The Morrison Government has announced $100 million in funding for programs aimed at empowering people with disability across Australia to be independent and engage fully in social, economic and community life.

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Stuart Robert, said the Individual Capacity Building grants is now open and will fund activities in the community over the next three years that benefit all Australians with disability, their carers and families.

‘I want to see people with disability in Australia having more opportunities to participate in and contribute to the community and this funding will go towards building inclusive communities right across our country,’ Mr Robert said.

Jason Falinski encouraged local organisations in Mackellar to consider applying for a grant through the program.

‘The funding is part of the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program, which is unique in that it is for all Australians with disability, not just NDIS participants, so I would encourage all eligible organisations in Mackellar to apply today.’ Mr Falinski said.

The grants are targeted at Disabled Peoples Organisations (DPO) and Families Organisations (FO) and will fund grassroots programs that will build the capacity of individuals such as peer support, mentoring and skills-building, as well as activities to build organisational capacity including professional development, leadership training, coaching, strategic and business planning.

The grant round opens on Monday 19 August and closes at 11pm on Monday, 30 September 2019.

More information including assistance for organisations to develop their ILC grant pitch, can be found at the NDIS website www.ndis.gov.au. Grant applications can be submitted via the Community Grants Hub www.communitygrants.gov.au. 

Background:

There are two types of activity supported by these grants:

Individual Capacity Building (ICB) – Supporting activities focused on increasing the knowledge, skills and confidence of people with disability to set and achieve their goals, for example peer support, mentoring and skills-building programs.

Organisational Capacity Building (OCB) – Funding for disabled peoples organisations and families organisations to build skills in running an organisation, for example through professional development, leadership training, coaching, strategic and business planning, governance and risk management, marketing, communications and evaluation.

Who can apply?

Disabled peoples organisations and families organisations can apply for Individual Capacity Building (ICB) and Organisational Capability Building (OCB) funding.

Organisations led by ILC Priority Cohorts can only apply for ICB funding.

Launch of public consultations on Geographical indications

Mackellar producers and businesses can have their say on Geographical Indications as the Morrison Government works towards securing an ambitious and comprehensive free trade agreement with the European Union (EU).

Member for Mackellar, Jason Falinski said the public consultation process on Geographical Indications, which is now open, would give industry a three month opportunity to express their views on the EU’s proposed list of protected terms known as ‘Geographical Indications’ or GIs.

“The Morrison Government wants to hear directly from Australian farmers and businesses so that we can fully represent them in our continuing negotiations with the EU,” Mr Falinski said.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said there are enormous opportunities for Australian farmers and businesses to improve their access to markets across the EU. The EU boasts more than 500 million consumers and, even with existing trade restrictions, it is already Australia’s third largest export market.

“Whilst we understand the importance the EU places on geographical indications, our priority is ensuring our farmers and businesses can get better market access and be more competitive in the EU,” said Minister Birmingham.

“This consultation process will help us better understand the views of Australian industry, which will assist us in our ongoing discussions with the EU on why their requested protection of certain terms will not be acceptable in some cases.

“Australians can be confident that we will drive a very hard bargain – as we always do – to achieve an overall agreement that delivers more opportunity for Australian farmers and businesses. Ultimately, we will only do this deal if overall it is in Australia’s interests to do so.”

The EU is Australia’s second largest trading partner, third largest export destination, and second largest services export market. Australia and the EU have a close trading relationship, with $109 billion in two-way goods and services trade last year.

Australian industry and business are invited to read the EU’s list of proposed GIs https://dfat.gov.au/aeufta/gis and make a submission https://dfat.gov.au/aeufta/pop by 13 November 2019.

Improving facilities for students at Northern Beaches Christian School

Students at Northern Beaches Christian School in Terrey Hills will benefit from new outdoor learning and playground spaces thanks to a Morrison Government grant.

Member for Mackellar Jason Falinski today announced the Australian Government would provide $250,000 towards the project at Northern Beaches Christian School through the Capital Grants Program.

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

“The Government has committed $703 million until 2022, which provides funding for
non-government schools to improve capital infrastructure.

“These upgrades will help advance Northern Beaches Christian School and ensure our classrooms have modern facilities.

“I congratulate Northern Beaches Christian School for their successful grant and look forward to seeing the impact these improvements will have in our community.”

