The Liberal and Nationals’ Government will invest $60 million to trial a wage subsidy as an incentive for employers in regional and rural communities to engage more apprentices.

Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education Senator Michaelia Cash said the trial would see up to 1,630 new Australian Apprentices in areas of skills needs.

“There are 3.3 million Australian small businesses which contribute around $395 billion annually to our economy. Small business plays a vital role in our community, from giving young Australians their first real job to supporting our local charities and sporting organisations,” Minister Cash said.

“Through this incentive we are securing the skills our regional and rural businesses need to remain competitive and give local students new opportunities at home.”

From 1 January 2019, the new subsidy under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program (AAIP), will support eligible new Australian Apprentices in areas such as plumbing, mechanical, electrical, painting trades and hairdressing.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the incentive will provide a much-needed boost to communities throughout regional and rural Australia.

“It’s an incentive that I’m confident will encourage businesses and employers to engage a new apprentice and turbo-charge someone’s future career,” Mr McCormack said.

“This investment from the Liberal and Nationals’ Government is just another practical step to help create jobs and opportunities for small businesses and young people in the regions.

“A VET qualification is every bit as important to the economy as a university degree.

“That’s why our investment in the Skilling Australians Fund – alongside New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and the ACT – is vital to create thousands of additional pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships and higher apprenticeships.”

Mr Vasta said under the subsidy, eligible employers within Bonner will be able to receive payments based on the apprentice’s relevant award wage rates.

“Subsidies will be provided at 75 per cent of the apprentice’s award wage in the first year, followed with 50 per cent in the second year and 25 per cent in the third year,” Mr Vasta said.

“The investment is part of our Government’s commitment to maintain a strong vocational education and training (VET) sector that delivers the quality skilled workforce our community needs.”

The new wage subsidy will complement other incentives currently available through the AAIP and support the engagement of eligible new full-time apprentices at the Certificate III and IV levels in occupations on the National Skills Needs List in regional and rural communities.

50 years since first opening its doors, Tingalpa Kindergarten continues to provide first class care to the children of Bonner.

Federal Member Ross Vasta attended the recent 50 year celebrations and said the stories of past and present students were testament to the amazing dedication of the staff at Tingalpa Kindy.

“A lot has changed since the facility was officially opened on 28th September 1968, it was great to hear the stories of children arriving on horseback and seeing educators reunited with past students.

“Former students are now sending their own children to Tingalpa Kindy and it was beautiful to see them all celebrating this milestone which wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of Director Kerry Lucy and assistant educator Sue Stevens and other staff,” Mr Vasta said.

Mr Vasta said the Coalition is committed to delivering a stronger economy to ensure essential services that families rely on, such as early education.

“Thanks to the Coalition’s recently introduced childcare reforms and $2.5 billion funding package, Tingalpa Kindy parents will be a part of the 370,000 Aussie families who will benefit from increased subsidies.”

“The Coalition has taken action to slow child care fee growth, this is in contrast to the flip flopping and lack of action Labor has shown towards helping local families.”

The Kindergarten is still going stronger than ever thanks to the support from the local community. Spaces are limited, for more information call 3390 4951.

Two major new listings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) have the potential to extend the lives of patients in Bonner with advanced lung cancer and those at risk of a heart attack, saving patients up to almost $190,000 a year.

Welcoming the announcement Ross Vasta said, “These new listings will help the thousands of Australians and their families fighting lung cancer and the devastating impact of heart disease.”

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and from 1 November, patients with advanced lung cancer will have the treatment Keytruda® subsidised for first-line treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

“Without PBS subsidy it would cost over $11,300 per script or $188,000 a year. Patient will now pay a maximum of $39.50 per script or just $6.40 per script for concessional patients, including pensioners,” Mr Vasta said.

“This listing means that for the first time eligible patients in Bonner with advanced lung cancer can avoid chemotherapy and be treated with this novel immunotherapy treatment Keytruda®. It will benefit around 850 patients a year.”

Keytruda® is an immunotherapy medicine working with a patient’s own immune system to recognise cancer cells and destroy them. Clinical trials of Keytruda® for lung cancer has shown that some patients became virtually cancer free after treatment.

This medicine is already listed on the PBS for classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma and unresectable Stage III or Stage IV malignant melanoma.

The Liberal National Government is also listing Repatha® from November 1 for the treatment of familial hypercholesterolaemia, which is a genetic high cholesterol condition.

Mr Vasta said, “More than 6,000 people a year with the condition, who are at risk of having a heart attack or stroke at an early age, will benefit from the treatment.”

