The Australian Government has launched the new voluntary coronavirus app, COVIDSafe.

The app is an important public health initiative that will help keep you, your family, and your community safe from further spread of coronavirus through early notification of possible exposure.

Member for Petrie, Hon Luke Howarth MP said everyone in the Petrie region is doing an extraordinary job to flatten the curve and contain the spread of the coronavirus, but we cannot be complacent.

“The Chief Medical Officer’s advice is we need the COVIDSafe app as part of the plan to save lives and save livelihoods,” Mr Howarth said.

“The more people who download this important public health app, the safer they and their family will be, the safer the community will be and the sooner we can safely lift restrictions and get back to business and do the things we love.”

The health initiative uses technology to automate and improve what state and territory health officials already do manually. COVIDSafe will speed up the process of identifying people who have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with coronavirus, quickly stopping further spread of the virus in the community.

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the app is part of the three key requirements for easing restrictions: Test, Trace and Respond.

“The app will be one of the critical tools we will use to help protect the health of the community by quickly alerting people who may be at risk of having contact with COVID-19,” Minister Hunt said.

A new determination issued by the Minister for Health under the Biosecurity Act will ensure information provided voluntarily through the App will only be accessible for use by authorised state and territory health officials. Any other access or use will be a criminal offence.

Minister for Government Services, Stuart Robert described the App as being developed with one purpose: to stop the spread of coronavirus.

“Once installed and running, the COVIDSafe app uses Bluetooth to look for other phones that also have the app installed,” Minister Robert said.

“It then securely makes a ‘digital handshake’, which notes the date and time, distance and duration of the contact. All information collected by the app is securely encrypted and stored in the app on the user’s phone. No one, not even the user, can access it.”

“Unless and until a person is diagnosed with COVID-19, no contact information collected in the app is disclosed or able to be accessed. Then, once the person agrees and uploads the data, only the relevant state or territory public health officials will have access to information. The only information they are allowed to access is that of close contacts – when a person has come within approximately 1.5 metres of another app user for 15 minutes or more – in their jurisdiction,” Minister Robert said.

Welcoming the announcement, Australian Chief Medical Officer, Brendan Murphy said COVIDSafe is set to be a major tool in streamlining the process of identifying contacts after a person tests positive for coronavirus.

“Finding out quickly means you can quarantine yourself or be treated much faster, protecting your family and friends from possible infection, and slowing the spread of the virus,” Professor Murphy said.

“COVIDSafe only keeps contact information for 21 days. This covers the maximum incubation period for the virus and the time it takes for someone to be tested for COVID-19,” Professor Murphy said.

The App can be downloaded from the App stores. For more details visit health.gov.au

The opportunity to drive the future of road safety innovation and technology is here, with applications for Round 1 of the Australian Government’s $12 million Road Safety Innovation Fund now open.

Federal Member for Petrie Hon Luke Howarth MP urged any organisations in Petrie with an interest in road safety research and development to apply for funding to help make a difference to the lives of all Australians.

“Improving road safety is something our entire community can contribute to and I encourage all organisations in the region with an interest in road safety innovation and technologies to apply for funding,” Mr Howarth said.

“Road crashes have an enormous emotional and economic impact on all affected communities, but particularly the families and friends of the victims.

“Innovation and technology are key tools that can help reduce the number of road crashes by ensuring road safety becomes ‘business as usual’ for all road users here in Petrie.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the program would provide grants for road safety research and technology development to improve safety outcomes for road users across the nation.

“The Australian Government takes road safety seriously, because one death or one crash on our roads is one too many,” Mr McCormack said.

“The fund will target innovative projects addressing priority areas including improving road safety in regional and remote areas, reducing driver distraction and drug driving and supporting better safety outcomes for vulnerable road users.

“I look forward to announcing successful projects to be funded under Round 1 of the Road Safety Innovation Fund in the coming months and seeing critical safety-improving projects get underway soon after.”

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the first round of the Road Safety Innovation Fund had $2 million available to fund projects across the country to run over the next four years.

“Potential projects can include innovation in road safety management initiatives, new technologies and delivery techniques or research that better informs policy development and outcomes,” Mr Buchholz said.

“This fund is just one of the many ways the Australian Government is investing in road safety to move towards zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.

“Other initiatives include the recent $4 million Road Safety Awareness and Enablers Fund, which is helping deliver targeted educational campaigns to reduce risky behaviour and increase road safety awareness, install life-saving speed signage and collaborate with the community on decreasing road trauma.”

The first round of applications closes 18 May 2020 and will be assessed through an open competitive process.

