The Morrison government will invest $60 million to trial a wage subsidy as an incentive for employers in regional and rural communities to employ more apprentices.

Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education Senator Michaelia Cash said the trial would see up to 1,630 new Australian Apprentices in areas of skills needs.

“There are 3.3 million Australian small businesses which contribute around $395 billion annually to our economy. Small business plays a vital role in our community, from giving young Australians their first real job to supporting our local charities and sporting organisations,” Minister Cash said.

“Through this incentive we are securing the skills our regional and rural businesses need to remain competitive and give local students new opportunities at home.”

From 1 January 2019, the new subsidy under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program (AAIP), will support eligible new Australian Apprentices in areas such as plumbing, mechanical, electrical, painting trades and hairdressing.

Toni Turner (left), owner of Madora Bay Glass, and their apprentice Harely (centre), with Andrew Hastie.

“Too often regional communities suffer from a lack of opportunity for young people, causing an exodus to the cities,” said Member for Canning Andrew Hastie.

“This trial is just one of the things the Coalition is doing to improve job opportunties for young people in the Peel region.”

“A VET qualification can unlock as many opportunities and is just as important to the economy as a university degree,” Mr Hastie continued.

“This investment is part of our Government’s commitment to vocational education and training that delivers the quality skilled workforce our community needs.”

Mr Hastie said that under the subsidy ­eligible employers in the City of Mandurah and Shires of Murray, Waroona and Boddington could receive payments based on the apprentice’s relevant award wage rates.

“Subsidies will be provided at 75 per cent of the apprentice’s award wage in the first year, followed with 50 per cent in the second year and 25 per cent in the third year.” 

The new wage subsidy will complement other incentives currently available through the AAIP and support the engagement of eligible new full-time apprentices at the Certificate III and IV levels in occupations on the National Skills Needs List in regional and rural communities.

Communities in Canning are invited to apply for a share in $200 million under Round 3 of the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

Andrew Hastie MP is urging groups and organisations in the Peel Region and beyond to take advantage of the fund, and get local infrastructure and community-building projects of all sizes off the ground. 

“This fund is dedicated to unlocking the economic potential in remote and regional Australia.

“Our region has already benefited from rounds one and two of the Building Better Regions Fund with $6.5 million invested into five projects in Pinjarra, Waroona, Dwellingup, and Preston Beach - driving economic growth in Canning and delivering lasting benefits to our communities.

“I encourage all eligible organisations with a great project idea to apply for the third round of funding,” said the Member for Canning.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the projects delivered under Round 3 will ensure regional and remote communities continue to thrive.

“We have had fantastic outcomes over the first two funding rounds of the Coalition Government’s Building Better Regions Fund and I expect Round 3 to deliver more of the same with up to $45 million earmarked to increase tourism,” Mr McCormack said.

“Tourism is a major industry in many of our regional areas, and this investment in tourism-related infrastructure projects will draw more visitors to remote and regional Australia and the economic benefits they bring with them.

“In this third round we are investing a further $200 million – a clear indication of the Government’s commitment to investing in projects that create jobs, build regional economies and ensure strong and resilient regional communities into the future.”

Applications close on 15 November 2018.

Further information on eligibility and how to apply is available at infrastructure.gov.au/bbrf.

Today the Prime Minister joined me in Mandurah to announce $824 million of federal funding to build three vital infrastructure projects for Canning. This is a major investment into our region.

Historic Funding Announced For The Peel Region

This is the culmination of many years of effort. We will extend and upgrade the Tonkin Highway, build Lakelands Train Station and give Byford locals access to rail.  

These projects will transform the Peel Region in the best possible way. Thank you for signing my petitions, voicing your concerns, and telling your stories. Time and again, you have strengthened the case I've made in Canberra.

Over half a billion dollars will improve and extend the Tonkin Highway southward into the heart of the Peel region. This will put Peel on the map, bringing more jobs and streamlining access to Canning. I’m happy to announce the hard work has paid off.

The Tonkin Highway and Thomas Road intersection has become a severe bottleneck and safety hazard, causing heavy congestion to spill out onto many adjoining local roads. This chokes industrial growth and puts lives at risk. The new extension will connect Tonkin to the South Western Highway, south of Mundijong Road. It will enable free flowing traffic, and improve the safety of many local roads in SJ. 

If you’re a FIFO worker an area like Pinjarra, North Dandalup or Greenfields, shorter commutes will mean more time at home with loved ones. The Tonkin Highway Extension will give you a direct route to the airport.

The Tonkin Highway Extension Will Reduce Congestion And Improve Safety On Roads Throughout SJ

John Mitchell, owner and operator of Mitchell’s Livestock Transport, moves over 500,000 cattle across 1,500 pick-up and delivery locations across Australia. Instead of using a patchwork of main streets and country roads that are unsuitable for heavy haulage, John will soon have access to a newly created North-South corridor.

This is also great news for businessmen like Ron Bell, too. Ron built his business, Bells Engines, from scratch into a big operation with a global market. Although he’d like to expand while remaining local, a growing number of hurdles have forced him to consider leaving the Peel region.  

