Senator David Fawcett | Politician

Senator David Fawcett

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25.01.2022 GUARENTEEING THE VETERAN GOLD CARD The Morrison Government has confirmed it will not change eligibility requirements to the Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card which were recommended by the Productivity Commission. The Productivity Commission, in their report A Better Way to Support Veterans, recommended restricting future Gold Card eligibility to veterans with a severe service-related impairment, among other recommendations, effectively meaning no new grants of Gold Cards for veter...ans’ dependants or a number of other veteran cohorts who are currently entitled. These recommendations are not consistent with our Government’s strong commitment to support the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families, and implement measures that are in their best interests. In coming to this decision, the Government consulted extensively with the veteran community. New support measures for veterans and their families announced in the 2020/21 Federal Budget total more than $340 million, including $101.7 million to improve support for mental and physical health and wellbeing. Over 225,000 veterans and their families are also eligible to receive 2 additional Economic Support Payments of $250 each, in December and March the result of a $113.2 million investment. Annually, the Australian Government invests a record $11 billion supporting 280,000 veterans and their families. More information on Veteran support measures in the 2020/21 Federal Budget: https://bit.ly/36QTKmF

21.01.2022 ASC has contributed significantly to the Royal Australian Navy’s ability to achieve worlds-best submarine availability meaning our Collins Class submarines are available to defend Australia when we need them. Australian businesses, including Adelaide’s Century Engineering, make up over 90% of the sustainment supply chain managed by ASC and funded by the Australian Government. With over 100 staff, Century Engineering provide high-end engineering and fabrication solutions f...or the submarines. By engaging Australian industry to support the Collins Class subs, ASC is generating more Australian jobs, and better-quality jobs. Century Engineering have been profiled by ASC, as the first of their Australian supply chain to feature in a video series. Over the next decade, the Australian Government is investing $575 billion in defending Australia, including $270 billion for investment in new and upgraded capabilities. More information on the Collins Class sustainment: https://bit.ly/338XY8c

20.01.2022 Exercise outside of the home is now permitted, and can be done with members of the same household. All other restrictions under the Stay at Home Direction will... remain in place until midnight Saturday. From 12:01am Sunday, restrictions will be eased and South Australia Police will provide details shortly.

20.01.2022 Updated information on SA COVID-19 Response and Restrictions. For those needing to access financial support, more information is available here: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/covid19 For SA-specific financial support, including the Pandemic Leave Payment and Cluster Isolation Payment, visit: https://bit.ly/36SFfPa... For South Australians receiving JobSeeker payments, mutual obligations requirements have been lifted until Sunday 29 November 2020. More information: https://bit.ly/38Wxgn6 More information on SA Government’s COVID-19 Response: www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/response

19.01.2022 Australia’s comeback continues. Today's positive jobs numbers highlight the #COVIDSafe recovery is firmly underway. 178,800 jobs gained back in October brings the total since May to 648,500 jobs. 75 per cent of the jobs lost due to #COVID19 have now returned.

19.01.2022 GOVERNMENTS’ LATEST DEFENCE INNOVATION INVESTMENT The Australian and South Australian Governments’ are investing in our sovereign defence industry to develop defence capability by encouraging continued innovation, which enables the Australian Defence Force to remain at the cutting edge of defence technology. $10 million in Australian Government funding has been committed to develop new Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications across Information and Cyber, Maritime, Air, Sp...ace, and Land defence domains part of a $32 million Defence Innovation Hub investment over the next 2 years. More information: https://bit.ly/2J9o4Rk Hunter Class Frigate lead contractor ASC Shipbuilding and Flinders University are set to benefit from the SA Liberal Government’s $5 million investment in a new advanced manufacturing accelerator - ahead of the Hunter Class Frigates prototyping phase commencing in December. Flinders University are also investing $5 million in the program which will test advanced manufacturing technologies for potential deployment at the digital shipyard in Osborne. More information: https://bit.ly/3q00VSh University of South Australia researchers to collaborate on several new defence satellite projects with Defence Science and Technology, Amaero Additive Manufacturing, SMR, Inovor Technologies, BAE Systems Australia, Flinders University and The University of Adelaide, among others, as part of research which won funding through the South Australian Defence Innovation Partnership Cooperative Research Grants. More information: https://bit.ly/363JsAu Over the next decade, the Australian Government is investing $575 billion in defending Australia, including $270 billion for investment in new and upgraded capabilities.

