New hospital data confirms record federal hospital funding for Brisbane

Independent figures released this week reveals that the Queensland Government is cutting funding to local hospitals in the Metro South Hospital and Health Service.

The figures from independent National Health Funding Body shows Queensland State Government funding decreased by $39.2million, from $1.08billion in 2016-17 to $1.04billion in 2017-18. At the same time the data shows that the Federal Government increased funding by $83.4million over the same period.

The Liberal National Government is continuing to deliver record hospital funding to public hospitals in Queensland, in each and every year, which is providing more doctors, more nurses and importantly more services for patients.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said that the Queensland State Labor Government is just paying lip service to the people of Southern Brisbane who rely on the local hospital services.

 

“Despite Labor’s claims about hospital funding, the truth is that they have ripped more than $39million worth of funding away from the local health service and it’s very disappointing.

 

“Since Labor came into power in Queensland funding has increased by just 5.5% compared to an increase of 34.8% from the Coalition Government since 2014-15,” Mr Vasta said.

 

Our Government’s funding record for Queensland public hospitals is publicly available online, and we would encourage Steven Miles and the Labor party to visit https://www.publichospitalfunding.gov.au/ and correct the record.

 

In a further demonstration of the Liberal National Government’s commitment to funding public hospitals, the Government has offered a new five year funding agreement that will deliver $130.2 billion in Commonwealth hospital funding, including $30.2 billion in additional funding across Australia – delivering millions of new and extra hospital services to patients right around Australia.

 

We call on the Queensland Labor Government to stop putting politics ahead of patients and sign on to our agreement, which will deliver an additional $7.4 billion for public hospitals across the state.

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COMMEMORATING REMEMBRANCE DAY 2018

On Sunday, 11 November 2018, Australia will mark a significant milestone in its military history, commemorating the centenary of the Armistice that ended the fighting in the First World War.

From a population of around 4.5 million, some 416,000 enlisted for service in the Great War, of whom more than 60,000 would never return.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said this affected every community, large and small, in what was a very young nation.

“On 11 November 1918 at 11 am, the guns on the Western Front fell silent and the most destructive war the modern world had seen was all but over and countries around the world celebrated,” Mr Chester said.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta is encouraging the local community to participate in their local commemorative service on 11 November and observe a minute’s silence at 11am to remember the Australian men and women who have suffered and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

“Over the course of our history, almost two million men and women have worn with pride the uniforms of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force,” Ross Vasta said.

“Tragically, more than 102,000 names are today listed on the Australian War Memorial’s Roll of Honour and it is important we remember their service and sacrifice.

“Recently as part of the Coalition Government’s Armistice Centenary Grants I helped secure more than $30,000 for Citipointe Christian College, Guardian Angels School and the Queensland Rifle Association to erect monuments in honour of this historical event.

“Whether you’re commemorating at a new monument in Bonner or one of our many locally it is also incredibly important to instil an ongoing sense of remembrance and respect in future generations of Australians so our Defence Force personnel know their sacrifices are honoured, now and into the future.”

In this final year of the Anzac Centenary, it is important to pay tribute to those who served in the First World War and all who have served and died for Australia with honour in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

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SUPPORT FOR HEADSPACE BOOSTS YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH IN BONNER

Mental health care for young Australians is set for a $51.8 million funding boost. Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the Government’s extra investment in the national network of headspace centres and the digital portal, eheadspace, means young people will have access to around 14,000 additional services nationally, shorter wait times and extra clinical staff. “We want young people to know they are not alone on their journey, and that we’re backing quality frontline support,” Ross Vasta said. “Our support for headspace gives young Australians in Bonner a single entry point to friendly primary care that includes early intervention services and support for physical and mental wellbeing.”

Around 560,000 children and adolescents are estimated to have mental illness, and one in four young Australians experience it in any given year.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the Government understands the huge mental health challenge facing many Australians, particularly young Australians.

“We’re committed to ensuring that Australians can get information, advice, understanding, counselling and treatment, when and where they need it,” Minster Hunt said.

“Within our funding injection for headspace, $39 million will go towards services and staff while $12.8 million will ensure headspace National can continue to run eheadspace so young people can access support when they need it.

“The additional investment is on top of the $95.7 million per year we have already committed to the 107 headspace centres running across the country.”

Headspace has increased the number of services it delivers from around 259,000 in 2014/15 to around 382,000 in 2017/18. Last year, approximately 33,800 young people accessed eheadspace.

“With an unprecedented $4.7 billion investment being made in mental health this year alone, our funding boost will help headspace meet the increasing demands for their services, today and in coming years,” Minister Hunt said.

