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.”

Individuals and organisations at the centre of protecting our native species are now able to receive additional support from the Federal Government to help with the recovery of wildlife and habitats following the devastating summer of bushfires.

Even as Australia deals with the challenges of the coronavirus, the importance of addressing the loss of countless iconic wildlife and habitats through fires remains an important focus.

Federal member for Petrie Luke Howarth said the Morrison Government is announcing up to $12 million for a new round of grants to support the continued efforts of those on the frontline of bushfire recovery in Queensland.

“Despite COVID 19 precautions restricting some field work, significant work is taking place under the Morrison Government’s $50 million Wildlife and Habitat Recovery Package,” Mr Howarth said.

Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said work to ensure the continuation of feral animal, pest and weed control, animal relocation and zoo programs, habitat stabilisation, using camera traps to detect native species and predators alike and detailed recovery planning through the Wildlife and Threatened Species Bushfire Recovery Expert Panel is a key focus.

“It is important that we continue to fund activities to support the survival of fire affected animals, plants, ecological communities and other natural assets,” Ms Ley said.

The $12 million funding, part of the Australian Government’s initial commitment of $50 million for a bushfire recovery package may be used for on-ground bushfire recovery activities, including:

• Protecting unburnt areas within or adjacent to recently burnt ground that provide refugia
• Feral predator and herbivore control to reduce the pressure on native species
• Emergency salvage of plant and animal species for ex-situ conservation or wild-to-wild translocation
• Rapid on-ground assessment for species and communities of concern
• Supplementary shelter and food for animals, where it is still needed.

Clearly, COVID 19 restrictions mean that some activities will not be able to start immediately but the process of identifying submissions and planning their role in what is a long-term recovery process is an important one.

To ensure organisations are given enough time to apply, grants will be staged over two tranches, with the first opening on 1 April and closing on 22 April. Tranche 2 is anticipated to open on 23 April and close on 28 May.

Eligible projects will be considered by the Wildlife and Threatened Species Bushfire Recovery Expert Panel which will provide advice to the Department and Minister. To find out more visit www.grants.gov.au

The Morrison Government will provide an historic wage subsidy to around 6 million workers who will receive a flat payment of $1,500 per fortnight through their employer, before tax.

The $130 billion JobKeeper payment will help keep Australians in jobs and tackle the significant economic impact from the coronavirus, including in the electorate of Petrie north of Brisbane.

The payment will be open to eligible businesses that have been significantly impacted by the coronavirus.

The payment will provide the equivalent of around 70 per cent of the national median wage.

For workers in the accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors it will equate to a full median replacement wage.

The payment will ensure eligible employers and employees stay connected while some businesses move into hibernation.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the JobKeeper payment would bring the Government’s total economic support for the economy to $320 billion or 16.4 per cent of GDP.

“We will give millions of eligible businesses and their workers a lifeline to not only get through this crisis, but bounce back together on the other side,” the Prime Minister said.

“This is about keeping the connection between the employer and the employee and keeping people in their jobs even though the business they work for may go into hibernation and close down for six months.

“When the economy comes back, these businesses will be able to start again and their workforce will be ready to go because they will remain attached to the business through our JobKeeper payment.”

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the country was about to go through one of the toughest times in its history.

“Businesses will close and people will lose their jobs. That is why we have temporarily doubled the welfare safety net,” the Treasurer said.

“However, we are going even further. Australians know that their government has their back.

“That is why we are delivering an historic $130 billion JobKeeper payment to support businesses and to help keep Australians in a job.

“This will keep Australian workers connected with their employer and provide hope and more certainty during these difficult and challenging times.”

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth, said this $1,500 a fortnight JobKeeper payment will provide job security at a time when it’s needed most in the local area.

“This payment will give locals who are working and trying to maintain normality and make ends meet the best chance of keeping their job and keeping them connected to their employers so that they can bounce back in the recovery phase.”

JobKeeper Payment

The JobKeeper Payment is a subsidy to businesses, which will keep more Australians in jobs through the course of the coronavirus outbreak.

The payment will be paid to employers, for up to six months, for each eligible employee that was on their books on 1 March 2020 and is retained or continues to be engaged by that employer.

