The Minister for Innovation and Industry, Greg Combet and myself toured the new ANCA Motion building, which exports cutting edge technology around the world.

These new headquarters are an important step forward for ANCA Motion, which is manufacturing world-class products right here in the outer suburbs of Melbourne.

This is a strong example of Australian ingenuity opening up an export market, and the Gillard Government is committed to fostering an environment where innovative companies like ANCA Motion can continue to thrive.

Last week the Government announced a $29.8 million Manufacturing Technology Innovation Centre in the Budget, aimed at driving innovation through new and improved industrial products and processes. It will build on existing support being provided through initiatives such as AusIndustry, Commercialisation Australia, Enterprise Connect and the R&D Tax Incentive.

ANCA Motion develops innovative computer controlled systems for use in complex manufacturing processes including robotics, engine components and high-end production lines.

The company employs 70 full-time staff here in Victoria, and further 20 in Taiwan and China. By tapping into the global marketplace, ANCA Motion is opening doors for the local manufacturing sector.

Established in 2008, ANCA Motion is a subsidiary of ANCA Pty Ltd which designs and manufactures precision tool and cutter grinding machines for major international companies.

ANCA Pty Ltd exports virtually its entire production, including to key markets in Germany, Japan, China and the United States. Clients of ANCA include Boeing, General Electric, Sandvik, Rolls Royce, Johnson and Johnson, and Sutton Tools.

The visit to Croydon Special School is part of a series of events the Government is holding around Australia, as part of a nation-wide discussion on school funding reforms.

The visits are a good opportunity to meet with teachers and parents and to hear their views on the education review which is focused on giving schools the funding they need to provide quality education.

We’re keen to meet with local communities to discuss how our schools should be funded. I encourage teachers, parents and students to engage in this discussion and provide us with valuable feedback on these important reforms,” Mr Symon said. “No reform of this size and potential can be implemented without parents, teachers and principals having their say.

The Gillard Government is working with the education community to test and refine the proposed new model, known as a Schooling Resource Standard (SRS). The proposed new model would include a base amount per student plus additional funding for students such as those with disability, and schools that need extra support.

By working through the recommendations of the Gonski report in collaboration with the states, territories and non-government schools sectors, we aim to build a better school funding system that will help make every school a great school and give every Australian kid the very best start in life.

We are committed to giving Australians with disability the same opportunities as every other citizen, including access to a great education, and participation in the workforce wherever possible.

We’re making a real difference for families through our initiatives such as the $200 million More Support for Students with Disabilities program, the $220 million Helping Children with Autism program and the $147 million Better Start for Children with Disability program. We’re also developing the nation’s first National Disability Insurance Scheme.

I started my apprentceship back in the early 1980′s and the conditions back then were much different from today’s modern training faciltities.  I was very happy to talk about the importance of trade training and weclome the new apprentices who were trainign at the centre.

We all had a tour of the centre andI met with apprentices and trainers including Andrew and Paula pictured in the photo. 

I want to thank MEGT for establishing this cutting edge trainign centre in the heart of Ringwood, I look forward to meeting more of the apprentices as they progress through their training.

The Federal Goverment has many schemes to encourage and support apprentices, I recommend anyone interested in starting an apprenticeship to visit http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/

 Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Jan McLucas and myself met with local people with disability in Ringwood who have welcomed  news that seven units will be built in the local area as part of the Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund.

 The Gillard Government is delivering more than $2.46 million to EACH community services in Ringwood to build seven co-located, self-contained apartments for people with disability.

This is fantastic news for our community and will provide people with disability in Maroondah with better access to supported accommodation to help them live as independently as possible.

 It is inspiring to meet people who’s future could be made so much brighter with projects like this one being funded under the initiative.

 Inspecting the site of the new development with Chief Executive Officer of EACH, Peter Ruzyla and representatives from Housing Resource and Support Service (HR&SS), Senator McLucas said people with disability, their families and carers need a range of supported accommodation models.

 We want to see people with disability have access to a range of supported accommodation models that will allow them to participate as valued members of their communities.

 The project here in Ringwood will help meet the need and give its residents individualised and personalised support.

The Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund is about encouraging innovation and driving change in the way supported accommodation services are provided.

Well done to EACH and HR&SS on the success under the Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund.

 The accommodation that will be built on Greenwood Avenue is an exciting and innovative project. Congratulations to EACH and HR&SS for their hard work to date and I look forward to seeing construction get underway.

 Senator McLucas said the project is a great model as we look towards the introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme.

 Hearing the stories is what drives us to fundamentally change the way disability care and support is provided in Australia and end the cruel lottery that currently exists.

