$33 MILLION TO BUST CONGESTION IN BRISBANE’S EAST

Bonner motorists will spend less time on the road, with the Morrison Government investing $18 million in local congestion busting infrastructure projects.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the $1 billion Urban Congestion Fund would be put to work in the Bonner electorate, upgrading roads and fixing trouble spots in the area.

“Better roads get us all home faster. They make it easier to commute, easier to do business and easier to live in our cities,” the Prime Minister said.

“Throughout Queensland and Australia we are building roads and tackling trouble spots so you can get home sooner and safer.

“Getting stuck in traffic means you miss dinner with loved ones, or you can’t help the kids with homework, I want to give that time back to hardworking families.”

The Morrison Government is also spending $12 million to upgrade the Newnham Road and Wecker Road intersection in Mount Gravatt, which is listed as one of the top five worst intersections in the state.

The Newnham Road and Wecker Road intersection has been the site of seven serious crashes and nine serious casualties between 2014 and 2017.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said he had heard from several people who had witnessed or been involved in near misses and crashes at the intersection.

“Hundreds of commuters go through here every day and students pass through on the way to Mt Gravatt East State School,” Mr Vasta said.

“Over 1500 people signed my community petition to fix the intersection, which is an amazing result. Thanks to their support, the Liberal and Nationals Government has agreed to fully fund an upgrade for the intersection that will save lives and get people home sooner and safer.”

An additional $6 million will be spent on safety improvements at the intersection of Rickertt Road and Chelsea Road in Ransome.

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said estimates put the cost of congestion in Australia’s capital cities at $25 billion per year in 2017-18, projected to increase to $40 billion per year by 2030.

“The Urban Congestion Fund will deliver a more reliable road network for commuters and freight, and support critical access to employment centres and freight hubs,” Minister Tudge said.

“This is as much about hitting those local traffic headaches as it is about the major highways and providing a safer journey home for motorists.”

The new local congestion busting infrastructure projects complement an existing $7.2 billion investment by the Morrison Government into major urban infrastructure projects in South East Queensland.

This includes Bruce Highway upgrades; the Brisbane Metro; M1 Pacific Motorway upgrades; the Ipswich Motorway upgrade between Rocklea and Darra; Cunningham Highway upgrade; Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A; Gateway Upgrade North; Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Line upgrade; and Toowoomba Second Range Crossing.

 

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INCREASING AND EXTENDING THE INSTANT ASSET WRITE OFF IN BONNER

The Liberal National Government continues to back small business by increasing the instant asset write-off threshold from $20,000 to $25,000, effective immediately, and extending the initiative for another year beyond its existing June 2019 end-date.

The instant asset write-off will enable over small businesses in Bonner with an annual turnover of less than $10 million to access the new $25,000 incentive from now until 30 June 2020.

Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education, Senator Michaelia Cash said the increase and extension of this initiative will further improve cash flow for small business owners by bringing forward tax deductions, providing a boost to small business activity and encouraging more small businesses to reinvest in their operations, and replace or upgrade their assets.

“Our Government first introduced the $20,000 instant asset write-off in the 2015-16 Budget. In the first year alone, more than 300,000 small businesses took advantage of this opportunity – this equates to an average of approximately 800 businesses per day making an investment through this initiative,” Minister Cash said.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the Government will introduce legislation to give effect to this measure when Parliament returns next month.

“As a former small business owner I know first-hand that when business owners are able to keep more of their own money, they can invest back into the business, boost productivity, grow the economy and create new and local jobs,” Mr Vasta said.

“The increase and extension of the instant asset write-off builds on our Government’s record of backing small and medium businesses and the approximately seven million Australians they employ.”

The Liberal National Government has delivered:

  • Tax relief for incorporated small and medium businesses, with turnovers of less than $50 million per annum. These companies will move to a 25 per cent tax rate by 2021-22;
  • An increase to the rate of the tax discount for unincorporated small businesses with turnover below $5 million to 16 per cent by 2021-22; and
  • An increase to the small business entity turnover threshold from $2 million to $10 million per annum, which has extended access to a range of tax concessions.

“Backing small business is part of our plan for a stronger economy to help them reach their potential and create even more jobs,” Mr Vasta said.

