The Morrison Government’s Economic Recovery Plan for Australia will create jobs, rebuild our economy and secure Australia’s future, including in Petrie.

Under our plan, taxpayers in Petrie will get a tax cut backdated to 1 July this year.

“This means more money in the pockets of local households to assist with the cost of living, but also to help generate economic activity and create jobs,” Luke Howarth, Member for Petrie said.

The Budget announcements build on the Morrison Government’s unprecedented investment in the health and economic response to COVID-19.

By bringing the Budget back to balance for the first time in 11 years and maintaining our AAA credit rating we entered the crisis from a position of economic strength, providing us with the fiscal firepower to respond when we needed it most.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the Government has provided $257 billion in direct economic support to cushion the blow and strengthen the recovery.

The 2020-21 Budget commits a further $98 billion including: $25 billion in direct COVID-19 response measures and $74 billion in new measures to create jobs.

“We’re supporting Australians to get back to work and businesses to rebuild, grow, and create jobs”,Luke Howarth, Member for Petrie said.

The JobMaker Hiring Credit will be payable immediately to employers who hire eligible employees.

This Budget is investing a record amount in skills and training to make sure Petrie job seekers have the skills they need to get a job.

Luke Howarth, said, “we are also further assisting first home buyers and the construction sector by extending the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme to another 10,000 places and providing an additional $1 billion of low cost finance to support the construction of affordable housing”.

The Morrison Government is investing in our sovereign manufacturing capability to ensure we have an internationally competitive and resilient manufacturing sector, and in the process create more high value jobs”.

Further, our incentives for businesses to invest in their business will create more economic activity and jobs in the Petrie community.

Tax relief for Petrie businesses includes allowing 99 per cent of businesses to deduct the full cost of depreciable assets in the year they are installed, and allowing companies with a turnover of up to $5 billion to offset losses against previous profits on which tax has been paid to generate a refund.

“We will also simplify access to credit for households and small businesses, to support the economic recovery”, Luke Howarth said.

The Morrison Government is also delivering record infrastructure investment, expanding our record 10-year infrastructure pipeline to $110 billion, and supporting a further 40,000 jobs nationally. The Budget also includes a $2 billion investment in road safety upgrades to save lives and an additional $1 billion to support local councils to immediately upgrade local roads, footpaths and street lighting to create jobs now.

Luke Howarth, Member for Petrie said the Morrison Government’s Economic Recovery Plan for Australia will create jobs, rebuild our economy and secure Australia’s future.

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

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.

On Monday 11 November 2019, Australia will commemorate the anniversary of the Armistice that ended the fighting in the First World War.

Luke Howarth MP, Federal Member for Petrie, is encouraging the local community to participate in their local commemorative service on 11 November and observe a minute’s silence at 11am to remember the Australian service men and women who have suffered and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

“Every year at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we mark Remembrance Day because it was at this time and date in 1918 that the guns fell silent on the Western Front, officially ending the First World War,” Mr Howarth said.

“It is important that we keep this tradition ongoing so I hope all schools across the electorate will participate in commemoration ceremonies with services being held at the Redcliffe, Deception Bay and Geebung Zillmere Bald Hills Aspley RSLs.

“The war came at a great cost for Australia, with more than 60,000 service men and women never returning home, from the 416,000 who enlisted.

“More than 102,000 names are today listed on the Australian War Memorial’s Roll of Honour in Canberra to honour the lives lost at war and it is vital we continue to remember their service and sacrifice today.

“It is incredibly important to instil an ongoing sense of remembrance and respect in future generations of Australians so our current and former serving defence personnel and their families know their sacrifices are honoured, now and into the future.”

We remind all Australians, including our younger generations, to continue the Remembrance Day tradition and pay tribute to those who have proudly served our nation in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations by attending a local commemorative service and wearing a red poppy in honour of the sacrifices made by our brave service men and women.

Patients in Brisbane’s North will now be able to access lifesaving scans for cancer, stroke, heart and other medical conditions with the Liberal National Government announcing a new MRI licence for Redcliffe Hospital.

This MRI licence is expected to benefit the many Australians living in the region through a Medicare rebate and provide an estimated 5,900 services a year – saving lives and reducing the costs for patients.

An MRI is a commonly used medical scan which gives a detailed view of the soft tissues of the body such as muscles, ligaments, brain tissue, discs and blood vessels.

It is used by doctors to diagnose and monitor a number of different medical conditions including cancer and trauma or sporting injuries.

Federal Member for Petrie, Luke Howarth MP said, today’s announcement is a big win for locals.

“The Government has delivered the licence and patients could receive the Medicare-covered MRI services,” Mr Howarth said.

“It took the State Labor Government five years to lodge an application for a MRI licence for the Redcliffe Hospital and this happened and only after public pressure.”

“Bill Shorten and Labor like to talk about health but it is the Coalition that actually delivers.”

“Having the MRI machine located in the hospital will free up frontline services, such as nurses and ambulance staff who are required to accompany patients to the MRI which is currently available off-site,” Mr Howarth said.

The MRI license will be available whenever the state government finally provides Redcliffe with an MRI. It is now up to the state government to deliver.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Liberal National Government is helping Australians stay healthy and keeping down the cost of healthcare for families.

“Our plan for a strong economy means we continue to deliver record funding for essential services such as Medicare, public hospitals and life-saving medicines,” Minister Hunt said.