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

Local community infrastructure grants available in Mackellar

The Liberal and Nationals’ Government has committed $150,000 to fund local community infrastructure projects across the electorate of Mackellar.

Federal Member for Mackellar, Jason Falinski said projects will be funded as part of a $22.65 million investment nationwide under Round 5 of the Stronger Communities Programme.

“These investments in vital local infrastructure for the people of Mackellar are the sort of projects that bring our communities together, strengthen social connections, build community participation and create vibrant and viable communities into the future,” Mr Falinski said.

“The benefits of these projects will include not for profit organisations including volunteer groups and community groups, making this a major win for the entire community.”

Each electorate nationwide has received $150,000 to allocate towards successful projects, with a maximum of 20 projects to be funded per electorate. Grants values range from $2,500 to $20,000.

For further information and guidelines interested parties should contact Mr Falinski’s office via phone on (02) 8484 0300 or email at Jason.Falinski.MP@aph.gov.au. Those wishing to make an application can do so through the link below. 

Online Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ky708KpDQDtJ-ge82wujR769bk5Flo99ftQ1-FoxEow/edit?usp=forms_home&ths=true

Northern Beaches MP, Jason Falinski has today turned the first sod on the new Opal Seaside retirement village in Warriewood. Opal Seaside is the 6^th Opal care home in the Sydney North region.

“It is great to be here today to turn the first sod on this development.” Mr Falinski said.

“When I first started working in aged care some 20 years ago, I remember walking into a retirement home and the first thing I noticed was the strong smell of ammonia and how unhomely these places used to be.”

“Today, retirement homes resemble a 6 star resort more than they do a hospital and we have come a long way.”

Upon completion Opal Seaside will be a 148 bed aged care home with a total investment of $48 million. The home will include a dedicated memory support unit providing dementia care as well as exercise areas and a reablement clinic.

“It’s fantastic to see such excellent investments into aged care facilities.”

“Our seniors deserve to enjoy their retirement and as Northern Beaches residents move into their next stage of life, it is nice to know they can be well looked after here on the beaches and not have to move to the North Shore or other parts of Sydney.”

The Opal Seaside facility would also include a coffee shop and an al fresco dining area, an entertainment lounge, hairdressing and beauty salon as well as gardens and general courtyard areas.

The facility would follow the 24 hour 7 day a week nurse led care model.

Mr Falinski attended the event along with Mayor Michael Regan of Northern Beaches Council.

They were joined by Opal executives, Rachel Argamen Opal aged care CEO, Harley Wright Chief Commerical Officer, Marie Barter NSW North General Manager and Greg Zieschang National Development Manager.

Northern Beaches MP, Jason Falinski says money is available for local schools to fund projects that benefit students and the school community.

Mr Falinski said up to $200,000 was available to schools in Mackellar through the Morrison Government’s $30.2 million Local Schools Community Fund.

“All schools in Mackellar will be eligible to apply for funding ranging in value from $1,000 to $20,000 with the money going towards a school project,” Mr Falinski said.

“School leaders know what is best for their schools, and the Local Schools Community Fund allows them to pursue a project that will make the biggest difference to their students’ education. Funding for small-scale extensions or classroom refurbishments, new computer facilities, mental health and counselling services, playground equipment, library resources, or sports facilities are all covered through this Fund.”

Minister for Education Dan Tehan said projects would be assessed on the benefit they would bring to the school community.

“The Morrison Government is providing record funding for Australian schools,” Mr Tehan said. “We will increase funding for all primary and secondary schools across all sectors by an average of 62 per cent per student.

“The Local Schools Community Fund is additional funding that builds on our investment by allowing individual schools to nominate their own projects that will make the biggest difference to their school community.”

Schools can lodge one application for each of their campuses and use SchoolsHUB – https://schools.education.gov.au/ to apply. Applications open on 25 July 2019 and close on
30 September 2019. Projects must be completed by the end of 2020. Committees will be established by local Members of Parliament in every electorate in Australia to independently assess each application from schools within their electorate. The Local Schools Community Fund is open to all schools but eligibility conditions will apply.

Northern Beaches MP, Jason Falinski and the Morrison Liberal government have successfully passed their tax agenda.

Around 75380 low and middle income earners in Mackellar will start to receive immediate tax relief from next week. These changes were the government’s flagship policy throughout the election and passing them was a personal objective for Mr Falinski.

