Sharon Bird MP

Local Federal MPs, Sharon Bird and Stephen Jones, today called on the government to make the Illawarra a priority for infrastructure funding in the Federal Budget on 6 October.

The Prime Minister’s visit yesterday contained not one single direct announcement for funding for the Illawarra.  Nothing for desperately needed social housing, nothing for local transport infrastructure to connect our Port to south-western Sydney and nothing for our tourist industry as they struggle to recover from COVID-19.

It is important that the correct advice is followed in order to control the corona virus. Below are links to the Federal and State Health websites, which will contain the best, most up-to-date information for those that are concerned.

I urge all of my constituents to read this information and stay up to date on the best practices.

To protect others use must:

• practice good hygiene 
• practice social distancing
• follow the limits for public gatherings
• understand how to self-isolate if you need to

For more information follow the links below. 

I know it is a very hard time in our local community.  Things are changing rapidly as new cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) emerge.  I have put together the best online departmental sites for you to visit to stay up to date with the most accurate available information – including financial assistance for you, your business, your staff and your family should you need it.

Good personal hygiene combined with social distancing can help slow the spread of coronavirus through the community.  This will help to protect the most vulnerable members of our community and reduce the impact of coronavirus on our essential, life saving health services.

Key updates can be found here: https://www.australia.gov.au/

The Federal Government has launched the Coronavirus Australia app, which is available to download from the Apple App Store and on Google Play, as well as a WhatsApp information service. Message +61 400 253 787 on WhatsApp to register. 

I encourage you to share these links with those that may need them.

The most up to date health information on coronavirus – including information on social distancing and social gathering restrictions - can be found at the following websites:

Below is a link to the Government Response to Coronavirus which includes up to date information on payments, mutual obligations, and FAQS.

If you are an individual, sole trader, or a family needing financial support start here for information on how to access payments.

Here is the latest information on Payments

JobSeeker Payment - Information

From time to time constituents participate in email campaigns about particular issues that are of current interest to them.  As it is often very difficult to reply to these in a timely way I will place information here on the current status of those issues.

11 April 2013

Employers and apprentices will benefit from new purpose built premises to house the operations of Apprenticeships Queensland.

Federal Minister for Skills, Sharon Bird, today joined Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, to officially open the new centre.

Ms Bird said that the apprenticeships system is essential to delivering skilled labour into the economy and supports our future productivity.

“Australian Apprenticeships play a critical role in enhancing labour force participation and productivity at various levels,” Ms Bird said.

“Apprenticeships play a crucial role in skilling and training the Australian workforce. The new centre will help Apprenticeships Queensland to work with local businesses and employees to take on a new apprentice.”

Mr Neumann said the new purpose built premises located in West Ipswich will provide a modern base for Apprenticeships Queensland to continue its valuable work.

“Apprenticeships Queensland provides services such as advising businesses about the advantages and requirements involved with taking on an apprentice, managing recruitment and training and addressing any problems that may arise in the workplace,” he said.

Apprenticeships Queensland is a not-for-profit, community-based Group Training Organisation.  They currently employ approximately 300 apprentices and trainees and work with over 400 active host employers.

I would like to personally thank each and every person who participated in the National Disability Insurance campaign. This campaign was fundamentally important for the future of the NDIS in Australia and I was proud to have been a part of it.

The Gillard Labor Government announced in the 2013/14 budget that they would create and fully fund DisabilityCare Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme, transforming disability services throughout Australia.

These historic reforms provided certainty and security for 410,000 Australians with a disability, their families and carers and ensure they are provided with the care and support they need throughout their lifetime.

This was the most fundamental social policy reform since the introduction of Medicare, and one I have been very passionate about. We were committed to building a better life for Australians with a significant and permanent disability.

Sharon Bird MP was elected as the Federal Member for Cunningham (New South Wales) in October 2004, November 2007, August 2010, September 2013 and July 2016.

Sharon was Shadow Minister for Vocational Education on the 18 October 2013 until July 2016.

Sharon served as Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Regional Communications and Minister for Road Safety from 1 July 2013.

Ms Bird also served as Minister for Higher Education and Skills from 25 March 2013 and as Parliamentary Secretary for Higher Education and Skills from 5 March 2012 until her appointment as Minister. 

Ms Bird Chaired the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Communications from 2010 until 2012.  She was also a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties and the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Procedure from 2010 until 2012.

Ms Bird served on the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education and Vocational Training from 2004 until 2010 and Chaired this Committee from 2008 until 2010. 

She has also served on the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment and Workplace Relations (2008 – 2010); the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Transport and Regional Services (2004 – 2007) and served on the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics, Finance and Public Administration in 2007 as Deputy Chair.

Ms Bird was born on 15 November 1962 in Wollongong, New South Wales.

Ms Bird served as a Councillor on Shellharbour Council from 1991 to 1995.  Her occupations prior to entering Parliament are as follows:

• BA (Syd), Dip Ed (Wollongong)
• High School Teacher (1985-1989)
• TAFE Teacher (1989 – 1995)
• Electorate Officer to Colin Hollis MP, Member for Throsby (1995-1997)
• Senior Project Officer, Department of Juvenile Justice (1997 – 2004)