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MEDICINES FOR THE TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS LISTED ON THE PBS

The Liberal National Government will make two new medicines for the treatment of the skin condition psoriasis more affordable for Bonner residents, saving patients up to $32,600 per year.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said the medicine Tremfya® (Guselkumab) is being listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from February 1 for the treatment of severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

“The medicine would cost around $30,200 per patient, per year without PBS subsidy. Under the PBS the price goes down to just $40.30 per script, or $6.50 for concessional patients,” Mr Vasta said.

“Severe chronic plaque psoriasis is an inflammatory condition affecting the skin and nails.”

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the inflammatory autoimmune disease causes skin cells to grow too quickly. This can result in red, scaly lesions that can be painful, disfiguring and disabling.

“Psoriasis, which is a lifelong condition without a cure, can impact the emotional and social wellbeing of affected people,” Minister Hunt said.

“It can be associated with psychosocial issues including social isolation, poor self-image, depression and anxiety.”

“Treatment with Tremfya neutralises the activity of a protein called IL-23, and reduces proteins in the skin responsible for forming the plaques seen in psoriasis.”

“This listing will help people who suffer the terrible effects of  severe chronic plaque psoriasis and at the same time saving families more than $30,000 a year.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said our Government will also list the medicine Ilumya® (Tildrakizumab) on the PBS from February 1. This medicine treats severe chronic plaque psoriasis too.

“The medicine would cost around $32,600 per patient, per year without PBS subsidy. Under the PBS the price goes down to  just $40.30 per script, or $6.50 for concessional patients,” Mr Vasta said.

“Treatment with Ilumya® reduces the inflammation and other symptoms of the disease and promotes skin clearance.”

“These two medicines are expected to benefit 3,600 Australian patients with this condition.”

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said these PBS listing were recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).

“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 the PBAC.”

“Our Government continues to provide PBS listing for every medicine approved by the PBAC to ensure that new, essential medicines are affordable for all Australians.”

“The recent 2018–19 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) invests a further $1.4 billion in new medicines, saving sick Australians hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year.”

“Our strong economic management means we are providing Australian patients with access to life-saving and life-changing medicines quicker than ever before.”

“We are now making on average one new or amended PBS listing every single day.”

“Since being elected, our Government has helped Australians with new medicine subsidies worth more than $10.5 billion and listed almost 2,000 medicines.”

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

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

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HELP ON THE WAY FOR LUNG CANCER PATIENTS

Hundreds of families across Australia will save close to $90,000 each year from a $96 million investment our Government is making to ensure lung cancer medicine is affordable.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said help is on the way for around 400 patients diagnosed with lung cancer with our Government listing Tagrisso® (Osimertinib) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 February.

“Patients would pay close to $8,000 per script or almost $88,000 per year for this treatment without subsidised access through the PBS,” Mr Vasta said.

“Thanks to our investment, the price drops to just $40.30 per script, or $6.50 for concessional patients.”

“We can fund life-saving medicines like this because we’re delivering on our plan for a stronger economy and bringing the Budget back to balance.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt said subsidising medicines like Tagrisso means patients can manage their cancer at home rather than visiting the hospital for chemotherapy.

“Unlike Labor who ran the Budget into the ground and couldn’t afford to subsidise lifesaving medicines, this is the latest of nearly 2000 PBS listings worth around $10.5 billion we’ve been able to make since we came to government,” Minister Hunt said.

“This PBS listing was recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).”

“Our Government continues to list every drug on the PBS approved by the PBAC to ensure that new, essential medicines are affordable for all Australians.”

“In the Budget update our Government delivered an extra $1.4 billion for new medicines, saving sick Australians hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said our strong economic management means we are providing Australian patients with access to life-saving and life-changing medicines quicker than ever before.

“We are now making on average one new or amended PBS listing every single day,” Mr Vasta said.

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

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$10 MILLION INVESTMENT FOR BONNER RESIDENTS TO BEAT BOWEL CANCER

The Liberal National Government will invest $10 million in an advertising blitz to boost participation in the free and life-saving National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said the Cancer Council Australia will use TV, radio, social media and outdoor advertising throughout 2019 to help people better understand the benefits of bowel cancer screening and encourage more people to participate in a program that could save their life.

“The campaign aims to create awareness about the benefits of early detection, prompt diagnosis and treatment,” Mr Vasta said.

“This is the largest single investment in a national cancer-specific mass media campaign, reflecting the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program’s extraordinary capacity to save Australian lives.”

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in Australia with 17,000 people diagnosed each year.

