June 23, 2015

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Darren Chester MP, today announced that the Campbell Barracks Redevelopment Project had been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works. 

Campbell Barracks has been the home of the Army’s Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) since the 1960s and the existing facilities are no longer of a suitable standard.

Mr Chester said that much of the Campbell Barracks facility was outdated and had reached the end of its design life.

“The Campbell Barracks Redevelopment Project will provide modern, flexible, purpose-built facilities and improved infrastructure to support the requirements of the SASR,” Mr Chester said.

“The redevelopment project will give the SASR the facilities they need to work, operate, maintain and support the Army’s efforts, both in war time and peace.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Federal Member for Curtin, Julie Bishop MP, has welcomed the announcement.

“The SASR plays an integral role in Australia’s defence operations and I am particularly proud to have the regiment on our doorstep here in Western Australia,” Ms Bishop said.

“As the local member, I am pleased that Campbell Barracks is receiving this much needed redevelopment which will give our soldiers the world-class facilities they need to defend and serve our nation’s interests in Australia and abroad at the highest level.”

The cost of the project is estimated to be $223.6 million. Subject to Parliamentary approval, construction is expected to begin in early 2016 and be completed by early 2018.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence’s Office:        Brie Colley (02) 6277 4029

Federal Member for Curtin’s Office:         Stephanie Vanicek 0409 579 577

Defence Media Operations:         (02) 6127 1999

May 27, 2015

Sporting opportunities for children in local primary schools are set to expand with funding under the Coalition Government’s $100 million Sporting Schools programme now open.

Federal Member for Curtin Julie Bishop is urging schools in the electorate of Curtin to register and apply for the funding which will give them more versatility to run activities before, during and after school.

“This programme is designed to deliver sports for local schools’ particular needs and ultimately to ensure Australian students are active, engaged and having fun,” Ms Bishop said.

“We know it’s vitally important we help children in the electorate of Curtin develop healthy and active habits early in life.”

Only one-third of Australian children are managing the recommended hour of physical activity a day and the Coalition Government is committed to providing students with an opportunity to build healthier habits.

“Sporting Schools is about developing children’s love of sport during those early years, nurturing their love of fitness and activity so that they become committed to a long-term sporting life and fostering skills in leadership, teamwork, social inclusion and community spirit,” Ms Bishop said.

This year’s round of programme delivery grants will enable primary schools in Curtin to deliver sports-based activities during Term 3 and 4 this year.

Federal Member for Curtin’s Office:         Stephanie Vanicek 0409 579 577

May 26, 2015

The University of Western Australia has secured a funding boost from the Australian Government to foster greater collaboration between researchers and industry.

Federal Member for Curtin today congratulated UWA on its success in the Australian Research Council’s 2015 round of the Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP).

Almost $40 million in funding under the new ITRP round will see the establishment of four research hubs and five training centres across Australia.

The new hubs will engage Australia’s best researchers to work collaboratively with industry to deliver importance outcomes and equip future generation of researchers by supporting students in gaining real-world practical skills and experience.

UWA will receive a total of $9.57 million in funding for a Liquefied Natural Gas Futures training centre and a research hub for Offshore Floating Facilities. 

“I am delighted that the University of Western Australia will lead two of the nine programs announced under this round of funding from the Australian Research Council,” Ms Bishop said.

“The funding will enable vital research into engineering challenges for offshore oil and gas projects and deliver projects and training to enable future Australian Liquefied Natural Gas production.

“These programs will help ensure Australia plays a leading role in LNG developments and ensure our State remains at the forefront of oil and gas production.”

Federal Member for Curtin’s Office:         Stephanie Vanicek 0409 579 577

Industrial Transformation Research Program Funding in Curtin

May 13, 2015

Community groups in the electorate of Curtin will benefit from a new funding pool announced in the 2015 Budget.

The Coalition Government’s new Stronger Communities Programme will provide $45 million over two years to fund small capital projects in local communities.

Federal Member for Curtin Julie Bishop said Curtin would receive funding of $150,000 per year over two years to support projects that delivered social benefits.

“I will be consulting closely with eligible organisations in Curtin to identify high-priority projects,” Ms Bishop said.

“Between $1,000 and $20,000 will be made available to reputable, not-for-profit organisations for local projects.

“Grants will fund projects that will yield significant social benefits and can be delivered within the two-year lifespan of the programme. I look forward to seeing new local projects for a stronger community, and to the people of Curtin benefitting from this programme.”

The 2015 Budget is the next step in the Government’s responsible, long-term economic plan to build a strong, safe and prosperous future for all Australians.

Guidelines for the Programme will be available shortly on the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development website at www.infrastructure.gov.au.

Federal Member for Curtin’s Office:         Stephanie Vanicek 0409 579 577

May 13, 2015

The 2015 Budget is part of the Australian Government’s plan to keep Australia safe and secure.

The Australian Government will commit $450 million to strengthen intelligence capabilities and to counter extremist messaging, in addition to the $630 million invested in the 2014-15 Mid-Year Economic Fiscal Outlook.

“Australia’s National Terrorism Public Alert was raised in September 2014 to High because the threat of terrorism at home and abroad has increased,” Federal Member for Curtin and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said.

“To help combat terrorism at home and deter Australians from committing terrorist acts abroad, we need to ensure our security agencies are resourced properly and have the powers to respond to evolving threats and technological change.”

The new measures include $296 million to strength the capacity of intelligence agencies and $131 million to assist the telecommunications industry to upgrade its systems to implement new policy relating to the retention of metadata.

“To deter terrorism we need to challenge the recruitment methods used by extremist organisations – particularly online,” Ms Bishop said.

“The Government will invest $22 million to combat terrorist propaganda and counter violent extremism. This measure will challenge terrorist organisations’ lies and propaganda online. This will make it harder for terrorist groups to attract vulnerable Australians, particularly young Australians, through the internet and social media.”

A further $750 million is provided in the Budget to extend Australia’s military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Middle East, including $382 million for ADF operations to disrupt and degrade the terrorist organisation Da’esh in Iraq.

Federal Member for Curtin’s Office:         Stephanie Vanicek 0409 579 577

May 13, 2015

Families and small businesses in the electorate of Curtin are the big winners in the 2015 Budget.

“This Budget will deliver jobs, growth and opportunity in a way that is responsible, measured and fair,” Federal Member for Curtin and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said.

“It is the next step in the Coalition Government’s long-term economic plan to build a stronger, safe and more prosperous future for all Australians.”

Ms Bishop said while there are economic challenges, the economic management of the Abbott Government has seen Australia’s economic and Budget position improve.

“Our economic plan is working. Economic growth is up; jobs are up – nearly 250,000 new jobs since the election and retail sales are at record levels – as are new dwelling approvals,” she said.

“Deficits over the forward estimates are reducing each and every year from $35.1 billion in 2015-16 to $6.9 billion in 2018-19. Importantly, our timetable back to a Budget surplus is unchanged from last year.”

Highlights of the Budget include:

• The $5.5 billion Jobs and Small Business package – the biggest small business package in our nation’s history;
• The $4.4 billion Families Package to give parents more choice and opportunity to work;
• Reforms that make our taxation, foreign investment, welfare and individual benefits systems fair and sustainable;
• $1.2 billion in new funding for national security, which builds on the $1 billion announced last year.

Ms Bishop said she was delighted that the Budget will help build a strong, safe and prosperous future for all Australians.

Federal Member for Curtin’s Office:         Stephanie Vanicek 0409 579 577