“Not only will our new Medicare support ensure patients get better treatment and save money, it will also cut down the amount of time patients travel to get a scan.

“Under the Liberal National Government, Medicare spending is guaranteed and increasing every year from $24 billion in 2017–18 to $28.8 billion in 2021–22 to support health care for every Australian.

“Unlike Labor we have also committed to reducing the cost for patients by indexing targeted diagnostic imaging services including mammography, fluoroscopy, CT scans and interventional procedures.

“The LNP is committed to delivering improved health services in Queensland which includes increased hospital funding with an extra $8 billion for hospitals taking it to $29.5 billion over five years,” Minister Hunt said.

The Liberal National Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued record investment of funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.

Parents will be able to get home to their families sooner and tradies will spend less time in traffic jams following an $80 million injection for local congestion busting projects across Brisbane’s north.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the seven projects will make a real difference to the lives of people living in Brisbane’s north.

“I want people to spend less time stuck in traffic jams and more time at home with their families and working in their businesses – that is what matters,” the Prime Minister said.

The investment includes $50 million for upgrades on the Gympie Arterial Road to meet the significant increase in vehicle traffic and improve the connection to the southern end of the Bruce Highway.

Bracken Ridge residents will benefit from $7.5 million for three projects including: the upgrade of the Barbour Road and Norris Road intersection; upgrades to Norris Road between Telegraph Road and Bracken Ridge Road; and upgrades to Hoyland Street between Kluver Street and Bracken Ridge Road.

The funding forms part of a $244.25 million investment in South East Queensland through the Liberal and Nationals Government’s $1 billion Urban Congestion Fund which was announced at the 2018-19 Budget.

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said he was really pleased that the Federal Coalition Government is delivering for Mango Hill and Bracken Ridge residents.

“Because of our growing economy, we are able to deliver the services and infrastructure our community desperately needs.”

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said estimates put the cost of congestion in Australia’s capital cities at $25 billion per year, projected to reach $40 billion by 2030.

“The Urban Congestion Fund is helping to deliver a more reliable road network for commuters and freight, and support critical access to employment centres and freight hubs,” Mr Tudge said.

“This is as much about hitting those local traffic headaches as it is about the major highways.”

The Liberal and Nationals Government has invested more than $20 billion in Queensland roads and rail since 2013, including over $5 billion provided in last year’s Budget.

Swimming and participating in other recreational activities at the beach can provide significant health benefits for senior Australians.

The Liberal & Nationals Government recognises this and has provided Surf Life Saving Australia with a grant of $530,000 to support its Silver Salties fitness program, designed for all Australians over the age of 65.

Minister McKenzie announced the grant to Surf Life Saving Australia today at the Redcliffe Surf Life Saving Club in Moreton Bay, Queensland CEO of Surf lifesaving Australia, Adam Weir, was in attendance and welcomed the grant.

“The Liberal & Nationals Government is delighted to provide this grant to support Silver Salties – a widely-accessible, low-impact program that offers social and active participation opportunities to senior Australians of all abilities, regardless of their mobility, swimming capability or fitness levels,” Minister McKenzie said

“Surf Life Saving Australia will develop a framework to increase the number of older Australians in our coastal communities who participate in recreational activities on our beaches.

“The organisation will also complete a web-based program, accessible by all Surf Live Saving clubs across the country, to encourage the implementation of fitness programs for senior Australians at the grassroots level.”

Minister McKenzie said Australians were living longer and the Move It Aus Better Ageing program was an important step in helping older Australians to get the most out of their senior years.

“As outlined in the Government’s National Sport Plan – Sport 2030 – no matter what your age and no matter what your stage, we’re encouraging all Australians to embrace the philosophy of “Movement for Life”. This is a really important step in that process,” Minister McKenzie said.

“On current trends, the number of Australians aged 65-plus is expected to double in the next 40 years.

“This shift presents a challenge in broader health terms but provides a chance for sport and physical activity to make a positive difference to the lives of older Australians.”

Currently only 25 per cent of Australians over 65 meet the Department of Health physical activity guidelines of 30 minutes activity per day.

The Liberal National Government is supporting jobs in the Queensland bait prawn industry as it works to recover from an outbreak of white spot syndrome virus.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said $5 million over three years will be shared among local organisations to help keep our country free of the virus.

The funding will also be used to educate commercial and recreational fishers on the risk of not using commercial bait.

“The bait prawn industry plays an import role here in Queensland and we want to make sure these businesses survive and keep employing locals,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

“We want to help get rid of this virus so fisherman down the coast here can get back to business as usual.”

Queensland’s continuing efforts to control and contain the disease mean uncooked prawns, including those used for bait, are unable to be moved outside of the affected area until they are treated.

Industry, Science and Technology Minister Karen Andrews said the Queensland bait prawn industry is experiencing significant losses in revenue, affecting the livelihoods of Australian fisherman, both in Queensland and interstate.

“The white spot outbreak area extends from Caloundra to the NSW border and west to Ipswich where the greasyback prawn is found,” Minister Karen Andrews said.

“This is a common bait for recreational fishers, and the Coalition is helping to stamp this virus out.”

“The Coalition is working to support the local prawn farming industry and jobs through this funding allocation.”

The white spot syndrome virus is a highly contagious infection that affects crustaceans, such as prawns, crabs and yabbies.

There is no impact to human health, so Australians are encouraged to support the local seafood industry, particularly over the Christmas period, by continuing to buy and eat Australian seafood.