and tough times do not excuse tougher times at home.

“For many weeks, Australians have been heeding the Government’s call to stay at home to control the spread of COVID-19. However, for many women and children, home is not a safe place to be,” Minister Payne said.

“We want all Australians to know, including those at risk of using violence, there is free and confidential help available at all hours, every day.”

The new awareness campaign to promote the two national helplines – 1800RESPECT and MensLine Australia – is part of the Morrison Government’s $150 million Domestic Violence Support Package to help support services meet demand during these unprecedented times.

Minister Ruston said the new campaign directs women and men to 1800RESPECT and MensLine, where they could talk directly and confidentially with trained counsellors via online chat or phone.

“The campaign also delivers the strong message that violence and abuse are never acceptable, no matter the circumstances,” Minister Ruston said.

“Increased stresses at a time like this are known and understandable but they are not an excuse for causing physical or psychological harm.”

Hon Luke Howarth MP welcomed the new campaign.

“It’s important that anybody who feels unsafe in their home is able access help,” Mr Howarth said.

“The campaign aims to make sure everybody in Petrie is aware of the two national hotlines where they go for support.

“Tough times do not excuse tougher times at home.”

Since the Coronavirus pandemic began more than 15 per cent of contacts for MensLine Australia have been COVID-19 specific while 1800RESPECT has seen an 11 per cent increase in people accessing support when compared with the same time last year.

Further information is available at www.australia.gov.au/dvsupport

If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of domestic, family or sexual violence contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) 1800respect.org.au or MensLine Australia (1300 789 978) mensline.org.au

These national services are available and accessible to all people located in Australia, including Aboriginal and Torres Strat Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, including those on temporary visas, as well as people with disability.