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CONSTITUENCY STATEMENT: LINDUM CROSSING AND NEWNHAM RD-WECKER RD INTERSECTION

I think I’ve talked here about my local campaigns to fix the Lindum Station crossing and the Newnham Road-Wecker Road intersection three or four times this year. I’m happy to say that there have been some very good developments with both campaigns since I launched them last year. My petition to fix the Lindum Station crossing has well over 5,000 signatures now; and my petition to fix the Newnham Road-Wecker Road intersection has well over 1,000 signatures.

I was pleased to have the Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population out in Bonner recently to inspect these two black spots. Minister Tudge only had to take one look at the Lindum Station crossing to agree that it’s an accident waiting to happen. He acknowledges that it needs fixing, that it has to be done right, with the state Labor government needing to come to the party along with the Brisbane City Council. I’m hopeful that the Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads’ response will be as positive as my constituents’. The state government cannot pass the buck to the Brisbane City Council.

Last week I had a meeting with state member for Lytton, Joan Pease, and I would like to acknowledge her good work in helping to improve the car park at the station and changing the line marking in front of the boom gate. However, the station is still a very dangerous intersection and, with over 1,400 Iona College students needing to cross it every day, a major accident is unfortunately inevitable. I’ve told Ms Pease that I will seek a federal funding contribution, but it’s sad that the buck-passing is continuing. What a shame, but make no mistake: I’ll keep fighting for my constituents.

However, I have more encouraging news on the Newnham Road-Wecker Road intersection. Minister Tudge also agrees with me that a fix is needed, and he put the cost at around $12 million. He said that he’ll be working with the Brisbane City Council and me to investigate a solution to the intersection. It is one of the five worst intersections in the state, according to the RACQ.

My petitions are available on my website, or you can ring my office for paper copies. I want to thank the community for their strong support and say unequivocally: I won’t pass the buck and I won’t let you down. Thank you.

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GET ONLINE WEEK!

Ross Vasta Member for Bonner is calling on people in Bonner to try one new thing online during Get Online Week.

Ross Vasta said local organisations across the country will hold events from 15 – 21 October to help people get online.

“I encourage anyone in Bonner who wants to learn something new online to find a local event near them and get involved,” Mr Vasta said.

“We know that those aged 65 years and older are among the most digitally excluded in Australia.

“The Australian Government’s Be Connected program provides this group with free, personalised and face-to-face support and coaching to get online.”

There are more than 1,800 Be Connected Network Partners located across Australia. Go to the Be Connected website to find a local Network Partner.

Get Online Week and the Be Connected Network is managed by Good Things Foundation, a social change charity helping people to improve their lives through digital.

“Get Online Week will help thousands of people across Australia to improve their digital skills, whether they’ve never been online before, or have done a little but want to do more,” National Director for Good Things Foundation Jess Wilson said.

“There is free and friendly support in hundreds of communities, and so whatever you want to do online, you can find the support to do it.”

Get Online Week runs from 15-21 October 2018, there are plenty of events happening in and around Bonner, to find out more go to www.getonlineweek.com/aus/map

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Mt Gravatt Karate Kids Revved Up for New Dojo

It’s not long now until karate enthusiasts in Mt Gravatt will have a brand new facility.

Thanks to an investment of $185,000 from Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta and the Coalition Government the Australian Academy of Martial Arts Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Club (AAMA) has confirmed work on the project is due to begin by the end of this year.

Mr Vasta recently met with the club and spoke to parents about the great benefits this new club is going to have for the whole Southern part of the electorate.

“AAMA has been operating for more than 45 years in this community and every year the number of students grows, the people of Mt Gravatt, Mansfield, Holland Park and surrounds deserve a first class training facility.”

“This new facility is going to enable the club to grow even bigger and will allow the club to lower tuition fees giving people of all ages greater access to karate and health and wellness programs.”

Sempai Vesa Pakkarinen thanked Mr Vasta for his contribution to the club, and his hard work securing the money for the new facility.

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Queensland encouraged to support Carers Week 2018

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta is encouraging Australians to acknowledge the enormous contribution of Australia’s carers this week.

National Carers Week provides an opportunity to highlight the invaluable work of Australia’s 2.7 million unpaid carers to our families, communities and the nation.

“One in eight Australians care for a family member or friend who needs support due to disability, age, mental illness, or long-term physical illness,” Mr Vasta said.

“In Queensland alone there are 474,300 carers, including 54,100 young carers.”

The Australian Government is committed to improving the social and economic well-being of carers whose efforts are estimated to contribute over $1 billion weekly to our national economy.