“From age 50, the risk of bowel cancer increases, with one in 11 men, and one in 15 women, developing bowel cancer before the age of 85,” Minister Hunt said.

“Symptoms can often be silent, so screening is absolutely critical for early detection. Testing can even find the early warning signs even before bowel cancer develops.”

“Research shows that 90 percent of bowel cancers can be successfully treated through early detection, reducing the number of family, friends, and loved ones who die each year from the disease.”

“The free home test kit contains a full instruction booklet, a zip-lock bag, two flushable collection sheets, two sampling sticks and sterile collection tubes, two identification stickers for the collection tubes, two transportation tubes, and a prepaid envelope and checklist with which to return your samples.”

“Of the 3.2 million people invited to screen between January 2015 and December 2016 – 41 per cent participated in the program. This is a two per cent increase in the previous screening period.”

“Independent modelling by Cancer Council NSW shows that 59,000 lives will be saved between 2015 and 2040 at current rates of participation.”

“Increasing participation rates to 60 per cent could save more than 83,000 lives by 2040.”

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program was introduced by the Howard Government with initial funding in 2005-06, following three successful localised pilot projects and a plan to test national feasibility through an incremental roll-out.

“In the 2014–15 Budget the Liberal National Government invested $95.9 million to fast track the expansion of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.” Mr Vasta said.

“By the end of 2019 all Australians aged 50 to 74 will be invited to screen. This makes it an ideal time to invest communications funding into increase program participation.”

“We must get the message through to people that early detection of this cancer is vital in saving lives and protecting lives.”

“I encourage people aged between 50 and 74 years, just like myself, living in Bonner to take the test to live a longer, healthier life and give peace of mind to their family and loved ones.”

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said by commissioning Cancer Council to run the campaign, we partner with the largest and longest established cancer charity in the country, with a long history of working with us to establish and promote the program.

“Our Government is able to provide unprecedented levels of support life-saving programs such as the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program because of our strong economic management,” Minister Hunt said.

For more information about the screening program go to www.cancerscreening.gov.au

 

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STRENGTHENING BONNER MENTAL HEALTH AND JOB SECURITY

The Liberal National Government will provide a record $1.45 billion for community mental health services and change the funding model to ensure security for both jobs and services.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta welcomed the announcement, and said the funding will be provided through the Government’s innovative 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs).

“PHN’s were setup as an independent regional health organisation to commission health services including mental health, in response to the needs of local communities throughout Australia, including that of Bonner, said Mr Vasta.

“The Brisbane South PHN is expected to receive more than $52 million over a three period to help tailor services to meet the specific needs in our region and help deliver a stronger, more integrated mental health system.

“This funding means more services for the 150,000+ adults and children here living in the Bonner region, including funding specifically allocated for indigenous mental health services.”

It is estimated that one in five people in Australia experience a common mental disorder each year. Nearly half of the Australian population will experience mental illness at some point in their lives, but less than half will access treatment.

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said PHNs coordinate local support for child and youth mental health, psychological therapy, severe and complex illness, community-based suicide prevention and Indigenous mental health.

“In 2017–18, about 200,000 Australians accessed over 900,000 mental health services through local providers commissioned by PHNs,” said Minister Hunt.

“The record three year $1.45 billion funding commitment will commence from July this year until 2021-22 and is $170 million more than what was provided for the previous three years.”

“It will continue to support important services such as headspace centres, psychological services for hard to reach groups, suicide prevention activities, mental health nurses and mental health support for older Australians.”

It is estimated that the $1.45 billion funding includes:

  • $177 million for mental health nurses
  • $77 million for suicide prevention including Indigenous suicide
  • $74 million for the mental health of those in residential aged care
  • $89 million for Indigenous mental health
  • $617 million for youth mental health including headspace
  • $399 million for psychological therapies for hard to reach populations

Minster Hunt said the Government will also change the way that PHNs are funded to ensure that the staff and mental health professionals who deliver these critical services will no longer face uncertainty on short term contracts.

“This will allow longer term planning, provide job certainty for thousands of people employed in the sector, and deliver a stronger mental health system,” said Minister Hunt.

“The new funding process will dramatically improve their ability to ensure that services can be commissioned well in advance at any point in time, and provide greater funding certainty for the community-based mental health sector.”

“This will particularly benefit those living in rural and remote areas, where staffing shortages due to employment uncertainty have historically reduced access to mental health services.”

