More ways to show off our tasty produce

From the desk of the MP for Wright

EAT LOCAL EVERY DAY!

A CUTTING-EDGE digital platform will now allow farmers, food producers, winemakers and chefs in Queensland’s Scenic Rim region to attract customers by showcasing the region’s diverse bounty of local products on an online platform.

Recently I attended the launch of the Eat Local Scenic Rim initiative, giving tourists and locals a pleasant and fulfilling way to tour the region.

You can now eat local every day and find new favourites with ease to include in your cooking and dishes. From cheese to olives, fresh produce and wine, the Scenic Rim has it all.

People visiting our beautiful region can also capitalise on the wonderful products in our region and engaging experiences with the men and women who produce our vegetables, dairy products, olives, honey, wine, craft beer and coffee all within the Scenic Rim area.

For more information visit www.eatlocalscenicrim.com.au.

A NEW ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR FINANCIAL COMPLAINTS

LOCAL consumers and small business will be spared the expense and inconvenience associated with taking financial complaints to court, with the Coalition Government’s Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) now open for business.

This new one-stop shop will deliver free, fast and binding service for all financial complaints, whether they relate to banks, credit providers, insurance companies or superannuation funds.

I often hear feedback from locals that it’s hard to navigate ombudsman, tribunals and other financial complaints services, so this new one-stop-shop will eliminate this frustration.

The Coalition Government committed to providing $1.7 million to support AFCA’s establishment, as part of the 2018-19 Budget. The establishment of AFCA is part of the Coalition Government’s plan for stronger economy and ensuring a fair go for all Australians.

Old framework included:

■ Three bodies: Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), Credit and Investments Ombudsman (CIO) and Superannuation Complaints Tribunal (SCT).

■ FOS/CIO hears consumer complaints where the value of the dispute is up to $500,000.

■ FOS/CIO able to award consumers compensation of $323,500.

■ FOS hears small business disputes that relate to a credit facility of up to $2 million.

■ FOS/CIO able to award small businesses compensation of up to $323,500.

■ FOS able to award small businesses including primary producers compensation of up to $323,500.

The new framework includes:

A one-stop-shop:

■ Australian Financial Complaints Authority (ACFA).

■ Will hear consumer complaints where the value of the dispute is up to $1 million.

■ Will be able to award consumers compensation of up to $500,000.

■ Will be able to hear small business disputes that relate to a credit facility of up to $5 million.

■ Will be able to award small businesses compensation of up to $1 million.

■ Will be able to award small business primary producers (including farmers) compensation of up to $2 million.

GOODBYE SCENIC RIM LEADER

ON a final note I would like to pay tribute to Ashleigh and the Scenic Rim Leader team for their work in showcasing our region in the last few years. As this is their last edition I would like to pass on my best wishes to the team and I’m sure many in the region will miss the paper.