For further information, including application guidelines and submissions, for the $12 million Road Safety Innovation Fund are available at www.grants.gov.au.

• The Government’s commitment to road safety includes funding for the following initiatives:
• Established a new Office of Road Safety, which will support the Australian Government’s road safety agenda;
• $2.2 billion Local and State Government Road Safety Package which includes:
  • An additional $1.1 billion for the Roads to Recovery Program
  • An additional $550 million for the Black Spot Program
  • An additional $275 million for the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity program
  • An additional $275 million for the Bridges to Renewal Program
• Fatality Free Friday – $220,000 over four years;
• $1.8 million provided to develop the Digital Road Safety Passport over two years,
• the $4 million Road Safety Awareness and Enablers Fund over four years,
• the $12 million Road Safety Innovation Fund over four years,
• $6.6 million funding of ANCAP over four years,
• $8 million provided to upgrade Driver Reviver sites over two years,
• $8 million to extend the Keys2Drive program to 30 June 2023, and
• $22 million over four years to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to continue the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiatives (HVSI) program which funds practical initiatives to improve the safety of the heavy vehicle industry.

The Morrison Government is providing an immediate funding injection to Petrie charities and community organisations to support locals in the wake of the coronavirus economic downturn.

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the Government understands this was a trying time for relief providers facing rapidly increasing demand while dealing with challenges in maintaining the workforce and distribution lines needed to operate.

“This funding injection will enable Petrie organisations to streamline supply chains, increase workforce capacity and help increase local support and outreach services,” Minister Ruston said.

Member for Petrie, Luke Howarth MP said the investment would assist locals batting the devastating impacts of the coronavirus.

“There are many people in our community doing it tough right now, which is why I am pleased the Morrison Government could deliver this much-needed funding to support emergency cash payments, food, everyday bills, transport and school supplies,” Mr Howarth said.

“Many people reaching out to these services may have never needed this type of assistance before, so we need to make sure we have the right supports in place to help people through this period and bounce back stronger when it’s over.”

Mr Howarth said the Commonwealth funded providers would be working with other local organisations to ensure people could access services quickly.

“I encourage local organisations to work with the Commonwealth funded providers in their area to ensure that those who need support are able to get it, when and where they need it,” Mr Howarth said.

Contact details for funded providers can be found on the Department of Social Services’ directory at https://serviceproviders.dss.gov.au/

Overall across the country the Morrison Government is providing an immediate $100 million to Australian charities and community organisations.

The Morrison Government is boosting the nation’s long-term fuel security by taking advantage of dramatic falls in global oil prices and building on our historic agreement with the United States to access their Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).

Australia will invest $94 million to purchase oil at current low prices. Under the new measures, we will establish its first Government-owned oil reserves for domestic fuel security.

The Government is taking action to improve Australia’s fuel security and enhance our ability to withstand global shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global oil prices have hit new lows due mainly to a significant drop in demand caused by COVID-19 and we are taking advantage of these reductions.

We are also working with the private sector to consider options for improving domestic fuel security and with refineries on temporary measures to ease the stockpiles of jet fuel by amending fuel standards.

Australians can be assured there is plenty of fuel in the country and we are extremely well placed to keep supplies flowing through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mature aged workers in Petrie can now access funded training more easily and quickly to help them find work under changes to the Career Transition Assistance (CTA) program announced by the Morrison Government today.

The CTA program assists mature job seekers aged 45 and over with training and support to improve their digital literacy, job opportunities and identifying transferrable skills.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said the program will be funded by an additional $41.7 million from early May until June 2022. This means that jobactive providers can more readily refer mature age job seekers into the program.

“We know the CTA program is effective and is popular with participants and the facilitators who deliver it. We want to increase the number of people who can access it, particularly during these challenging economic times,” Minister Cash said.

“Establishing a separate funding source for this effective program will ensure even more mature age job seekers can build their confidence using different types of technology, like smartphones, tablets, apps, social media and computers.”

Through the CTA program, mature-age job seekers in Petrie are empowered to build confidence and learn new skills and enables participants to become more competitive in their local labour market through a short form, targeted training.

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said, importantly the Career Transition Assistance program will be made available online during the COVID-19 pandemic, so mature age locals can continue to access the valuable support the CTA program delivers.

“To compete in today’s job market, and in particular in the current environment, some mature age workers may need support to improve their digital skills, and that’s exactly what this program delivers,” said Mr Howarth.  New funding arrangements will be available until 30 June 2022. More information can be found at: https://www.employment.gov.au/career-transition-assistance

Queenslanders can remain confident that Australia’s food security is not at risk because of COVID-19.