Where a business has stood down employees since 1 March, the payment will help them maintain connection with their employees.

Employers will receive a payment of $1,500 per fortnight per eligible employee. Every eligible employee must receive at least $1,500 per fortnight from this business, before tax.

The program will commence 30 March 2020, with the first payments to be received by eligible businesses in the first week of May as monthly arrears from the Australian Taxation Office. Eligible businesses can begin distributing the JobKeeper payment immediately and will be reimbursed from the first week of May.

The Government will provide updates on further business cashflow support in coming days.

Eligible employers will be those with annual turnover of less than $1 billion who self-assess that have a reduction in revenue of 30 per cent or more, since 1 March 2020 over a minimum one-month period.

Employers with an annual turnover of $1 billion or more would be required to demonstrate a reduction in revenue of 50 per cent or more to be eligible. Businesses subject to the Major Bank Levy will not be eligible.

Eligible employers include businesses structured through companies, partnerships, trusts and sole traders. Not for profit entities, including charities, will also be eligible.

Full time and part time employees, including stood down employees, would be eligible to receive the JobKeeper Payment.  Where a casual employee has been with their employer for at least the previous 12 months they will also be eligible for the Payment.  An employee will only be eligible to receive this payment from one employer.

Eligible employees include Australian residents, New Zealand citizens in Australia who hold a subclass 444 special category visa, and migrants who are eligible for JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance (Other).

Self-employed individuals are also eligible to receive the JobKeeper Payment.

Eligible businesses can apply for the payment online and are able to register their interest via ato.gov.au

Income support partner pay income test

Over the next six months the Government is temporarily expanding access to income support payments and establishing a Coronavirus Supplement of $550 per fortnight.

JobSeeker Payment is subject to a partner income test, and the Government is temporarily relaxing the partner income test to ensure that an eligible person can receive the JobSeeker Payment, and associated Coronavirus Supplement, providing their partner earns less than $3,068 per fortnight, around $79,762 per annum.

The personal income test for individuals on JobSeeker Payment will still apply.

Every arm of government and industry is working to keep Australians in jobs and businesses in business, and to build a bridge to recovery on the other side.

The Government will continue to do what it takes to ensure that Australia bounces back stronger.

Luke Howarth, Member for Petrie, wants students in his electorate to test their spelling skills by taking part in the inaugural Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee.

The Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee is a nationwide competition for students in years 3 to 8 that promotes reading and literacy.

“Our Government believes literacy and numeracy skills should be the cornerstone of every student’s education,” Mr Howarth said.

“The Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee is such a great initiative because it will help improve spelling, and that helps improve reading which helps improves learning.

“We need to encourage our young Australians to be avid readers so they become curious, creative and informed citizens.

“I visit schools in my community regularly and I see firsthand the benefits to our students of strong literacy skills.

“I also get to meet many impressive young people as part of my work and I believe our students are amongst the best spellers in the country.

“I encourage students and schools to sign up for the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee, have some fun and improve your literacy skills.”

The first Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee gets underway from 9 March 2020, for more information or to register visit www.kidsnews.com.au

Luke Howarth for Petrie is calling on local students, teachers and school leaders to join a national movement to stand up to bullies.

The National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence on March 20 is a nationwide event against bullying and cyberbullying.

“I strongly encourage all schools in Petrie to sign up and get involved on Friday, 20 March for the 10th National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence,” Mr Howarth said.

“We know that bullying, specifically cyber bullying, is a growing concern for students and families. One in five young school students experience online bullying each year.

“The theme for this year’s national day is Take Action Together, aimed at empowering our school communities to unite with others and share ideas and actions to address bullying.

“Last year we saw around 36 schools and 25,653 students in my community take the admirable step of taking part in the national day of action. This year I’m expecting it will be even better.

“Participation in the National Day of Action also sends a strong message to our young people who may have been subjected to bullying that they are not alone and help is available.”

For more information and to register your school visit www.bullyingnoway.gov.au.

More anti-bullying resources can be found at www.esafety.gov.au and www.studentwellbeinghub.edu.au.