“Australia’s 2.7 million unpaid carers spend an incredible 36 million hours every week providing care and support to family members or friends with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, or who are frail aged,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Government provides over $8 billion annually in carer payments, allowances and supplements to give carers financial relief while caring for their loved ones.”

“Any additional help we can give as local MP’s is very helpful, that’s why I’m encouraging all carers to come along and bring their loved ones to my upcoming Bonner Seniors Expo,” Mr Vasta said.

“The expo will feature a range of services and organisations tailored to meet the needs of carers and elderly residents.”

Earlier this year, the Liberal National Government announced an additional $85.6 million over four years to deliver a range of new supports through the Integrated Carer Support Service.

New online services include peer support, counselling and educational resources to be designed and tested with carers and delivered through the Carer Gateway website from later this month.

A network of Carer Gateway regional delivery partners will also be established nationally from September 2019, giving carers access to expanded services such as financial support packages, face-to-face counselling and emergency crisis support.

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90 SECOND STATEMENT: LOTA HOUSE DEVELOPMENT

A proposed aged care development in Lota has united my bayside constituents like few others. I phone canvassed the area and stopped by the local Manly Markets recently. The number one issue for locals by far was the proposed Lota House development.

Lota House is a significant two-storey Queensland Heritage building that was constructed in the late 1800s. It’s surrounded by heritage listed woodland. There’s now a development application in place to build a seven-storey high-rise retirement facility on this heritage site.

A development of this height and size is simple incompatible with existing development in Lota. It will present a traffic nightmare for surrounding residents. And there are also the adverse historical and environmental impacts on the area to consider.

Every single local I’ve spoken to about the proposal have raised these objections with me. They’ve now started the Bayside Action Group to come out in force against it. It was great to meet with them last week at the site and see people power in action. It’s a testament to people power that the Lord Mayor has now said that Brisbane City Council is very concerned about the proposal.

I’ve written to the Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick on this matter. I’ve asked the Minister to reject the current development application and to ask the applicants to redraft their proposal after consulting with the local community.

I look forward to updating the bayside community on this critical issue. I’d like to thank the local advocates who first brought this to my attention. Their passion and hard work to preserve the character and amenity of their suburb is admirable.

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DELIVERING TAX RELIEF FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM BUSINESSES IN BONNER SOONER

The Liberal-Nationals Government will deliver additional tax relief to more than 13,000 small and medium businesses in Bonner, five years earlier than planned.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said this is good news for locals.

“Lower company tax means more investment, more jobs and higher wages.”

“We will introduce legislation during the next session of Parliament, fast-tracking our business tax relief for small and medium businesses in Bonner.”

Across the country, this will provide tax relief for more than three million businesses that employ nearly seven million Australians.

This means businesses with a turnover below $50 million will face a tax rate of just 25 per cent in 2021-22 rather than from 2026-27 as currently legislated. Similar timing changes will apply to the roll out of the 16 per cent tax discount for unincorporated businesses.

“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,” Mr Vasta said.

“This means that a small business, such as an independent supermarket or a pub that makes $500,000 profit, will have an additional $7,500 in 2020-21 and $12,500 in 2021-22 to invest back into the business or staff, or help to manage cash flow.

This builds on the first stage of company tax relief that our Government delivered in May 2017.

“Our economic plan is delivering for Bonner, and the fast tracking of tax relief for small and medium businesses is an important investment in the future economic growth of Bonner and our nation.”

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SCIENCE WEEK BRINGS BRIGHT IDEAS AND EVENTS TO BONNER

Bonner science and technology groups are invited to submit creative ideas, exciting events and innovative projects for National Science Week 2019.

Ross Vasta said the Coalition Government is again offering National Science Week grants of between $2,000 and $20,000 to support a range of science engagement events and activities held across the country.

“Individuals, community groups, universities and other organisations interested in holding an activity during National Science Week 2019 are encouraged to apply for funding to support their local communities,” Mr Vasta said.

“A total of up to $500,000 in grants will be available for exhibitions, expos and workshops.

“National Science Week runs in August each year and is one of Australia’s biggest festivals. It is a great opportunity to showcase Bonner science and technology capabilities to the more than 1 million people participating in events.”

The Coalition Government recognises science and technology are key drivers of the Australian economy, helping to generate more local jobs and higher living standards.

In the 2018-19 Budget, the Coalition Government invested $2.4 billion in Australia’s research, science and technology capabilities, underscored by a $1.9 billion investment to update our National Research Infrastructure.
Next year’s National Science Week 2019 will run from 10 to 18 August.

To find out more about National Science Week go to www.scienceweek.net.au

To apply for a National Science Week Grant go to www.business.gov.au/nswkg

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