A newly established Drought Finance Taskforce will leverage resources and share insights on ways in which the Government and banks could further support farmers and small businesses in Australia.

“The Liberal-National Government continues to prioritise drought-affected regional and rural communities including those in Queensland as demonstrated by the expansion of the $1.8 billion Drought Assistance Package,” Ross Vasta said.

“The taskforce is an additional way for government, business and industry to work together and ensure that they are not only receiving the most up-to-date information, but also able to respond quickly, so farmers and local small businesses receive the additional support they need, as soon as possible.

“Importantly, the taskforce will consider and respond to the impact of the drought on local small businesses as well as farmers, as we know many of our small businesses depend on farming activities.”

The taskforce will include the Treasurer who will serve as chair, the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources who will serve as deputy chair, drought special envoy Barnaby Joyce, regional Queensland Member of Parliament John McVeigh, a senior representative from the National Farmers Federation (NFF) and a senior representative from ANZ, the Commonwealth Bank, the National Australia Bank, Rabobank and Westpac.

The Drought Finance Taskforce will:
– leverage government, business and industry resources to further determine the impact that the drought has had or is having on our farmers and local small businesses; establish mechanisms to share insights in a timely manner; and advise the Government, bank CEOs and the NFF on drought impacts as well as further measures that could help alleviate the impact on our farmers and local small businesses.

“The Drought Finance Taskforce and the Liberal-National Government’s support for farmers and rural and regional small businesses is part

The Morrison Government will make a medication for severe inflammatory spinal arthritis more affordable for Bonner patients when it is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), saving patients more than $15,000 a year.

Almost 4,000 patients across Australia who are suffering from active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis will benefit when Simponi® (Golimumab) becomes available on the PBS on December 1.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said patients would have had pay over $1,300 per script will only pay a maximum of $39.50 per script, or only $6.40 if they have a concession card.

“The Morrison Government has also negotiated immediate compassionate for patients meaning those who need it most will have access to the medication without having to wait until it’s listed on the PBS.” Mr Vasta said.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the condition results in back pain, fatigue and stiffness which could lead to abnormal stiffening and immobility of the joints.

“Simponi® helps reduce inflammation, swelling and joint destruction for some patients, by blocking inflammation through changes to the patient’s immune system.” Minister Hunt said.

“The medication will be of particular benefit to patients who are no longer able to relieve the inflammation and pain using conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.”

“Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis may not be detectable through X-ray and because it affects young adults with symptoms that are like a sporting injury and the condition may remain undiagnosed for many years. An MRI or blood test is often used to diagnose the condition.”

“This listing will save families thousands of dollars and help patients manage their condition and improve their quality of life.”

The independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended this listing.

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.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said since coming into Government, the Coalition has helped improve the health of Australians by subsidising $9.7 billion worth of new medicines. This means an average of around 31 listings per month or one per day.

“Unlike Labor, we are subsidising all drugs recommended by the independent medical experts.” Mr Vasta said. In the Budget we announced our commitment to invest $2.4 billion on 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.”

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the launch of the second phase of the Stop it at the Start campaign is an opportunity for the Bonner community to play a role in helping to break the cycle of violence against women.

The $30 million campaign is jointly funded by the Australian, state and territory governments through the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children 2010-2022.

Phase two of the campaign was launched at the National Summit on Reducing Violence Against Women and Their Children in Adelaide by the Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations and Minister for Women, the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP, and the Minister for Families and Social Services, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP.

Stop it at the Start aims to help parents, family members, teachers, coaches, employers and other role models to reflect on their own attitudes and have conversations with young people about respect.

Mr Vasta said violence against women continues to affect individuals, families and communities across Australia.

“Too many people experience domestic violence, family violence and sexual assault, and this must change,” Mr Vasta said.

“What we might not realise is that we can all play a role in preventing future violence, and it starts with thinking about the example that we’re setting for our kids.

“It’s important to know that we can help stop it at the start. Each of us can play a role by intervening when we see disrespectful behaviour, or talking to our kids about respectful relationships.”

“We can also talk to the young people in our schools, on the sporting field, working in our businesses and in other settings about respectful relationships. Let’s make it an open, honest and regular conversation,” Mr Vasta said.

Phase two advertising starts on Sunday 7 October, supported by online tools and resources. Visit www.respect.gov.au for more information.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.

Note to media: Broadcast-quality television commercials and high resolution versions of other advertisements are available at https://www.respect.gov.au/thecampaign/media/

The Coalition has announced a total of 30 additional sites across Australia to receive Medicare subsidised MRIs.

This week the Government announced ten locations to receive Medicare subsidised MRIs from 1st November 2018, subject to the sites meeting the required approvals and administrative requirements.