19.01.2022 #LIVE: Update after today's National Cabinet Meeting

19.01.2022 SA COVID-19 Response Update - Circuit breaker restrictions: 18 November South Australia is implementing a circuit breaker from 12:01 am Thursday, 19 November 2020 for the next 6 days to stop the spread of COVID-19. Official Directions will be published in further detail, as the situation progresses. Please remain calm and further detail will be provided, as available.... South Australians need to remain at home for the next 6 days. The following list is not exhaustive. Complete details for restrictions are currently being finalised however this list is current, at time of posting. The following will be permitted to remain OPERATIONAL to maintain critical services only: Critical infrastructure including power, telecommunications, water Supermarkets for essential food Medical supplies and medical services Public transport Airport and essential freight Petrol stations Post Offices and Banking institutions Child care and schools for essential services workers only Veterinary Essential agriculture services Factories remain open for essential machinery upkeep and production of essential products only Mining and smelting for continuity and to prevent damage. People will ONLY be able to leave the house for the following reasons: To go to work, as an emergency services worker or to worker providing essential services For agricultural work To receive medical care, including seeking COVID-19 testing To obtain medical supplies One person from the household once a day to attend supermarkets to obtain essential supplies Organised end of life visits In an emergency situation Masks must be worn outside of the home at all times. ***NOTE YOU CAN NOT LEAVE YOUR HOUSE TO EXERCISE. The following businesses will CLOSE: All schools Takeaway food services Shops (excluding essential food services) Universities and tertiary education facilities Pubs/restaurants/café/food courts Elective surgery/ except cancer Open inspections and auctions Fly-in-fly-out workers Aged care and disability facilities will go into lockdown Construction industry Holiday homes and other holiday accommodation, with no further bookings Wedding and funerals, cancelled and banned Outdoor sport/fitness/exercise not permitted Regional travel not permitted Please remain calm and patient while further information and details are finalised - further information will be provided imminently. Urgent questions in relation to COVID-19 information can be raised by contacting the SA COVID-19 Information Line on 1800 253 787 between the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 7 days per week, or go to the SA Health website: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au The following information copied from SA Government site: https://covid-19.sa.gov.au/response as of 4:02pm 18th November. Please refer to SA COVID-19 site for updates and more information.

18.01.2022 100+ AUSTRALIAN COMPANIES APPLY FOR $900 MILLION IN SUBMARINE CONTRACTS Lead contractor for the Australian Government’s Attack Class Submarine Program, Naval Group Australia has attracted more than 100 Australian-based businesses applying to be part of the first ‘Local Manufacturing Package’ worth approximately $900 million in total announced in October alongside the opening of Naval Group’s new Port Adelaide office. Record Australian Government investment in Defence capa...bility - $270 billion over the next decade is creating more opportunities for Australia’s sovereign defence industry to grow and create jobs, while manufacturing cutting-edge Defence assets including components for the Royal Australian Navy’s 12 Attack Class submarines. The contracts to manufacture 23 specialised components through this work package include the submarine’s main shaft line and weapons handling system. Almost 2,000 Australian businesses have already indicated their interest in participating in wider supply chain opportunities through the Attack Class Submarine program. Naval Group Australia encourage local Australian businesses wanting more information about how to get involved with the Attack Class Submarine program to visit: https://bit.ly/2H71Kqs

15.01.2022 2020/21 FEDERAL BUDGET DELIVERS $625 MILLION FOR SA TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE The 2020/21 Federal Budget is delivering investment for South Australian roads and transport infrastructure creating local construction jobs through shovel-ready projects, as well as improving travel time and safety for SA commuters. Projects funded through this investment are expected to generate an additional 2,600 jobs throughout the state, and include among others:... $136 million for Main South Road Duplication Stage 2: Aldinga-Sellicks Beach $100 million for the Strzelecki Track Upgrade $200 million for the Hahndorf Township Improvements and Access Upgrade This funding brings total Federal infrastructure investment for South Australia’s COVID-19’s recovery to more than $785 million. Since 2013, the Federal Liberal Government have committed more than $9.8 billion for infrastructure in South Australia. More on this SA Transport Infrastructure package: https://bit.ly/3dB4WqC

15.01.2022 Today is Remembrance Day. Join me in pausing for a minute’s silence at 11am this morning to remember the 102,800 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice across wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Their service and sacrifice remind us that freedom always has, and always will come at a price.... This year, Remembrance Day will look a little different to years past, and social distancing measures apply. ABC Adelaide will livestream today’s Australian War Memorial event, commencing at 10:15am ACDT, and you can watch here: https://bit.ly/38u2jpY In 2020, we have also marked the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War II commemorated through Victory in Europe (VE) and Victory in the Pacific (VP) Days. Since World War I, almost two million men and women have served our nation in the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force. We enjoy the liberty we do today because of their service. For current and former ADF members and their families, free and confidential counselling and support is available 24/7 from Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling. Phone: 1800 011 046 or visit https://openarms.gov.au/ for more information.

