Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has today welcomed the Liberal National Government’s $100 million announcement that Australians fighting cancer will soon benefit when five new cancer listings are made available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Mr Vasta said, “From December 1, eligible patients throughout the region with certain forms of leukaemia, advanced tumours of the intestine and pancreas, melanoma, bowel cancer and ovarian cancer will save up to $100,000 a year.”

“Once subsidised under the PBS, patients will pay 39.50 per script or just $6.40 a script for concessional patients,” Mr Vasta 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.”

Listings include –

• Rydapt^® – Almost 200 patients living with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) – a rare but aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow – will now be able to access the $30,000 per year medication Rydapt^® (midostaurin). AML is one of the most common acute leukaemia forms in adults with the highest incidence rates occurring in the US, Europe and Australia. It also has one of the lowest survival rates of all adult leukaemias.

Rydapt is an oral, targeted therapy that interrupts a cancer cells’ ability to grow and multiply and will be made available for people with AML who have a specific genetic mutation called FLT3.

• The current listing of Somatuline Autogel^® (lanreotide) is being extended to include patients with non-functional gastroentero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, which are advanced tumours of the intestine and pancreas. Somatuline  Autogel is used to control the growth of these advanced tumours of the intestine and pancreas. Around 760 patients per year will be able to access this medicine, which would cost $23,000 a year without the PBS subsidy.
• Opdivo^® and Yervoy^® (nivolumab and ipilimumab) are being listed on the PBS as a new combination treatment option for patients with unresectable malignant melanoma which are skin cancers that have spread locally and cannot be removed by surgery.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee considered there was a high unmet clinical need for this aggressive and debilitating condition and that combining these medicines may improve outcomes for some patients.

Currently, around 800 patients per year access ipilimumab on its own for this condition.  This listing will mean these patients can access the combination treatment if their doctor believes it would be a more effective treatment option for them. It would cost over $100,000 per course of treatment without subsidy.

• Lonsurf^® (trifluridine with tipiracil) is being listed on the PBS as a new treatment option for patients with bowel cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Lonsurf works by slowing down the growth and spread of cancer cells. Around 885 patients per year will be able to access this medicine, which would cost $6,000 a year for some patients without the PBS subsidy.
• Lynparza^® (olaparib) for high grade serous ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer – a cancer that has very low survival rates – is being amended to also allow for subsidy of a new tablet that significantly reduces the pill burden compared to the current capsule listing. Patients will now be able to take four tablets per day instead of 16 capsules per day.

Lynparza inhibits the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body and is currently used by more than 200 women per year. Without PBS subsidy this medicine would otherwise cost around $90,000 per year.

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said, “These new and amended PBS listings were all recommended by the independent expert Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Since coming into Government, the Coalition has helped improve the health of Australians by subsidising around $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 Liberal National Government will expand free access to glucose monitoring devices for pregnant women, children and more adults with type 1 diabetes, saving people in Bonner up to $7,000 a year.

Mr Vasta welcomed the $100 million announcement and said the investment guarantees certainty.

“This additional funding over the next four years will ensure that free glucose monitoring devices will be available to over 37,000 eligible people with type 1 diabetes across Australia,” Mr Vasta said.

“I’m proud to be part of this Government that recognises the need to support people with type 1 diabetes and their families. I personally know many families in my electorate affected by type 1 diabetes who will stand to benefit from this support.”

From March 1 2019, eligibility for fully subsidised continuous glucose monitoring devices will be expanded under the National Diabetes Services Scheme to include:

• Women with type 1 diabetes who are pregnant, breastfeeding or actively planning pregnancy

• People with type 1 diabetes aged 21 years or older who have concessional status, and who have a high clinical need such as experiencing recurrent severe hypoglycaemic events

• Children and young people with conditions similar to type 1 diabetes who require insulin. This includes a range of conditions such as cystic fibrosis related diabetes or neonatal diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that attacks a person’s ability to produce insulin. People with this condition must be able to monitor their glucose levels day and night.

Continuous glucose monitoring devices continually monitor a person’s glucose levels and provides alerts if glucose levels drop too low.

It involves a sensor, usually attached to the stomach, that monitors the glucose levels and has an alarm that can alert people or their carer if the levels drop to low.

Our Government also plans to add the new the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system to the scheme for these people with type 1 diabetes. This will provide patients with more choice in how they manage their diabetes through this important program.