“Patients would normally pay around $630 a script, or more than $8000 a year. With its listing on the PBS, eligible patients will pay a maximum of $39.50 per script for Repatha or just $6.40 with a concession card.”

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said, “Our Government’s strong economic management means we are providing Australian patients with access to life-saving and life-changing medicines quicker than ever before.”

“Since coming into Government, the Coalition has helped improve the health of Australians by subsidising almost $10 billion worth of new medicines, and we are now making on average one new or amended PBS listing every single day. Only the Coalition can be trusted to deliver for Australian patients,” Minister Hunt said.

The independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended the listings.

The Committee is independent of Government by law and in practice. By law the Federal Government cannot list a new medicine without a positive recommendation from PBAC.

Minister Hunt said, “Unlike Labor, we are subsidising all drugs recommended by the independent medical experts.”

“In the Budget we announced our commitment to invest $2.4 billion in new medicines to build on our commitment to guarantee those essential services that all Australians rely on.”

“Our commitment to the PBS is rock solid. Together with Medicare, it is a foundation of our world-class health care system.” Minister Hunt said.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise community awareness of lung cancer. For further details visit https://canceraustralia.gov.au/healthy-living/campaigns-events/lung-cancer-awareness-month

The Morrison Government will invest $80 million in eye medications through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), helping those living in Bonner improve and preserve their vision.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said from 1 November 2018, patients will get new subsidised treatment options for a range of eye conditions.

The medication Ozurdex® is being listed for the treatment of blocked veins in the retina due to a condition known as retinal vein occlusion, which leads to varying degrees of vision loss.

“This medicine will benefit patients in Bonner who would normally pay around $5,000 a year for this treatment or more than $1,350 per script,” Mr Vasta said.

“Under the PBS they will pay a maximum of $39.50 per script, with concessional patients, including pensioners, paying just $6.40.”

In addition, the current PBS listing for the medication Lucentis® will be expanded for patients suffering a condition that is associated with unwanted growth of new blood vessels in the eye that impact vision and a type of extremely acute near-sightedness.

“Local patients in Bonner will be able to access this medicine, which would normally cost up to $7,000 a year, for maximum of $39.50 per script, with concessional patients paying only $6.40.

“These listings have the potential to preserve the precious sight of patients. It will make a difference to patients and their families who are battling poor and deteriorating vision due to a range of diseases.”

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said since coming into Government, the Coalition has helped improve the health of Australians by subsidising close to $10 billion worth of new medicines.

“Our commitment to the PBS is rock solid. Together with Medicare, it is a foundation of our world-class health care system,” Minister Hunt said.

The number of Australian children who are fully immunised continues to increase to record levels with new data showing more parents are getting the message to protect their children with life-saving vaccines.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said new data for the September 2018 quarter reveals the nation-wide immunisation rates for five year olds was 94.62 per cent, which is the highest figure on record. It is up from 94.42 per cent in the June quarter.

“Throughout Queensland immunisation rates are at 94.46%.”

“Parents are hearing the message about the benefits of vaccinations and I am delighted that our public health campaigns and our immunisation programs are protecting local children.”

“As a father I know how worrying the threat of whooping cough and other illnesses can be for parents, especially when your children are just precious tiny babies.”

“Immunisation saves lives and protects the lives of babies and children and it is important that we keep the public informed about its benefits,” Mr Vasta said.

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said immunisation has been repeatedly demonstrated to be one of the most effective interventions to prevent disease worldwide, and our Government continues to invest in a strong vaccination program.

“The immunisation rate for five year olds in June 2013 was 91.5 per cent, meaning the immunisation rate has grown steadily to record levels since the Coalition came into Government,” Minister Hunt said.
“More than 96.6 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander five year olds were immunised, which is well above the national average.”

“Last month, the Australian Government announced it would invest $52 million to protect Australian teenagers against meningococcal by putting the meningococcal A, C, W and Y vaccine on the National Immunisation Program from April 2019.”

“From July 1 this year, every 12-month old in the country was eligible for a free ACWY meningococcal vaccine and every expectant mother given the opportunity to vaccinate against the whopping cough with a free vaccine.”
“The Morrison Government has invested $446.5 million the National Immunisation Program this financial year,” Minister Hunt said.

The September 2018 child immunisation rates are available here: https://beta.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/childhood-immunisation-coverage/immunisation-coverage-rates-for-all-children

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has encouraged local students and schools to acknowledge the hard work of its teachers and celebrate World Teachers’ Day.

Mr Vasta said teachers and school leaders played a critical role in the lives of our kids.

“Everyone can remember the teachers who had the biggest impact on their own education, and it’s important that we encourage these educators and support the work that they do every day,” Mr Vasta said.