14.01.2022 2020/21 BUDGET’S TAX RELIEF FOR LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME EARNERS The Morrison Government’s legislated tax relief is now reducing the tax being paid by 11 million Australians enabling them to keep more of what they earn. Following legislated changes announced in the 2020/21 Federal Budget, the tax cuts are now increasing the take-home income for low and middle income earners. In response to COVID-19’s economic impact, the 2020/21 Budget brought forward scheduled tax cuts to t...his financial year - lowering taxes by $9 billion in 2020/21. These changes, among others, include: Increasing the low-income tax offset from $445 to $700; Lifting the 19% threshold from $37,000 to $45,000; and Lifting the 32.5% threshold from $90,000 to $120,000. More information on tax reforms delivered in the 2020/21 Federal Budget: https://bit.ly/2Gsptla

11.01.2022 The Indo-Pacific region is experiencing the most consequential strategic realignment in almost 80 years, and Australia and Japan share a strong commitment to work together in support of a free, open, inclusive, secure and stable Indo-Pacific. Our two nations have formalized the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) a landmark defence treaty that will further deepen the countries’ strategic and security relationship. This agreement facilitates greater and more complex practical ...engagement between the Australian Defence Force and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces enhancing our inter-operability and cooperation, and supporting our joint involvement in broader multilateral exercises. The RAA represents a pivotal moment in the history of Japan-Australia relations, and will form a key feature of Australia’s and Japan’s response to an increasingly challenging security environment in our region amid more uncertain strategic circumstances. More information: https://bit.ly/32YBYge

10.01.2022 2020/21 FEDERAL BUDGET DELIVERS MODERN MANUFACTURING STRATEGY The Morrison Government’s $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy (MMS) was delivered through the 2020/21 Federal Budget designed to get economic conditions right for business; make science and technology work for industry; focus on areas of advantage; and build national resilience. Part of our JobMaker plan, the Government’s strategy has 3 key initiatives - to be delivered over 4 years: ... $1.3 billion for large transformative projects, with a focus on encouraging private investment and building the scale, connections and capabilities of local manufacturers. $107.2 million into a Supply Chain Resilience Initiative to identify gaps in supply chains and take action to address them. $52.8 million expansion of the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund, building on the popular and successful program to address the competitiveness of individual manufacturers in priority sectors. The MMS is to support projects within 6 manufacturing priority sectors: resources technology and critical minerals processing, food and beverage, medical products, recycling and clean energy, defence and space. South Australia’s sovereign defence and space industries, and their relevant supply chains, are already experiencing growth as result of the Government’s $270 billion investment in our defence capability over the next decade, and almost $700 million already committed to Australia’s space sector over the last 2 years. More information on the MMS: https://bit.ly/2SDtHJ8

09.01.2022 MORE GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY INITIATIVES IN CYBER SECURITY Australia is experiencing a significant increase in the frequency, scale and sophistication of malicious cyber security attacks targeting defence and government agencies, critical infrastructure, and business, among others. The Morrison Government’s 2020/21 Federal Budget delivers Australia’s largest ever investment in cyber security through our $1.7 billion 2020 Cyber Security Strategy, to increase Australia’s ca...pability to respond to malicious cyber attacks and grow our cyber security workforce. Recent developments in the cyber security sector include: University of South Australia have partnered with Optus on a new cyber security research and collaboration hub, based at A3C in Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen. The hub will deliver undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as a joint research and innovation fund. More information: https://bit.ly/2UsXIvX The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has released a new publication to help Australian businesses avoid being scammed through email. In 2019/20, similar scams totaling 4,255 reports to the ACSC have cost Australian businesses more than $142 million. More information: https://bit.ly/3kwNSUx For the publication: https://bit.ly/2IF6KDm Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton released an exposure draft for the proposed Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020. This legislation is part of the Government’s plan to secure Australia’s essential services, through the 2020 Cyber Security Strategy. Submissions close 27 Nov. More information: https://bit.ly/3f1OvUQ The Cyber Security Strategy includes $1.4 billion over the next decade to enhance the cyber security capabilities and assistance provided to Australians through the Australian Signals Directorate and ACSC, as well as creating over 500 cyber security jobs in ASD. More information on the Strategy: https://bit.ly/3jIf4iN