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud and Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said evidence abounds that our food production and supply chains are up to the job of enduring and emerging through the current pandemic.

“Australia will always have enough food. We produce far more than we consume. COVID-19 doesn’t change that,” Minister Littleproud said.

“A surge in demand had an impact on the availability of some of our favourite products on supermarket shelves. Shoppers were stockpiling and supply chains had to adjust.

“This is not an indication of food shortages.

“What’s more, our farmers and agricultural systems ensure we remain a net exporter of food.

“Plenty of local seafood providers operating here in the Moreton Bay region in my electorate of Petrie are testament to that.

“Amid crucial measures to curb the spread of this virus, we’ve made sure getting food on the table remains an essential service.

“We’ve implemented strategies that include maintaining agriculture’s service and supply lines, extending work visas, and providing air freight support,” he said.

Mr Howarth said the latest ABARES research showed we export 70 per cent of our agricultural production.

“In terms of specific commodities – that’s 76 per cent of our beef and veal, 71 per cent of our wheat and 41 per cent of our dairy products being exported,” Mr Howarth said.

“The report also shows our overall reliance on imports remains low.

“Ensuring Australia’s food security is one of the government’s top priorities. It’s a key part of $320 billion of measures to deal with the impacts of COVID-19,” Me Howarth said.

The Morrison Government today announced a new $50 million program to support public interest journalism in regional Australia during the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.

The Public Interest News Gathering (PING) program will target commercial television, newspaper and radio businesses in regional Australia and builds on the Government’s announcement last week to bring forward $5 million in emergency funding for public interest journalism from the Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund.

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said: “Many businesses are doing it tough right now and the media sector is sharing that pain, especially in regional areas, as we face unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The media’s role is more vital than ever in providing quality news and accurate information.”

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said media organisations across the country and indeed those in regional Queensland are facing significant challenges due to the impacts of COVID-19.

“We recognise that public interest journalism is essential in providing timely and accurate information and strengthening local communities and I acknowledge the good work of all regional media outlets that are committed to keeping our communities up to date on the latest information.”

“The new program announced today will help support regional journalism and secure local media jobs.”

The program is funded with $13.4 million in new money as well as repurposing unallocated funds from the Government’s Regional and Small Publishers Jobs and Innovation Package (RSPJIP). This responds to the ACCC’s recommendation, in its Digital Platforms Inquiry, to enhance the RSPJIP to better support high quality news, particularly in regional and remote Australia.

The program is part of a suite of measures announced today by the Government to help sustain Australian media businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The additional measures include:

• Tax Relief – A 12-month waiver of $41 million in spectrum tax for commercial television and radio broadcasters
• Short-Term Red Tape Relief – Emergency suspension of content quotas in 2020
• Harmonising Regulation to Support Australian Content – Release of an Options Paper developed by Screen Australia and the Australian Communications and Media Authority, commencing a fast tracked consultation process on how best to support Australian stories on our screens

“Broadcasters and newspapers are facing significant financial pressure and COVID-19 has led to a sharp downturn in advertising revenue across the whole sector,” Minister Fletcher said.

“We are acting swiftly to offer urgent short term support to the media sector. At the same time we are progressing our December 2019 commitment to consult on the future framework to support Australian stories on our screens.”

The Morrison Government is acting decisively in the national interest to address the significant economic consequences of COVID-19. The Government has announced measures totalling $320 billion across the economy, in support of individuals and businesses.

More information on the PING program and the other support measures announced today, including the options paper for the Australian screen content consultation, can be found at www.communications.gov.au/media_package.

For more information about the Government’s response to COVID-19 visit: www.australia.gov.au

As COVID-19 has changed the way we work, train and study, the Morrison Government is working to deliver more training online.

The Government has today launched the improved and repurposed My Skills website which will now focus on online training for Australians looking to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The My Skills website has been tailored to offer more ways for Australians to improve their qualifications online.

Australians will now be able to search the increased online offerings of registered training organisations (RTOs) and vocational education and training (VET) options currently available to continue to train for the future.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said the Morrison Government was focused on giving Australians more training and career opportunities during these challenging times.

“As more Australians stay at home, we want them to be able to make the most of this time by upskilling and preparing themselves for future opportunities,” Minister Cash said.

Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships, The Hon Steve Irons MP said RTOs have been working with the Government to offer more online courses for Australians.

“The increased delivery of online learning would improve flexibility, whilst providing another avenue for Australians to update their skills, or to re-train,” said Assistant Minister Irons.

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said for those in our local area this will also provide an excellent opportunity to study a whole range of course offerings from a range of training institutions from around the country and potentially even something that may not have been available to them before.