“On World Teachers’ Day we pay tribute to every teacher and the passion they bring to their important job.

“In Bonner there are amazing teachers working all across our 45 State, Catholic and Independent schools.

“Our hardworking local teachers deserve our thanks every day, but on World Teachers’ Day we are reminded just how much of a contribution they make to our community and the future generations.”

World Teachers’ Day is being celebrated on Friday 26 October 2018.

Last Wednesday the Brisbane Southside Chamber of Commerce held another successful Mini Business Expo. Unfortunately because of the sitting week I wasn’t able to be there, but my wonderful team was able to represent me there.

The Expo gave the Chamber’s members the opportunity to meet and network with other business owners as well as local organisations and government representatives. It’s yet another event from Southside Chamber of Commerce helping support and grow businesses in Brisbane’s southside.

The Chamber committee is made up of amazing volunteers. I have to commend them for the great work they do helping small businesses in the area grow. In particular I have to commend their President Kathleen Lewis and Vice President Kim Peries who are such strong advocates for the Chamber’s members.

I’m glad to support the business events the Chamber holds throughout the year. I’d encourage local southside businesses to sign up to become a member for the support and network opportunities they provide.

I’m a proud member of Southside Chamber of Commerce myself. And I’m proud to be part of a government that has passed legislation delivering company tax relief for over 15,000 businesses in Bonner, five years sooner, as well as extended the $20,000 instant asset write off for another year.

Families and small businesses in Bonner will benefit from big savings under the Morrison Government’s new plan for affordable and reliable energy.

The Morrison Government will:

• Stop the price gouging by the big energy companies by banning sneaky late payment penalties, requiring them to pass on savings in wholesale prices to customers, strengthening the regulator’s power to crack down on dodgy, anti-competitive practices, and shining a spotlight on energy companies’ rorting through ‘gold plating’ their networks. We will take a big stick to the big energy companies to stop the big rip offs.

• Create a price safety net to protect customers and remove the loyalty tax on those who have stayed with their energy company or don’t have time to shop around for a better deal. A fairer default price will give customers transparency and clarity, providing relief from confusing and often more expensive standing offers. Median standing offers in South East Queensland can be up to $369 per year more expensive than the cheapest market offer for households, and up to $2152 per year more for small businesses.

• Back investment in reliable generation which will improve competition, lower prices and guarantee reliable supply. We know that renewables are only cheap when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing. The Government will support projects that reduce wholesale electricity prices, support the reliability of the grid and increase competition.

• Support reliable power by requiring energy companies to sign contracts guaranteeing enough energy to meet demand. This will prevent blackouts and stop their disastrous impact on local economies in Bonner.
Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP, has welcomed the Government’s strong action to lower power prices while keeping the lights on.

“I know families and small businesses in Bonner are struggling with rising power prices. Often they tell me negotiating with energy companies can be time-consuming and confusing”.

“Our plan will take the pressure off families and small businesses and put customers back in charge by cracking down on dodgy practices, supporting investment in new generation and guaranteeing reliable supply,” Mr Vasta said.

Mr Vasta also called on the Queensland Government to stop profiteering from families struggling with the cost of living. The Queensland Labor Government owns 70% of the state’s generators, which are earning excessive profits. This is a secret energy tax on Queenslanders. As households and businesses struggle with record power bills, Queensland’s state-owned power companies made an extra $269 million in profit last financial year to deliver a $1.65 billion dividend to the Palaszczuk Labor Government. Record profits from Government-owned generators are being taken from the pockets of Queensland families and small businesses straight into the Labor Government coffers.

The Morrison Government’s plan builds on this Government’s strong record of lowering power prices that saw retail electricity prices drop in Queensland on 1 July 2018.

Since 2013, the Government has abolished the carbon tax, reined in the power of the electricity networks, secured better deals for 1.6 million households and provided $269 million for one-off Energy Assistance Payment to age and disability support pensioners, single parent families and veterans.

In contrast, Labor plans on introducing a 50% Renewable Energy Target and 45% Emissions Reduction Target. This reckless policy will damage the local economy and be paid for by every energy user in the country.

There’s been some big news for Bonner recently! The winner of Queensland’s best fish and chip shop was one of our very own in Wynnum West. Fish and Chip Co was named overall winner of the 2018 Australian Fish and Chip Awards at the Queensland Seafood Industry Awards, or the Seafood Industry Oscars as they like to be called.

It was great to have a mobile office outside Fish and Chip Co the other day. I had a good chat with owner Demetri about their successes, and the challenges of running a business in the current environment.