A competitive public application process has been opened to determine the location for the other 20 Medicare eligible MRI licences. Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said MRIs are commonly used medical scans which give a
detailed view of the soft tissues of the body such as muscles, ligaments, brain tissue, discs and blood vessels.

“It is used by doctors to diagnose and monitor a number of different medical conditions including cancer and trauma or sporting injuries,” said Mr Vasta.

“I encourage prospective local facilities to apply for consideration for an MRI licence to access lifesaving scans for cancer, stroke, heart and other medical conditions.”

The total of 30 sites to receive Medicare subsidised MRIs will provide more than 400,000 Australians access to lifesaving scans with a total $175 million investment from the Morrison Government.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Liberal National Government is helping Australians stay healthy and keeping the cost of healthcare down for families.

“The coalition will continue to deliver record funding for essential services such as Medicare, public hospitals and life-saving medicines,” Minister Hunt said.

The Morrison Government is committed to providing high quality health services when and where they are needed. “Not only will our new Medicare support ensure patients get better treatment and save money, it will also cut down the amount of time patients travel to get a scan.”

Medicare spending is guaranteed and increasing every year from approximately $24 billion in 2017-18 to $28.8 billion in 2021-22. The Liberal National Government has also announced an additional $2 billion investment in diagnostic imaging over the next decade.

We are retaining the bulk-billing incentive and indexing targeted diagnostic imaging services including mammography, fluoroscopy, CT scans and interventional procedures. By contrast, Labor has only committed $80 million and not made any commitment to the re-indexation of diagnostic imaging rebates.

To apply visit: http://www.health.gov.au/diagnosticimaging

Ross Vasta the Member for Bonner said the Federal Government had guaranteed choice in education for local parents through its agreement with the Catholic and Independent school sectors.

Mr Vasta said there were 45 Catholic and Independent schools located within Bonner and this funding agreement has guaranteed that parents will continue to have a choice about where to send their kids to school.”

“Our Government is providing increased funding to our schools to ensure better results for our students. In fact, our Government is providing record funding for education – record funding for child care, record funding for schools, record funding for higher education.

“Our record funding will be matched by a focus on results. We want to ensure that every student in Bonner gets the best possible education to realise their potential.”

Mr Vasta said the Government would transition to a fairer model for determining how non-government schools were funded as part of its response to the National School Resourcing Board’s Review of the socio-economic status (SES) score methodology.

“From 2020, we will use a new direct income measure to determine the capacity of a school community to contribute to their operating costs,” he said.

“To support schools during the transition, the Commonwealth Government will also provide $1.2 billion over the next ten years to guarantee choice in education in Bonner.

“Ensuring we have low fee Catholic and Independent schools providing choice across the nation is a key government priority. This means that schools that need the most support will get the most support.”

The Government is providing record funding over 10 years to all Australian schools with $113.6 billion to State schools, $88.9 billion to Catholic schools and $68.5 billion to Independent schools.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta took Alan Tudge Minister for Urban Infrastructure, Cities and Population on a tour of Bonner today stopping at the local accident hotspot Newnham, Wecker rd intersection in Mount Gravatt East.

Mr Vasta explained that the local intersection is ranked one of the top five worst intersections in Queensland, and the community demands it be fixed.

“Thousands of locals have already signed my petition to have this issue fixed, and today I had the opportunity to show the Minister first hand why I’m fighting for a solution.

“Near misses and crashes are all too common at Newnham/Wecker Rd. Parents are trying to drop their young children at the school on the corner and having to deal with this mess, while paramedics are constantly being called out to accidents.” Mr Vasta said.

Minister Tudge thanked Mr Vasta for showing him the intersection and said after seeing the issues personally he knows why it’s a big issue for the community.

“Ross has expressed to me that this is one of the top priorities for local residents. We want to deal with congestion across the nation, and this is a project we will look at closely.”

The Minister said following today’s visit he will be working alongside Mr Vasta and the Brisbane City Council to investigate a solution for the intersection.

New Federal Government grants are available to help Australian researchers and businesses work with counterparts in the Asia Pacific to make a difference in the region, Ross Vasta Member for Bonner said today.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews launched the second round of the Regional Collaborations Programme in Singapore, which will provide over $1.5 million in new grants for science-based projects and workshops.

The grants offer Australian businesses and researchers opportunities to find solutions to health, environmental and economic challenges in the rapidly developing Asia Pacific region.

The projects will focus on shared challenges and create new opportunities in Australia and across the region – and the first round of funding saw Australians work with their Asia Pacific counterparts on everything from advanced manufacturing to a cure for Hepatitis B.

The first funding round provided five research projects with a total of just under $900,000. Nearly $2.5 million of matched funds by project partners was invested in the projects, close to a 3:1 return.

Ross Vasta said the program had great potential benefits. “A successful grant application is a boon not only for the successful applicants but for the local community of Bonner.”