“A VET qualification opens the door to so many job opportunities, and nationally recognised qualifications can be gained in a matter of months,” said Mr Howarth.

My Skills is the national directory of VET organisations and courses — an Australian Government initiative that helps consumers search and compare VET courses and training providers.

The launch of the improved and repurposed My Skills website complements the Morrison Government’s existing programmes to support Australian workers with the Skills Match Tool prominently featured on the website.

The Skills Match Tool provides intuitive career guidance for Australians looking to choose or change careers based on the user’s previous work experience and qualifications. This includes providing information on a career’s likely income, whether the industry is in growth and what future pathways are available.

For more information visit: www.myskills.gov.au

Queensland farmers and communities stand to benefit from an announcement made by the Australian Government to extend working holiday maker and other visas amid the COVID-19 crisis with requirements to support the on-going health of regional communities.

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud, and Member for Petrie Luke Howarth, said the visa changes will allow Pacific seasonal workers, working holiday makers and a range of other visa holders who are unable to depart Australia to continue to work until this health crisis has passed or they are able to return to their home countries.

“Agriculture is an essential sector and it relies on temporary visa holders, many of whom arrive and depart Australia on a seasonal basis. These visa holders fill a critical workforce gap in this sector,” Minister Littleproud said.

“That is why the Australian Government is putting temporary measures in place to allow important work in the agriculture sector to continue and enable workers already here to extend their stay and remain lawfully in Australia until they are able to return to their home countries.

“At the same time it is critical we manage this labour force to support the on-going health of regional communities and we’ve acted to include requirements to ensure visa holders follow self-isolation requirements when they move between regions”.

“The Australian government stands with industry and will continue to provide support where it is required most to ensure we’re still standing strong when we make it through this pandemic.”

We are working closely with State and Territory Governments and industry to ensure appropriate health controls are in place for the ongoing health and well-being of our regional communities.

The National Farmers Federation has developed best practice guidance for farmers regarding requirements for accommodation and working arrangements for farm workers (either domestic or migrant) during the covid-19 outbreak.

“We have asked the Chief Medical Officer to review these guidelines and it is critical that they are then considered by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, Minister Littleproud said.

Mr Howarth said the visa extensions are one more way that the Australian Government was giving Queensland farmers critical support during what has been a very difficult start to the year.

“Sadly, there’s been a significant number of Australians who’ve lost their jobs due to the economic impacts of COVID-19, but the Australian Government is ensuring that will not be the case in Queensland,” Mr Howarth said.

“I know there has been strong interest from job ads and I welcome the announcement that we are keeping market testing requirements in place to ensure recruitment of Australians first.”

“We are well positioned with the decisions taken by the Australian Government to ensure that our Queensland farmers are well supported and continue to work during this time and receive the support they need.

“The visa extensions will ensure that Queensland businesses have the skills to protect their interests and maximise their profits.”

The Government has today launched a new Jobs Hub which highlights which businesses and organisations have multiple jobs on offer.

In this rapidly changing jobs market the Morrison Government is supporting businesses and locals looking for work.

The website www.dese.gov.au/covid-19/jobs-hub provides an up to date list of a selection of businesses and organisations that are currently hiring, and how to contact them.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said the Government was continuing to do everything it could to keep Australians connected to the workforce at this time.

“These are critical jobs that will contribute to keeping the economy going and keeping as many Australians in work as possible,” she said.

While many businesses have been adversely affected by COVID-19 and are reducing their workforces, there are some areas of the economy which have an increased demand for workers.

These include jobs in a range of sectors and occupations including health and care sectors, transport and logistics, some areas of retail, mining and mining services, manufacturing, agriculture and government sectors, among others.

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth MP said every single employee plays an important role in the community and at a larger scale the economy.

The Government is committed to working with local employers, industry organisations, employment services providers and others in the labour market to identify where the jobs are and help navigate people looking for work into these jobs quickly.

“I know there are many people in the Petrie community who are doing it tough at the moment. This is just another way the Government is committed to helping Australians through this crisis by connecting those who are looking for work directly with those employers looking to hire; it’s as simple as that.” Mr Howarth said.

“Especially with the ongoing success of my Jobseeker boot camps, we want to help the people of Petrie to retain and attain work.”

Employers who are hiring and want support to connect with potential candidates can also contact the Department of Education, Skills and Employment at workforce@dese.gov.au to be connected directly with businesses reducing their workforces; and the employment services network to source suitable candidates.

“If you are hiring, particularly scaling up your workforce quickly, I encourage you to email our Workforce Contact Centre so you can be connected with the support you need to get your workforce on board.”