I know a little something about these challenges. I ran a chain of Italian restaurants for a number of years. I understand how every little thing adds up. Decisions made at the Federal level mean the difference between surviving or having to lay off more staff for millions of small businesses across Australia.

That’s why I’m happy to say yet again this Coalition government has delivered for Aussie small businesses – small businesses like Fish and Chip Co that employ almost seven million Australians, 408,000 in Queensland.

Last month we passed legislation to extend the $20,000 instant asset write off another 12 months to 30th June 2019. Local small business owners continue to tell me how much this measure has helped them. Well over a thousand local businesses in Bonner have benefitted from the instant asset write off alone.

Then there are the tax cuts for small and medium businesses we delivered last week. Small and medium-sized businesses will now pay less tax five years earlier than planned. This is great news for over 15,000 local businesses in Bonner and over three million businesses across Australia.

By fast-tracking this tax relief for businesses in Bonner, we will make a more immediate difference to the individual businesses and the people who work for them. It means more money for local business owners to employ more staff. When business owners like Demetri can keep more of their own money, they have more to invest back into their business. That means more jobs, increased productivity and growth.

This legislation builds on the first stage of company tax relief we delivered in May last year. It stands in stark contrast to Labor’s plans for higher taxes for small businesses, along with higher taxes on income, savings, property, power and more—around $200 billion in higher taxes!

I look forward to seeing this government deliver more relief and support for small businesses like Fish and Chip Co in my electorate. Congratulations again to Fish and Chip Co for their well-deserved award! It’s always great to see outstanding small businesses in Bonner recognised for their high quality. I will just say their fish and chips are truly some of the best I’ve ever had!

I’ve always made the issues that are important to my constituents my priority, and one of the most important is access to healthcare. For my constituents on Brisbane’s bayside, affordable access to MRIs has been an issue for some time.

A few weeks ago I had a very informative meeting with the CEO of Queensland X-Ray, Dr Robert Clarke. I met with Dr Clarke to discuss the fact that Bonner is one of the most under serviced Primary Health Networks for MRIs in Australia. There are only 0.5 Medicare eligible MRIs per 100,000 of the population. This represents the equal third most underserviced area in the country.

My constituents in Wynnum and surrounding areas have to drive around 20 kilometres to attend the nearest fully funded MRI unit in inner-metropolitan Brisbane. That’s about a 40 minute drive for potentially lifesaving scans for cancer, stroke, heart, and other medical conditions. And in most instances, there are extremely long waitlists for Medicare eligible outpatient scans. The latest shows patients can expect a 70 day wait for an appointment at the PA Hospital.

Dr Clarke and I agree that a full Medicare licence is needed for the MRI unit at their Wynnum practice. A full MRI licence would allow them to charge MRI services to Medicare, significantly reducing the cost of MRI scans to patients.

This would help alleviate the burden on other providers. Also, if Queensland X-Ray Wynnum were to receive an MRI licence, they would commit to provide same day bulk billed appointments. This would help provide affordable and equitable healthcare to people who need it most in Bonner.

The health and wellbeing of my constituents is paramount so tonight I’m throwing my full support behind Queensland X-Ray Wynnum’s campaign for a full MRI licence.

The Government has invited applications for up to 20 additional new MRI licences across the country. This will be a highly competitive public application process. No doubt there’ll be many others applying for consideration for a licence, and a number of representatives going into bat for them.

Well I’m prepared to fight to the end to secure a full licence for my bayside constituents! I’ve already met with Minister Hunt and shared with him the facts I’ve shared tonight. I want to thank the Minister for his time and hearing out stories from my constituents who would benefit so much if the MRI at their local practice were to be fully subsidised.

The Government has already announced ten locations that will receive Medicare subsidised MRIs from November 1st this year. The total of 30 sites that will receive subsidised MRIs will provide more than 400,000 Australians with access to lifesaving scans, with a total investment of $175 million. It’s all part of this Government’s commitment to providing high quality health services when and where they’re needed.

Our commitment to 30 additional sites will bring the total number of fully Medicare eligible MRI machines in Australia to 204. That represents a more than 17 per cent increase across Australia. That comes on top of our boost earlier this year to Medicare support for a new MRI scan for prostate cancer checks helping 26,000 men each year, as well as a new Medicare listing for 3D breast cancer checks helping around 240,000 women each year. We’ve guaranteed Medicare spending, which is increasing each and every year.

I’m campaigning hard on behalf of my constituents and asking for strong consideration to be given for a full Medicare MRI licence for my bayside constituents. I’m hoping to be able to provide a positive update in future! But rest assured I’ll be fighting every step of the way to deliver lifesaving, affordable and accessible MRI services for my constituents.