 A National Disability Insurance Scheme will give people with disability, their families and carers that flexibility and choice to make the solution that suits them.

 The Australian Government is working with the states and territories to lay the foundations for the launch of a National Disability Insurance Scheme.

 But we know the disability service system won’t be repaired overnight. The Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund is an important investment the Australian Government is making right now to help improve the lives of people with disabilities, their families and carers.

 The Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund builds on the Australian Government’s $100 million capital injection in 2008 to build more than 300 supported accommodation places, which are on track to be delivered this year.

This in addition to $7.6 billion being provided to state and territory governments through the National Disability Agreement to deliver increased and improved specialist disability services.

 4 CER has a long history in Ringwood East. The Regiment’s lineage goes back to the 10^th Combat Engineer Squadron who served in WWI. The Ringwood East Depot has been in continuous Defence use since 1956.

 90% of these Reservists live within a 20km radius of the depot, making the Regiment truly local to the eastern suburbs. There are 195 Army Reserve officers and soldiers stationed at the East Ringwood Depot as well as 14 full-time Army personnel.

 Senator Feeney and Mr Symon MP were met by Brigadier Robert Marsh, Commander of 4 Brigade and Lieutenant Colonel Glen Pilbeam, Commanding Officer 4 CER.

 Lieutenant Colonel Pilbeam briefed Senator Feeney and Mr Symon MP on the role of 4 CER, their rich history, connection to the community and active servicemen and women.

Recent domestic operations of 4 CER include deployment to Kinglake in the aftermath of the 2009 fires and a rotation to Shepparton in 2010 and Nathalia in 2012 after floods.

 Currently the unit has one member deployed inAfghanistan, seven members deployed in Timor Leste and upcoming rotations to theSolomon Islands.

 It was great to meet the men and women of 4 CER and to be briefed on their significant contribution to the Army Reserves and ADF.

4 CER is a wonderful example of ordinary people in the electorate of Deakin living extraordinary lives by serving to their country through the Army Reserve.

The Ringwood Depot is certainly a good neighbour to the people of Ringwood, lending a helping hand to the community wherever possible.

 “We often get requests from local schools and RSLs for assistance, especially around ANZAC Day. A particular highlight was the recent Maroondah Schools ANZAC Day service on held 18^th May at Ringwood Soundshell. Lieutenant Green and 4 soldiers assisted with the official ceremony,” said Lieutenant Colonel Pilbeam. 

 The Ringwood East depot is also home to 31st Army Cadet Unit and 408 (City ofMelbourne Squadron), Australian Air Force Cadets. The combined strength of these cadet organisations is approximately 170, including staff and cadets.

A number of small businesses of the Heathmont Traders’ Association attended a business lunch at the Lipari Bistro in Heathmont.

“This small business lunch was an ideal opportunity for me to meet with and chat to small business people in the Heathmont area,” Mr O’Connor said.

“It’s important to listen to small business communities to understand the challenges they face by listening we can ensure the government can respond accordingly.”

“It’s my job to ensure that small businesses get a fair deal so that is why the Federal Government is offering them a range of incentives to help them do business.” MR. O’Connor said.

There are an estimated 10,528 small businesses operating in Deakin, they all play a vital role in the economy.

Small business is crucial to local employment that is why the Australian Government is increasing the instant asset write-off from $1,000 to $6,500 for small businesses.

This means small businesses will be able to write off any eligible business asset bought for the business costing up to $6,500. This will help our local business expand and deliver better services it will also drive new orders for equipment.

We have also recently announced the upcoming appointment of the first Australian Small Business Commissioner. From early next year the commissioner will be a direct voice representing the interests of Australian small businesses to the Government.

“I really valued the opportunity to speak with and listen to members of the Whitehorse Business Group, because they understand the importance of small businesses on a community level.” said Mr. O’Connor

The Australian Government recognizes how important it is for small businesses to succeed and has introduced a number of programs to assist.

A number of local businesses were in attendance including Lynne Huggins from Industelec.

“I liked the idea and opportunity to meet with the Minister . As a small group it was a non-threatening environment which encouraged all of us to comment.” Lynne Huggins said

There are an estimated 10,528 small businesses operating in Deakin, they all play a vital role in the economy.

Small business is crucial to local employment that is why the Australian Government is increasing the instant asset write-off from $1,000 to $6,500 for small businesses.

This means small businesses will be able to write off any eligible business asset bought for the business costing up to $6,500. This will help our local business expand and deliver better services it will also drive new orders for equipment.

We have also recently announced the upcoming appointment of the first Australian Small Business Commissioner. From early next year the commissioner will be a direct voice representing the interests of Australian small businesses to the Government.