08.01.2022 The Reserve Bank of Australia has confirmed in a recent report that the Morrison Government’s JobKeeper program has saved at least 700,000 Australian jobs. More information: https://bit.ly/3685rq0 Independent economic modelling from The University of Adelaide and Curtin University, released this week, estimates approximately 500,000 Australian households were spared the risk of losing their homes or being forced into housing stress as a result of temporary COVID-19 payments, ...including JobKeeper among others. More information: https://bit.ly/37cw50h In response to the economic and health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Morrison Government has taken decisive action and invested significant funds where necessary to keep Australian businesses afloat and help Australians remain in jobs creating our Economic Recovery Plan. The 2020/21 Federal Budget commits a further $98 billion to the Economic Recovery Plan, including approximately $74 billion in new measures to create jobs. Our economic recovery is underway. Australia's economy has added 648,500 jobs in the past 5 months, and now 75% of the jobs lost due to COVID-19 have returned. More information on the Morrison Government’s Economic Recovery Plan: https://ourcomeback.gov.au/

07.01.2022 2nd STAGE OF SA DOG FENCE REBUILD BEGINS Stage 2 of the SA Dog Fence rebuild has now begun, with new equipment and materials being used for the 115-kilometre stretch. The second stage of the rebuild includes 116 km of mesh, 465 km plain wire, 116 km of barbed wire, and 950,000 c-clips. In early 2019, I wrote to the Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud MP to advocate for federal funds to repair the SA Dog Fence, which includes sections more than a century old. The Feder...al Liberal Government responded to calls from the livestock industry and all those who rely on Australian producers, investing $10 million of the $25 million project cost. The State Marshall Liberal Government is investing another $10 million, with the remaining $5 million from industry. Last month, Premier Steven Marshall visited the Dog Fence while up north, to see how Stage 1 works had progressed. This rebuild gives SA Livestock farmers greater assurance that their livelihood is at reduced risk of wild dog attacks. More information: https://bit.ly/38cUNjb

07.01.2022 For South Australians who have been instructed to self-isolate or quarantine at home due to a public health direction or a positive COVID-19 test, up to $1,500 is available. For eligible people who are part of a designated COVID-19 cluster and are required to self-isolate while awaiting their test result, the one-off COVID-19 Cluster Isolation Payment of $300 is available. More information: https://bit.ly/32RMVzW

05.01.2022 Yesterday, I attended the rededication of Mount Barker’s Avenue of Honour by Governor of South Australia, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, with my senate colleague Senator Andrew McLachlan CSC and local state member Dan Cregan. For each local serviceman and woman who lost their life during WWI, WWII or the Vietnam War, there is a Magnolia tree and plaque lining the avenue’s path through Keith Stephenson Park which commemorates their service a reminder that freedom always has, and always will come at a price. Thank you to all those, including the Mt Barker RSL Sub-Branch and President Tim Richardson, who have invested time and effort into renewing this memorial walk.

04.01.2022 2020/21 FEDERAL BUDGET ENCOURAGING BUSINESS TO HIRE YOUNG AUSTRALIANS & APPRENTICES The Australian Government is tackling unemployment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, through the 2020/21 Federal Budget. $4 billion has been allocated to provide incentive for businesses to hire young Australians, aged between 16 to 35 as the age-group disproportionately affected by loss of casual and part-time work during COVID-19. The new JobMaker Hiring Credit provides businesses with... up to $200 per week for hiring people within this age bracket helping almost an estimated 450,000 young jobseekers secure income as businesses re-open. More information: https://bit.ly/329x7Z3 On top of this, 280,000 apprentices and trainees 100,000 new and 180,000 existing can be supported through the Australian Government’s 50% wage subsidy. This measure provides eligible employers up to $7,000 each quarter to pay an apprentice or trainee’s wage, enabling small and medium-sized businesses to keep them employed. An additional $1 billion has been committed, in partnership with States and Territories, to fund up to 340,000 new training places across Australia 23,000 in SA to help school leavers and job seekers access short and long courses to develop skills which can be used in areas of employment growth. More information on how the Government is strengthening Australia’s workforce: https://bit.ly/34RqWuB

03.01.2022 For all South Australians currently looking for work, I encourage you to participate in the upcoming Adelaide Virtual Jobs Fair - on Thursday 26th November, from 9:30am to 1:00pm. While initially intended to be an in-person event, recent SA COVID-19 cases have meant that this event will now take place online - job seekers are still able to learn more about job opportunities without needing to leave your home. Free to register, you can communicate with prospective employers an...d employment agencies online, as well as access career and employment advice. Businesses confirmed as exhibitors include BAE Systems Australia lead contractor for Defence’s Future Frigate Program, Resthaven, Datacom which assist several Federal Government agencies to provide essential frontline services including telehealth, Defence Jobs Australia, Ingham's, Anglicare SA, Teys Australia, Qube Logistics and Thomas Foods - Australia, among others. All these exhibitors have vacancies they are currently looking to fill. More information: https://bit.ly/3kUXsRo To register: https://bit.ly/3pM1tLo

02.01.2022 SA COVID-19 Response and Restrictions - 22 November Updated information and more details available here: www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/