The new Tonkin Highway extension is exactly what Ron and John need: better road access that will support their businesses.

Improved Infrastructure Will Develop The Local Economy, Growing Jobs And Industry In The Peel Region

A further $241 million will extend the Armadale line to Byford. This is big news. Byford is the fastest growing local government area in Australia. If you live locally, the train will provide easy access to employment in Perth and beyond.

Serpentine-Jarrahdale has undergone serious change over the past 10 years. I acknowledge the anxiety some feel about how the train line may impact our region. I’ll be following the project closely, to ensure the local community isn’t left behind.

This Investment is a Game-Changer For Our Region

This morning the Prime Minister confirmed funding that will get the ball rolling on the Lakelands Train Station. Lakelands residents have been waiting over a decade for this to happen. In that time, the Lakelands population has tripled. $2 million has been allocated to develop the business case, and further funding has been set aside for the station's construction.

We've fought hard for this infrastructure funding. This is a game changer for our region - thank you for your support.

• Regional Growth Fund is now open for initial applications

• Program will provide grants for major projects valued over $20 million

• Initial Applications close on 27 April 2018

The Coalition Government’s highly anticipated Regional Growth Fund is officially open for applications on projects that could shape the future of the region.

Member for Canning Andrew Hastie said the $272 million Regional Growth Fund would support major projects in regional Australia that delivered long-term economic benefits.

“The Regional Growth Fund will support additional investment for projects with the potential to develop the local economy, including from the private sector, other levels of government, and not-for-profit organisations.

We want to support regional communities and harness their natural economic strengths,” name said.

“Initial applications close on 27 April 2018 and I encourage eligible organisations in the Peel region to apply.”

Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the Coalition Government would invest a minimum of $10 million toward each successful infrastructure project, representing a maximum of 50 per cent of project costs.

“The Regional Growth Fund will be a game-changer across Australia by unlocking government funding for projects that have the capacity to transform regional areas,” Dr McVeigh said.

“Successful projects will provide greater support for existing industries such as agriculture, tourism and manufacturing, allowing them to innovate and flourish."

“I look forward to working together with local organisations to deliver more jobs and more opportunities across regional Australia.”

For more information on the program, including the application process, visit www.grants.gov.au

Andrew Hastie has met with orchardists from the Perth Hills, to hear their concerns and discuss how the government can better support West Australian fruit growers.

The growers, who came from orchards in Roleystone, Pickering Brook, Carmel and Karragullen, said that increased operating costs and plummeting prices caused by a glut of imported fruit were a major threat to WA’s fruit industry.

Mr Hastie said he understood the growers’ frustrations.

“WA growers have got it tough,” Mr Hastie said. “They have to grapple with rising overheads such as labour, electricity and transport. At the same time, the big supermarkets are dumping east coast fruit into the WA market.”

“The tragedy is that this has been a bumper year in the Hills, but because local growers can’t sell their fruit, they’re struggling to meet the cost of production.” 

Mr Hastie said that growers also raised the issue of compliance, amid concerns that some eastern producers were undercutting WA prices by not paying legal wages.

“The growers I spoke with just want a fair playing field. Since our meeting, I’ve spoken with the Minister for Home Affairs and I’m confident he’s taking these concerns very seriously. I’ll be keeping a close eye on the situation.”

“In the meantime, the best thing all of us can do is vote with our wallets and demand local grocers stock quality, locally-grown produce.”

Member for Canning Andrew Hastie has used one of his first speeches before parliament in 2018 to call again for the extension of the Tonkin Highway south of Thomas Road.

Mr Hastie told a full sitting of the House of Representatives on Wednesday that the Highway’s expansion was key to local jobs and economic development in the Peel Region.

“The residents of Serpentine Jarrahdale –the fastest growing local government in the country­– have been waiting more than 20 years for the Tonkin Highway to be built past Thomas Road.”

“They are still waiting.”

“Extending the Tonkin Highway will boost the local economy, stimulating industry in Serpentine-Jarrahdale and the centre of the Peel Region. This will create countless local jobs, particularly for young people looking to get into a trade.”

“We need to get this road built soon.”

Mr Hastie’s speech is the latest of more than two years campaigning for the project and comes off the back of a visit in December from federal Minister for Finance, Senator Mathias Cormann.

Minister Cormann said that the federal government understood that extending the Highway was an important step in unlocking the Peel Region’s potential.

“The Turnbull Government recognises that extending the Tonkin Highway south is an essential step in unlocking the Peel region’s economic potential,” Minister Cormann said.

Mr Hastie called on the state and federal governments to work together to get the job completed.

“Locals want it, and the federal government understands the need. I urge Premier McGowan to work with us for the good of Serpentine-Jarrahdale and the greater Peel Region.”

A transcript of Andrew's speech can be found here

Finance Minister today met with Member for Canning Andrew Hastie MP and executives from the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale to talk about the Tonkin Highway extension project.

With the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale recognised by the 2016 Census as the fastest-growing local government area in Australia, Andrew Hastie MP said it was time to get the project off the ground.

“The purpose of today’s meeting was to give the Finance Minister an opportunity to view the project on the ground, rather than just on paper.