 Often small business people work from home or one-person offices and organisations like the Whitehorse Business Group encourage business-to-business networking – creating a community for small businesses to share experiences, make contacts and learn from each other.

The Council will use this funding to install three CCTV systems which will monitor Britannia Mall, Enterprise Way and Whitehorse Road.

The footage from these cameras will transmit directly to Nunawading Police Station. Local police will be able to use the images and take action when it’s needed.

The installation of the CCTV systems will provide peace of mind to residents and visitors in the area.   

Local shop owners and residents have raised issues about crime and safety in the area for some time, and I am pleased to see the Federal Government is providing the funding to do something about it.

This project will provide an important boost for local businesses – if people feel safe in the area they will stay longer, spend more money and return more often.

Local residents have the right to feel safe, and CCTV cameras are an effective way to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

I congratulate Whitehorse Council and all the residents and businesses that helped develop this plan.

The Safer Suburbs program allows councils to identify their priority projects to improve safety. This means voices from the local communities are heard.

In 2010 the Federal Government announced an additional $5.42 million to expand the Safer Suburbs Program.  This will fund an additional 43 projects across Australia. This is one of the those projects.

Last year the Federal Government announced an additional $197 million to more than double the number of headspace sites Australia-wide to 90.

This announcement included funding for the establishment of a Headspace for the Eastern region.

Once fully established, our local site will help on average between 1,000-3,000 young per year. 

 Ringwood is the best location for Headspace as it is close to the railway and has good access to other health services such Maroondah Hospital, Eastern Access Community Health and Government agencies such as Medicare, Centrelink and other vital allied health, homeless and youth services.

Headspace has put out a tender to establish a Headspace centre in the Eastern region, I believe it is up to them to ensure that the location chosen has the best access for potential users and that it is up to the Federal government to ensure that this facility is placed where the greatest number of young people will have access to it.

 I fully support Maroondah Council’s bid to have the Headspace centre placed in the heart of Ringwood and I have no doubt that it is the best location for both the service provider and the clients of the service.

Ringwood is served by 214 weekday train services coming in from the city, Belgrave and Lilydale lines. Knox on the other hand has none. It is a public transport black hole with no train service at all, specifically made for people with cars but offering very little to those who do not.

 As difficult as it may be to get to Knox without a car from parts of the electorate of Deakin such Heathmont or Blackburn North it should always be remembered that the Headspace service has a much wider catchment that extends in to the Yarra Valley.

 It is laughable to suggest that that a young person without a car who is living in Mt Evelyn or Healesville could practically ever access a service based in Knox.

 You only need to pick up a copy of the Knox Leader to read how badly local residents view the lack of public transport and therefore lack of access to much needed local services.

 The closet Headspace to us at present is located in Collingwood at the old Victoria Park football ground.

 It should never be forgotten that the Headspace service exists for its users, there can be no better place for this than right here in the middle of Ringwood.

These new units will give better access to community-based accommodation and respite services and are funded through a $60 million Australian Government initiative.

 This program was announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard in Blackburn on the 29^th July 2010 as a 2010 Federal Labor election commitment.

EACH community services in Ringwood will receive $2,465,800 in Federal funding to build seven co-located, self-contained apartments for six singles or couples.

EACH is among 21 organisations set to deliver accommodation for 169 people across the country under the Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund. 

This substantial Federal grant will build seven brand new units for people with a disability.  EACH has been approved to build these new units right here in Ringwood. It is expected the units will be ready in 2014.

The Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund will provide people with disability better access to supported accommodation to help them live as independently as possible.

 People with disability, their families and carers need a range of supported accommodation models and these new places will help to meet the need.

 This grant announcement is delivering on the commitment made by the Prime Minister to fund supported accommodation in the campaign for the last federal election and is great news for our local community.

 The Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund is about encouraging innovation and driving change in the way supported accommodation services are provided.

 Australian Government wants to see people with disability have access to a range of supported accommodation models that will allow them to participate as valued members of their communities.

 A National Disability Insurance Scheme will give certainty to families and many ageing carers who worry about what will happen to their children when they are no longer able to care for the and would include expanding supported accommodation options available to families.

 The Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund builds on the Australian Government’s $100 million capital injection in 2008 to build more than 300 supported accommodation places, which are on track to be delivered this year.

 This in addition to $7.6 billion being provided to state and territory governments through the National Disability Agreement to deliver increased and improved specialist disability services.

 Negotiations for funding agreements are in progress with the successful 21 organisations.

 For more information on the Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund go to www.saif.govspace.gov.au