The FreeStyle Libre device involves a sensor on the arm that monitors glucose levels and sends readings to a user’s mobile phone or diabetes management device. When a patient passes their phone or device past the sensor it provides a reading of their glucose levels.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Government will work with Diabetes Australia and key diabetes experts to implement the expanded scheme and finalise the clinical criteria.

“Expanding access to these glucose monitoring devices helps reduce stress and anxiety as well as emergency visits to the hospital,” Minster Hunt said.

“These devices will bring peace of mind to Australians with type 1 diabetes and improve their quality of life now and into the future.”

In line with a commitment made during the 2016 federal election, the Coalition Government has already made access to glucose monitoring products available to eligible children and young people aged under 21 years with type 1 diabetes – nearly 9,500 young Australians – through the National Diabetes Services Scheme have already taken up the free devices.

The Morrison Government’s strong economic management means we can make sure more patients have access to more life-saving and life-improving medicines and treatments.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has praised the initiative of Wynnum locals to establish a community garden in the green space near the Woolworths shopping centre on Florence Street.

Mr Vasta said he had been approached by local business owners, Charlene Lestley from Crystal Rose Gallery and Cherie Attias from Reel Cutz for Men, with their idea for the community garden.

“I’m proud to put my name to this petition and throw my full support behind a community garden at Wynnum Central,” Mr Vasta said.

The petition has gathered 150 signatures in less than two weeks.

Mrs Lestley said she, her husband Peter and son Barry were overwhelmed by the support from Wynnum locals.

“I think a community garden would be a great way to beautify the area and bring people together,” Mrs Lestley said.

Mrs Attias said the community garden was part of the new Wynnum Merchant Movement founded by herself and Mrs Lestley.

“This garden will give people purpose and draw people back to the area. Many of my clients would like a space where they can give back to the community along with others,” Mrs Attias said.

To sign the petition, visit Crystal Rose Gallery on Edith St, Wynnum.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta is proud to partner with Silky Oaks Children’s Haven for their 2018 Hampers of Hope campaign.

Mr Vasta is calling for donations and support from the community to help deliver Christmas hampers to people in need in our community.

You can help support the campaign in the following ways:

• Sponsoring a hamper through a financial donation

• Donating non-perishable food items such as tinned fruit and vegetables, biscuits, long-life milk, tea, coffee

• Donate new children’s toys (unwrapped)

Mr Vasta’s office at 69 Clara St, Wynnum will act as a drop-off point for donations until 7th December 2018.

Online donations can be made at http://paypal.me/silkyoaks.

Mr Vasta thanks partners Mangrove Housing, BABI, St Peters Church, St Pauls Church, and Wynnum Christian Community Church for their support of this wonderful cause.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has welcomed the opening of a new memorial at Citipointe Christian College commemorating the Centenary of the First World War Armistice.

“It is an honour to attend their Centenary Memorial Ceremony and Opening today and see the school and the community mark Armistice Day,” Mr Vasta said.

“I was pleased to help secure $18,182 under the Armistice Centenary Grants Program to support this project.”

The project, named “The Centenary Memorial”, is modelled on the Australian national monument in Villers-Bretonneux. The new area will allow Citipointe to host community commemoration events and will also be used for its annual ANZAC assembly.

Principal of Citipointe Christian College Pastor Brian Mulheran thanked Mr Vasta for making the school aware of the Armistice Centenary Grants Program and his help securing the grant.

Mr Vasta encouraged locals to attend a Remembrance Day service this Sunday, November 11 and to 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.

For more information on the Armistice Centenary Grants Program visit http://www.anzaccentenary.gov.au/contribute/anzac-centenary-commemorative-grants.

The second annual Bonner Seniors’ Expo hosted by Member for Bonner Ross Vasta attracted 320 locals from across the electorate today.

The free Seniors’ Expo included 50 stallholders representing a range of government departments, community organisations, businesses and local services available to seniors.

There were also information sessions held throughout the day from Queensland Rail, NBN, Wealth Create Financial Planners, Department of Human Services, Office of Fair Trading and Carers Queensland.

“It was my pleasure to bring the Expo back and see so many new faces this year. I’m proud to host local events that help our seniors and help them access valuable services in our community,” Mr Vasta said.

Barbara Grayson from Wynnum thanked Mr Vasta for holding the Seniors’ Expo.

“I’m so grateful to Ross for hosting this event again this year and looking after his senior constituents,” Mrs Grayson said.

Minnie Bowman from Wynnum said she had greatly enjoyed everything the Expo had to offer.

“I found all of the information stalls so useful and thanks to Ross for making this possible,” Mrs Bowman said.

