Stronger foreign investment regime comes into force

The Coalition Government’s robust new foreign investment regime has come into force on December 1, providing stronger enforcement and a better resourced system with clearer rules for foreign investors.   Federal Member for Forde, Bert van Manen MP said foreign investment rules needed to be strong, effective and enforceable.   “The changes taking effect provide…

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Financial assistance heading to councils

Logan and Gold Coast councils will benefit from more than $14 million funding in 2015-16 thanks to the Australian Government’s Financial Assistance Program.   Federal Member for Forde, Bert van Manen MP said more than $3.5 million funding had already been paid to Logan and Gold Coast council’s this quarter.   “Councils will have the…

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Making private health insurance cheaper and better

Federal Member for Forde, Bert van Manen MP encourages residents to have their say on how the private health insurance sector can deliver better value for money.   This week the Federal Government launched an online survey after Australians dumped or downgraded half a million ‘all-inclusive’ private health insurance policies last year, with record numbers…

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State Government fails to prioritise M1 funding

Federal Member for Forde, Bert van Manen MP is bewildered the State Government continues to fail in its obligation to provide appropriate funding and project detail for the M1 upgrade, continually stalling the project.   “The Federal Coalition Government has already said it is willing to provide $10 million towards the business case for the…

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Work experience helps Forde’s job seekers find employment

  The Federal Government’s new National Work Experience Programme has officially commenced and will assist job seekers gain valuable experience in workplaces around the country.   Federal Member for Forde, Bert van Manen MP said the program would give job seekers in his electorate the opportunity to experience placement in a work-like role so they…

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Changes to Question time will focus on local issues

Residents with a burning question for parliament will be able to submit it to their local Member under new changes to Question Time.   Federal Member for Forde, Bert van Manen MP said the Australian House of Representatives will trial a new Constituency Question Time that will give members an opportunity to ask specific questions…

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Fast broadband in sight for Forde with NBN Rollout announcement

  Superfast broadband is coming to more than 43,000 homes and businesses in Forde under an accelerated three-year rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN).   The NBN is powering ahead across Australia with today’s release of a comprehensive construction plan to network 9.5 million premises nationwide.   Federal Member for Forde, Bert van Manen…

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Nominations open for National Disability Awards

The 2015 National Disability Awards are now open, giving Australians the chance to acknowledge the many people, organisations and initiatives across the country that make a positive impact on the lives of people with disability.   Federal Member for Forde, Bert van Manen MP, said the Awards help build awareness of disability issues and showcase…

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Fix the M1 Taskforce launched

A joint taskforce made up of representatives from all levels of government, local business people and various community organisations has been formed in a collaborative effort to fix the M1 highway congestion.   Federal Member for Forde, Bert van Manen MP said the Fix the M1 Taskforce was a bipartisan group, ready to work together…

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