“My electorate has an innovative business culture and I encourage researchers and companies to look closely at these grants and consider making an application,” Mr Vasta said.

The existing projects centre on health, advanced manufacturing and environmental change. Researchers from Australian institutions joined partners from countries including Indonesia, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Singapore and Japan in the projects.

The grants are administered by the Australian Academy of Science and are part of the Coalition Government’s Global Innovation Strategy, helping to create new jobs and scientific opportunities for Australians.

For more information visit science.org.au/opportunities/travel/grants-and-exchange/regional-collaborations-programme

The Liberal-National Government’s economic plan and responsible budget management has seen the Final Budget Outcome for the 2017-18 financial year record an underlying cash deficit $19.3 billion better than estimated at the time of the 2017-18 Budget.

At $10.1 billion, just 0.6 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), the underlying cash deficit is the smallest in ten years – clear evidence that the Liberal-National Government’s plan for a stronger economy, more jobs and to repair the Budget is working.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said building a strong economy and maintaining a responsible budget guarantees the essential services which Bonner rely on.

The Australian economy has completed its 27th consecutive year of growth and more than one million jobs have been created since the Coalition Government was first elected in 2013.

The Final Budget Outcome builds on the release of the National Accounts earlier this month, which showed that the economy grew 3.4 per cent through the year – the fastest rate of growth since the September quarter 2012 during the height of the mining investment boom and faster than any G7 economy.

It also follows last week’s reaffirmation of our AAA credit rating by Standard & Poor’s – Australia being one of only 10 countries with an AAA rating from all three major ratings agencies.

In contrast to the strong economic management of the Liberal-National Government, Bill Shorten and Labor want to hit you in the hip pocket with $200 billion worth of taxes, putting the budget and the economy at risk.

Bonner aged care services are being invited to share in $40 million now available to improve their operations, for the benefit of local seniors.

Federal Member Ross Vasta said aged care providers could apply for one-off grants of up to $500,000 to undertake infrastructure extensions.

“Whether it’s improving accessibility, extending a kitchen or carrying out much-needed upgrades, I urge local operators to consider applying,” said Mr Vasta.

“The new Aged Care Regional, Rural and Remote Infrastructure Grants scheme is an important part of the Morrison Government’s commitment to providing the best quality aged care for our treasured senior Australians.”
Funding will be provided via an open and competitive application process.

“Existing Government-approved residential and home care providers can apply,” Mr Vasta said.

“Approved Commonwealth Home Support Programme providers such as Meals on Wheels may also be eligible, where there is an exceptional need.”

Mr Vasta said applications for the Aged Care Regional, Rural and Remote Infrastructure Grants will close at 2pm AEDT on 24 October 2018.

The application form, guidelines and FAQ can be access via Grant Connect: www.grants.gov.au

The Morrison Government will invest $52 million to protect Australian teenagers, including those in Bonner against meningococcal, with the launch of a new free national program for 14 to 19 year olds.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said over 1 million teenagers will receive the free meningococcal A, C, W and Y vaccine, over the next four years.
“It will be added to the National Immunisation Program from April 2019 and provided to students aged 14 to 16 years under a school based program.” Mr Vasta said.

“Adolescents aged 15 to 19 years of age, who have not already received the vaccine in school, will be able to receive the vaccine through an ongoing GP based catch up program.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt said meningococcal is a rare but very serious infection that occurs when meningococcal bacteria from the throat or nose invades the body. The consequences are devastating for individuals and their families.

“In recent years we have seen a rise in the number of invasive meningococcal disease cases in Australia. In 2017, there were 382 cases reported nationally, compared with 252 cases in 2016 and 182 cases in 2015.” Minister Hunt said.

“Deaths associated with meningococcal disease have also risen, with 28 deaths in 2017, compared with 11 deaths in 2016 and 12 deaths in 2015.”
“I am absolutely committed to strengthening Australia’s world-class national vaccination program and urge all Australian parents to have their teenagers vaccinated.”

This announcement follows a recommendation from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to list the meningococcal A, C, W and Y vaccine for adolescents.

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

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the Liberal National Government’s announcement builds on our strong vaccination program.

“From July 1, every 12 month old in the country is now offered a free ACWY meningococcal vaccine and every mother is given the opportunity to vaccinate against whooping cough with a free vaccine.” Mr Vasta said.
“Since coming into Government, the Coalition has helped improve the health of Australians by subsidising almost $10 billion worth of new medicines.”

“Unlike Labor, we are subsidising all medicines and vaccines recommended by the independent medical experts.”

“Vaccination works and is an effective and safe tool to prevent the spread of many diseases that cause hospitalisation, serious ongoing health conditions and sometimes death.”

“I encourage everyone to get the facts about immunisation by visiting: health.gov.au/immunisation”