UKRAINE UPDATE
 

Like so many in our community I stand with the people of Ukraine who are fighting for their country in the face of Russian aggression. I had the honour to host local members of the Ukrainian community in my office earlier this week.
 
President Putin’s actions are a gross violation of international law and the UN Charter. There is no justification for these actions in Ukraine which are illegal, unjustified and unprovoked.
 
The Government has acted swiftly to provide a significant package in support of Ukraine which complements support provided by our partners.

• Australia will provide around $70 million in lethal military assistance to support the defence of Ukraine, including missiles and weapons. We will also provide a range of non-lethal military equipment and medical supplies in response to a specific request from the Ukrainian Government.
• Australia will also commit immediate humanitarian assistance of an initial $35 million to help meet the urgent needs of the Ukrainian people. This assistance will deliver lifesaving services and supplies, including the provision of shelter, food, medical care and water.

 
We have also implemented strong sanctions against Russia including:

• removal of selected Russian banks from the SWIFT global payments messaging system
• restrictive measures to prevent the Russian Central Bank from using its international reserves in a way that undermines sanctions
• limiting so-called golden passports for wealthy Russians connected to the Russian government
• a trans-Atlantic task force to identify and freeze the assets of sanctioned individuals and companies that exist within their jurisdictions.

 
Together, these measures will impose severe costs on the Russian economy by disconnecting its key banks from the international financial system and disrupting Russian trade and investment flows. They will also paralyse Russia’s foreign reserves and prevent Russian officials and elites from accessing key financial systems.
 
The Australian Government reiterates our staunch support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for the people of Ukraine.

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of hosting the Foreign Minister Senator Marise Payne who delivered the 5^th Tom Hughes Oration. The Tom Hughes Oration is named in honour of The Hon Tom Hughes QC AO who was the first member for Berowra.
 
Senator Payne recently returned from Europe where she attended the Munich Security Conference and had meetings with key European leaders. Her speech provides valuable insights into events in Europe and Australia’s stand for the global rules based order. You can read her speech here.
 
Senator Payne recently achieved an important milestone, becoming the longest serving female senator, with almost 25 years of service. We are lucky to be represented on the world stage by such a capable and well respected foreign policy thinker.

ECONOMIC UPDATE
 

The Government has been working hard to create economic opportunities for everyday Australians. Our economy is now 3.4% larger than it was pre-COVID. We have outperformed all major advanced economies – the US, the UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy and Japan.
 

• We are backing local business with 50% wage subsidies for 170,000 new apprentices. This means more young people are in the workforce.
• We’re making childcare more affordable with around 1,160 families in our community $2,200 better off each year on average. This means parents are more likely to return to work.
• We are providing tax relief with 57,000 taxpayers in Berowra benefitting from tax relief up to $2,745 this year. This means people are more likely to be able to support local businesses.

 
We have one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, one of the lowest mortality rates in the world, and now unquestionably one of the strongest economic recoveries in the world. This is no accident; this is not the result of good luck but the hard work of 26 million Australians and an economic plan that is working! 

JUBILEE TREE PLANTING GRANTS
 

I'm pleased let you know about a new grant program that will fund schools and community organisations to plant trees in commemoration of the 70th Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2022. 

The program will provide up to $100,000 in the Berowra electorate for up to 10 successful applications. The grant amount will fund up to 100 per cent of eligible project expenditure. 

The project is designed to fund tree plantings that will beautify our community while creating opportunities to acknowledge, recognise and celebrate the remarkable contribution made by Her Majesty over her 70 years of service.

To be eligible your project must:

• include at least one formal commemorative event in 2022 to mark The Queen’s Jubilee commemorations
• include recognition that the plantings are part of The Queen’s Jubilee commemorations through signage or a plaque(s)
• include eligible activities and have a plan for how you will carry out the project be undertaken for a public purpose and not be directed towards making a profit as its primary objective
• not only propose purchase of goods or assets (such as materials, tools, infrastructure, or equipment)
• seek at least a $2,500 grant and no more than $20,000
• represent value for money

Additional information about eligibility, and the application process can be found at: Planting Trees for The Queen’s Jubilee Program - DAWE and Planting Trees for The Queen's Jubilee | business.gov.au

To make your application, please complete this form and return it to julian.leeser.mp@aph.gov.au before 5pm on 25 March.

OUT AND ABOUT

Berowra flood response