More than 500 seniors attended the annual Forde Seniors’ Expo on September 23 and I would like to thank everyone for coming and making it a great day.
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The day was not only about providing seniors with the opportunity to hear from department experts and find out about local services, it was also about taking the opportunity to share experiences, ask questions and highlight the valuable contribution older people make in our community.
The Seniors Expo was also a great opportunity to talk about the Government’s budget measures to make the superannuation system fairer, more flexible and more sustainable.
The measures announced prior to the election are no longer relevant. We received a lot of feedback from the community, we listened and we acted.
I spoke extensively with Treasurer Scott Morrison and Minister for Revenue and Financial Services Kelly O’Dwyer, to share the community feedback, as well as my own reservations.
I am very pleased that following extensive consultation, the government has listened and acted accordingly. I won’t go in to detail now, but I do encourage anyone with questions about the changes to contact my office on 3807 6340 or email bert.vanmanen.mp@aph.gov.au. My team will be happy to arrange a time for us to chat.
Operation Sovereign Borders
On September 18 the Australian Government marked three years since the commencement of Operation Sovereign Borders (OSB) which has successfully disrupted the criminal activities of people smugglers and stopped people dying at sea.
In the five years before OSB, Australia saw more than 50,000 people arrive on more than 800 boats and tragically more than 1200 people died at sea – the real tragedy is likely to be significantly larger.
Australia’s strong border protection policies have definitely saved lives. Since we commenced turn backs under Operation Sovereign Borders, there have been no known deaths at sea. Our government remain committed to protecting Australia’s borders, stamping out people smuggling, and preventing people risking their lives.
Stopping the boats has also enabled the Coalition Government to remove all children from detention. More than 8000 children were placed in detention under the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd Governments with a peak number of almost 2000 in 2013. The Coalition has reduced that to zero.
We’ve also been able to close 17 detention centres and return significant savings to the Budget.
Our message is tough but fair. Australia has a great migration story to tell and by ensuring our borders are secure we are able to preside over one of the most successful modern day migration programmes.
Bert van Manen MP
Federal Member for Forde
