Local Government News

Ian Causley
Canberra Connection

Casino vet answers call

Local veterinary surgeon Phil Sharman has answered a call by the Government to join the Australian Veterinary Reserve (AVR) - a new frontline defence initiative against serious animal disease incursions.

The first training course took place at the CB Alexander Agricultural College in Newcastle, and involved lectures and workshops on a range of subjects, including responding to emergency disease outbreaks, quarantine matters, record keeping, communications, workplace safety, self-management and sample collection.

The vets also underwent emergency animal disease training to become members of field surveillance teams, with a particular emphasis on issues such as working with governments and legislative compliance.

The Government set up the AVR program following recommendations in the Frawley Review of Rural Veterinary Services, and launched the Reserve at the Australian Veterinary Association Conference in May.

The AVR vets will also work closely with Government authorities to help strengthen our defences against outbreaks, and ensure we coordinate our responses to maintaining Australia's favourable animal health status.

Over the next three years, a total of 100 vets will be trained to become members of the Reserve.

Disaster grants

Communities looking to better protect themselves against floods, storms, bushfires and other natural disasters can now apply for a grant from the Australian Government.

The Government is offering $18.6 million for organisations under the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program and the Flood Mitigation Program.

The funding can be used for a range of projects including risk management studies, community awareness campaigns and structural works to protect against damage.

Applications close on February 25. Further information is available from my electorate office, or at www.dotars.gov.au/naturaldisasters for the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program and www.dotars.gov.au/regional/rfmp for the Flood Mitigation Program.

Fair Dismissal Bill returns

This Bill will be introduced into Parliament next week and will exempt businesses with fewer than 20 employees from the operation of federal unfair dismissal laws. This will reduce small business costs, unlock employment opportunities, maintain strong productivity growth and provide a golden opportunity to sustain low unemployment (below 5%) for generations to come.

The Fair Dismissal Bill does not remove protections in the Workplace Relations Act against unlawful terminations for small business employees. It will remain unlawful under the Act to dismiss an employee for discriminatory reasons, such as age, race, colour, sex, physical or mental disability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy or religion.

Employees will still be able to agree on termination rights and redundancy pay and include these in certified agreements and AWAs. Protections remain via the current Federal Discrimination and Occupational Health and Safety Legislation for workplace bullying.

Business ready seminars

Commercial Ready is AusIndustry's new flagship innovation product offering competitive grants from $50,000, up to a limit of $5 million, for eligible projects. Commercial Ready will provide up to $200 million a year - for the next seven years - to small businesses for research and development, proof-of-concept, and early-stage commercialisation.

Commercial Ready is part of the Australian Government's Backing Australia's Ability - Building Our Future through Science and Innovation package. It offers streamlined access to grants aimed at encouraging the growth of innovative Australian businesses, increase business investment in research and development and build Australia's commercialisation outcomes.

AusIndustry is the program delivery division of the Australian Government's Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources. AusIndustry delivers a range of 27 innovation grants, small business services, tax and duty concessions, industry sector support, and venture capital products to more than 10,000 businesses every year.

For details about the program, visit www.ausindustry.gov.au.

For further information please contact my electorate office on 1300 301 735, or send me an email: ian.causley.mp@aph.gov.au.