Jackie Butler from stallholder Friends of Tingalpa Cemetery Heritage Group said there had been a wonderful response from people to the Expo.

“It’s not often you see an event like this that benefits older people. I’m very happy to see this and I think Ross did a wonderful job. I hope the Expo will continue next year,” Ms Butler said.

Mr Vasta thanked TransitCare for supplying transport to and from the Expo for attendees, as well as Senator Amanda Stoker for her ongoing support of the Expo.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has welcomed the opening of the new community hub space at the Silky Oaks Children’s Haven in Manly West.

Mr Vasta said Silky Oaks had converted the space into a multi-purpose care facility that would offer locals in need temporary accommodation, shower facilities, food hampers and more.

“I was pleased to deliver $9,745 in Stronger Communities funding to help make the Community Hub possible,” Mr Vasta said.

“Silky Oaks has provided care and support for children and families on the bayside for 75 years and I’m proud to support their work.

“I would encourage locals to donate food and other non-perishable goods to Silky Oaks as part of their Christmas appeal this year.”

Silky Oaks Chief Executive Officer Darren Frame thanked Mr Vasta for securing the Stronger Communities grant.

More information on the Stronger Communities Programme can be found at https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/stronger-communities-programme.

Bonner schools and community organisations that encourage practical skills, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking can apply for a grant between $2,000 and $20,000 from the Coalition Government.

Applications for the Coalition Government’s Maker Projects grants will open on Thursday 8 November.

“The Coalition is providing $1 million in grants through the Maker Projects program, supporting the development of science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills among Australia’s youth,” Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said.

“Mathematics and science skills are essential for our economic prosperity and the jobs of the future, and the Coalition is working to encourage more Bonner students, particularly girls and young women, to study these subjects.”

“We know that 75 per cent of future jobs will require these skills, and this program introduces young people to STEM, allowing them to learn useful skills that can lead to rewarding careers.”

Mr Vasta said that the highly sought after grants provide an opportunity for students to apply their STEM knowledge and develop entrepreneurial skills.

“The Maker Projects program introduces young people to STEM in innovative and enjoyable ways, allowing them to learn useful skills that can lead to rewarding careers in the jobs of the future,” Mr Vasta said.

“It’s grants and programs like this that foster creativity and learning in Bonner schools and communities and that’s why I strongly encourage local schools and organisations to put themselves forward.”

Grants are offered through two streams. Stream A is for primary and secondary schools, where they can access grants of between $2,000 to $5,000 to establish maker spaces. Stream B is for organisations partnering with industry to run STEM-related events and education activities for Australians under 18. Eligible organisations can apply for funding of between $5,000 and $20,000.

Funding for the program comes from the $29.8 million Inspiring Australia science engagement program through the Coalition’s National Innovation and Science Agenda, aimed at harnessing science, research and innovation as long-term drivers of Australia’s economic prosperity, jobs and growth.
Maker Projects grants are highly competitive and applications will be assessed in the order they are received. The round will close once the annual allocation of funding is exhausted.

Applications can be submitted online from Thursday 8 November 2018 at midday (AEDT). For more information about the streams and to apply, go to: Stream A: https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/inspiring-australia-science-engagement/maker-projects and Stream B: https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/inspiring-australia-science-engagement/maker-projects-stream-b

Local bayside businesses spoke first hand with the Minister for Energy Angus Taylor and Federal MP for Bonner Ross Vasta today about the coalition’s recently introduced energy policy.

Minister for Energy Angus Taylor said for too long people have been paying through the nose for their electricity, so the Government is taking strong action to lower power prices while keeping the lights on.

“Our four point plan will include creating a price safety net and scrapping the loyalty tax. This means customers who haven’t had a chance to negotiate a better price will get a fairer default price, plus greater transparency and clarity,” Minister Taylor said.

Curtis and Lisa from Flex Fitness in Wynnum said as a busy small business they often don’t have time to negotiate with power companies and this policy would help them save precious dollars on their quarterly bills.

“We pay roughly $2000 a quarter at the moment but as the weather heats up we will need to use the air-conditioners more and more so we welcome any support to try and bring the price of our bills down.”

“We’re so lucky to be able to run our own business and do what we enjoy and we want to make sure we can keep doing it for many years to come so we need to keep our costs low,” Curtis said.

Mr Vasta agreed and thanked the Minister for meeting with locals and business owners of Bonner.

“The coalition is looking out for the people of Bonner. We’re taking a big stick to the power companies and it’s only under our plan for affordable reliable energy that local families and small businesses will benefit from big savings.”

“Our policy 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.

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.

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.