“The Coalition Government has delivered on its promise to build a better tax system and provide more tax relief in Mackellar,”Mr Falinski said.

“This will ensure low and middle income earners on the Northern Beaches will keep more of what they earn and have more money in their pockets. This will ultimately boost household consumption, which will be good for the overall economy.

“Those earning up to $126,000 on the Northern Beaches will receive up to $1,080, and dual income couples will receive up to $2,160.”

The tax package provides a further $158 billion in tax relief, building on the already legislated Personal Income Tax Plan that we announced in the 2018-19 Budget.

The Government has also locked in the benefits of low and middle income tax relief by increasing the top threshold of the 19 cents in the dollar tax bracket from $41,000 to $45,000 and by increasing the low income tax offset from $645 to $700 in 2022-23.

In combination with the legislated removal of the 37 per cent tax bracket in 2024-25, the Government is delivering structural reform to the tax system by reducing the 32.5 cents in the dollar tax rate to 30 cents in the dollar.

“Together, these tax relief measures will create a flatter and better tax system that will improve incentives for those working hard around the Northern Beaches,”Mr Falinski said.

“It will also ensure that 94 per cent of Australians will face a marginal tax rate no higher than 30 cents in the dollar in 2024-25.

“Australians voiced their loud and clear support for our comprehensive tax package at the election. They supported a tax system that rewards aspiration and encourages effort, and we have delivered it. 

“Lower taxes are part of our plan for a stronger economy.”

Mr Jason Falinski MP has today been sworn in as the Member for Mackellar, along with all 151 members of the House of Representatives in the 46^th Parliament. Mr Falinski was first elected to the role in 2016 and this will mark the beginning of his second term.

“It is a great privilege to represent the people of Mackellar in the parliament.”

“During the election, I promised that if you were my voice on May 18, I would be yours for the next three years. You elected me, and now it is time for me to fulfil my promise.”

“I would also like to thank my family, friends and team of volunteers who have supported me, not just throughout the election but also the last three years and earlier.”

The Northern Beaches MP has reaffirmed his commitment to fight for lower taxes, secure retirement and improving lifestyle, especially protecting the future of the oceans and planet.

Northern Beaches MP, Jason Falinski is demanding action from Telstra to upgrade phone reception in Cottage Point. This call comes off the back of a tragic death which may have been avoided if the area had adequate phone reception. A Cottage Point resident suffered a heart attack and his wife had to alert her neighbours to call for help before returning to her husband to perform CPR. Sadly the man died before the ambulance arrived.

“I have been advocating for improved mobile phone coverage at Cottage Point since I was elected in 2016 but this is the last straw. A man has died, and his wife was unable to call for an ambulance as there was no mobile phone reception.” Mr Falinski said.

“Telstra need to stop stuffing the people of Cottage Point around. It doesn’t matter that they may be a small community; they are worth just as much as people living in the CBD of Melbourne or Sydney. Andrew Penn needs to respond immediately and provide them with phone reception.  

Cottage Point is home to over 100 residents as well as a Rural Fire Brigade, Marine Rescue Station and the Kuring-Gai Motor Yacht Club. It is also a popular tourist destination and the marina is a popular location for the yachting and boating community.

Over the years Mr Falinski has made numerous requests to Telstra to have the landline switchboard equipment upgraded from an out-of-date 4 E1 Microwave Radio transmission system.

“The current infrastructure in Cottage Point is old and in extremely poor condition. Every time there is a storm, it requires specialists to repair it. This often takes days, leaving residents not only without mobile phone reception but also their landlines. This is totally unacceptable.”

Mr Falinski has made representations to the Minister of Communications, the Hon. Paul Fletcher MP as well as the CEO of Telstra Mr Andrew Penn. Mr Falinski has also set up a petition on his website to gain community support for Cottage Point’s desperate need for phone reception.

Online Petition: https://www.jasonfalinski.com.au/cottage_point_phone_reception

Avalon Surf Life Saving Club has been named New South Wales Community Club of the year. It was the only Surf Life Saving Club nominated in the State.

“Avalon Surf Club has just been given another award! This comes off the back of the club already winning both State and National Surf Club of the Year awards.” Mr Falinski said.

“I’ve come to expect nothing less from Avalon and the team up there, led so brilliantly by Club President Ashley Cardiff.”

Sport NSW Community Club of the Year was awarded to Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club last night at Parliament House in Sydney.