“It was a very positive meeting. The Minister understands that extending the Tonkin Highway south to Mundijong Road is critical to sustainable population growth in Serpentine-Jarrahdale,” said Mr Hastie.

“There is wide community support for this project, and all five local governments in the Peel region have identified it as a priority.

“The next step for us is to harness that community support, and encourage the State Government to put the Tonkin Highway extension at the top of their to-do list. The McGowan Government needs to make this a priority,” said the Member for Canning.

I encourage all local residents who support extending the Tonkin Highway to email my office over the Christmas break, so I can take your feedback directly to decision makers,” said Andrew Hastie.

Jobs are on the rise in the City of Mandurah, with a report released today by the Department of Employment showing a sharp decrease in unemployment from 11.6% to 6.8%.

The good news is shared by the Shire of Murray which has experienced a similar drop from 10.7% to 6.5%.

The data, released in the Department of Employment’s, Small Area Labor Markets – September Quarter 2017, reveals that Mandurah recorded the largest decrease in the country, with the unemployment rate falling by 9.6% in Mandurah, 7.5% in Greenfields, and 6.1% in Mandurah South.

The Member for Canning Andrew Hastie welcomed the news, praising the resilience of the Peel region.

“A lot of people have been doing it tough -and we’re certainly not out of the woods yet- but this is very good news for the Peel region.”

“The government has been working hard to ensure there is sufficient support for people looking for work, while at the same time doing everything we can to stimulate growth.”

Minister for Employment Senator Michaela Cash welcomed the news, noting that it reflected strong national jobs growth.

“The economy has now created 14 consecutive months of jobs growth. This is actually the longest consecutive run of jobs growth since 1994.”

“Of the 383,300 jobs that have been created in the past 12 months, and more than 80% of these are fulltime jobs.”

Mr Hastie cited a number of policies and projects introduced by the federal government to support unemployment and job growth in the Peel region.

“We’ve introduced the Mandurah Employment Facilitator and the Stronger Transitions package to support people struggling to find work.

“We’ve backed local job creating projects like the Dwellingup National Trails Centre and Quambie Park aged care expansion in Waroona.

“And we’ve stimulated local small business with the lowest tax rate in 50 years, by removing red tape and by extending the instant asset write off.”

Mandurah-based developers have been given a boost to go global, thanks to a $519,245 innovation grant from the federal government. 

Segnut Pty Ltd has developed a faster, safer fastening system with significant potential for the global industrial market. The nut design consists of an inner section with three segments, held captive by an outer sleeve. When the outer sleeve is turned in the tightening direction, the Segnut releases from the bolt and falls away. 

“An innovative product like this is further evidence of the good things coming out of the Peel region,” Mr Hastie said. 

“Segnut’s design is significantly safer for workers doing heavy industrial maintenance as it eliminates the need for oxy-cutting and other dangerous equipment. The increased efficiency it offers to maintenance will also mean significant savings for business.” 

Segnut is one of eleven businesses to be offered $5 million in commercialisation grants announced by Assistant Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Craig Laundy under the Accelerating Commercialisation element of the Australian Government’s Entrepreneurs’ Programme. 

“These grants will help the recipients to conduct commercialisation activities, proving the viability of their products, processes or services and preparing them for domestic and international markets,” Mr Laundy said. 

“The businesses will also back themselves by matching the grant funding dollar-for-dollar, and the programme’s experienced Commercialisation Advisers will help them navigate this often challenging stage of product development.” 

“Accelerating Commercialisation grants have already supported hundreds of projects across a wide range of industry sectors, and with Australian Government support, many are already achieving success in global markets.” 

To date, the Entrepreneurs’ Programme has provided 264 businesses with commercialisation grants totalling $133.6 million.

Andrew Hastie MP has announced that retrenched workers in Mandurah will be eligible for assistance from the $10.3 million Stronger Transitions Package. 

Mr Hastie said that Mandurah had been identified as one of five key regional areas Australia-wide that could access the package, which will focus on preparing workers in transitioning industries for jobs beyond their current employment. 

“If workers do face retrenchment, the government will ensure there is support ready for them. That includes training and skills transitioning services, intensive jobactive support, relocation options and access to small business opportunities.” Mr Hastie said. 

Mr Hastie said that support would begin prior to a worker’s retrenchment date and continue for months afterwards to ensure their transition is as smooth as possible. 

“Work confers dignity and gives purpose. This package is about saying to workers in Mandurah: the federal government has your back. We support you.” 

Minister Michaela Cash, Minister for Employment said that from 1 July 2018, retrenched workers will receive targeted support to help them move into their next job. 

“The Australian Government is offering additional support because evidence from the automotive industry shows that helping people before they are retrenched better prepares them to move to their next job, including the jobs of the future,” Minister Cash said. 

“Stronger Transitions will help workers back into employment, with elements of the support package based on the highly successful automotive industry Growth Fund model where government and business worked together to connect workers with new opportunities.” 

In addition to Mandurah, support will be made available in Adelaide, North Queensland, North/North-West Tasmania and Melbourne North/West.