The Morrison Government is helping manufacturers and exporters in the Petrie electorate to create more local jobs and take on the worldwide market, with an extra $5 million to extend the international reach of the Australian Made logo.

Mr Howarth said expanding the reach of the trusted symbol would give local businesses the chance to grow and create new jobs in the area.

“The gold kangaroo on a green triangle is synonymous with quality and makes products produced in our community, and all communities in Australia, instantly more desirable,” Mr Howarth said.

“The Morrison Government wants to increase the impact of this trusted symbol overseas so our exporters can grow and employ more people here at home.

“This builds on the extensive work our government has done to secure trade deals and opens up more opportunities for Australian businesses overseas.”

The $5 million grant will allow the trade mark to be registered and promoted in key export markets like the European Union, the United Kingdom and Canada.

There will also be an effort to crack down on misuse of the logo by strengthening its legal position in key export markets.

“In these challenging economic times, with global trade being disrupted, our exporters will benefit from this extra support for our national brand,” Mr Howarth said.

“Investment like this is only possible because of our continued strong economic management.”

The money will be provided over four years to the Australian Made Campaign Limited (AMCL), which administers the logo.

The logo is a registered trade mark in the United States, China, South Korea and Singapore and proceedings are underway to register it in Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Australian Made, Australian Grown logo is Australia’s only registered country of origin certification trade mark and can be used on all classes of goods.

It must always be used with one of the following descriptors: Australian Made, Australian Grown, Product of Australia, Australian Seafood or Australian.

Luke Howarth, Federal Member for Petrie, is calling on our local community to showcase the best of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history during this year’s NAIDOC Week.

Mr Howarth said NAIDOC Week highlights Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence and traditions and has encouraged local organisations to apply for grants.

“NAIDOC Week serves as a unifying time to be proud of the fact we have one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures with vibrant traditions that are uniquely Australian, this is being supported with the Morrison Government providing $1.4 million in grants,” Mr Howarth said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people play a vital role in the story of our nation and, through these grants, events will be held to celebrate our proud history, share culture, and recognise and honour the contributions and achievements Indigenous Australians.”

“This year’s theme, Always Was, Always Will Be., is an opportunity for all Australians to engage with Indigenous culture, gain a greater understanding of our nation’s shared history and celebrate the unique place Indigenous peoples have in our society.”

“It is a chance to build mutual respect and for truth-telling, and the learning that comes from that. I encourage all Australians to gain a true appreciation for our past so we can all walk together on our shared path.

Information on the 2020 NAIDOC grants funding round is available on the National Indigenous Australians Agency website, www.niaa.gov.au/naidoc, with applications closing 30 March at 8pm (AEDT).

Nominations are also still open for the National NAIDOC Awards that recognise outstanding achievements by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Nominations can be submitted on the NAIDOC website, www.naidoc.org.au/awards/nominations

Events and information about NAIDOC Week 2020 will be posted to www.naidoc.org.au

Arts and culture organisations in Petrie are invited to apply for a share of more than $500,000 available in funding across Australia for arts projects at festivals and significant one-off community celebrations.

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP and Luke Howarth, Member for Petrie invite organisations to apply for the next round of Festivals Australia funding.

Festivals Australia funds arts projects including parades, performances, workshops and installations to promote community engagement at local festivals in regional and remote Australia.

Mr Howarth said festivals are a highlight on the community calendar for people of all ages in Petrie region.

“Through Festivals Australia funding, local artists and organisations can deliver projects that enhance local events with arts and cultural experiences that tell local stories and explore who we are.”

“Last year we saw a multitude of festivals be funded in the Queensland area. This year I’m looking forward to seeing many festivals in my local area get involved”

Minister Fletcher said the Government was committed to providing opportunities to share and explore Australian stories and identity through the arts.

“Arts projects funded by Festivals Australia provide valuable opportunities for local artists to come together to share their works, and are a drawcard for tourists and local economies.”

Applications close on Sunday March 22 at 5pm.

Organisations looking to apply are encouraged to check the Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS Remoteness Areas 2011) to determine whether their festival is in an eligible location.

For more information and to apply visit: www.arts.gov.au/festivals.