“Our Government has an ongoing commitment to supporting the mental health of Australians,” said Minister Hunt.

The Liberal National Government has prioritised better mental health for all Australians with $4.7 billion expected to be spent on mental health this financial year.

The Government’s strong economic management ensures continued investment of record funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.

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COALITION SUPPORTS BONNER RESIDENTS TO LIVE LONGER

Thousands of Bonner residents are being asked to take new online Life Checks, as the Liberal National Government continues rolling out its More Choices For A Longer Life measures, to support local people to live longer, better lives.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said Life Checks are about empowering people to make the best choices for their future.

“Taking a Life Check gives you a clearer picture of how you’re currently tracking and helps you prepare for the next stage of life.

“This is one of the best New Year’s resolutions you can make in 2019 and it’s something to tell you friends about, because spending a few minutes taking a Life Check could make a lifetime of difference.

The new Life Checks website offers two free quizzes, one for 45 to 64 year olds and the other for 65s and older.

Each quiz is broken into four parts – health, work, finance and social life – the key areas that determine our wellbeing and ultimately how we will live our future lives.

The questions in each section have been shaped by research showing Australians are not adequately prepared for their next stage of life.

“Many of us are not taking action to reduce preventable diseases and most do not have financial plans in place,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our health and financial circumstance are crucial to our ability to live comfortably.”

The work and social life inclusions in the quiz encourage people to stay engaged with work and their local communities.

“I want everyone living in our local communities to be adequately prepared to live the life they want,” Mr Vasta said.

“I encourage every person over the age of 45 to visit lifechecks.gov.au today.”

 

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TOURISM INDUSTRY IN BRISBANE CONTINUES TO BOOM

Brisbane continues to benefit from strong International traveller numbers, according to the latest International Visitor Survey data.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the latest results showed South East Queensland and Brisbane continued to be a major tourist hotspot for International travellers.

“In the year to September 2018 we’ve seen an additional 1.3m visitors flock to the Brisbane region and that’s an increase of 10% from the same time last year,” Mr Vasta said.

“Bonner has some amazing offerings for tourists such as Moreton island dolphin tours, manly harbour and an all-round great local atmosphere for tourists to experience, so it’s no wonder that visitors are flocking to the area.

“This is a testament to our local tourism operators and great news for local businesses and the local economy who benefit from every dollar international travellers spend right here in Bonner.

“It’s why I am a passionate advocate for building our local tourism sector. I have worked very closely with the Moreton Bay Discovery Centre to secure more than $450,000 worth of funding for its stage one development and I’ll continue to work closely with the team until the finished product is delivered for the Bonner community,” said Mr Vasta.

The international visitor survey results show a record 8.4 million international travellers flocked to our shores over the last year and spent record amounts with travellers injecting $43.2 billion into the local economy.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham welcomed the results saying more international travellers in Queensland meant more people in local restaurants, staying in local hotels and visiting local tourist attractions.

“It’s encouraging to see international travellers continuing to visit our great nation and enjoy all that our country has to offer,” Minister Birmingham said.

“These latest results show 2.84 million international travellers chose to travel beyond our capital cities and spent time in the bush, at the coast or even in the outback.

“Today’s results are also good news for Bonner as the more tourists we attract to the region the more they contribute to the local economy and the more they spend in local businesses.”

“Our Liberal-National Government continues to deliver record funding to Tourism Australia for cutting-edge campaigns such as Undiscover and Dundee, and these latest results demonstrate how these campaigns are helping to lure more tourists down under.

The latest International Visitor Survey results are available at: www.tra.gov.au.

 

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GOV’T INVESTING IN GREATER ACCESS TO INFORMATION FOR BONNER RESIDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

The Liberal-National Government has announced up to $315,000 in grant funding to make conferences more accessible for people with disability.

The National Disability Conference Initiative grants assist eligible conference organisers to include people with disability at nationally-focused, disability-related conferences in Australia.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the grant funding will help to assist people with disability, their families and carers to attend conferences.

“Grants of up to $10,000 are available to organisations to help people with disability participate in disability-related conferences from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020,” Mr Vasta said.

The grants are designed to assist people with disability with the costs of attending the conference—assisting them with conference fees, accommodation and travel costs.

They can also be used for accessibility purposes such as funding AUSLAN interpreters, assistive computer devices or software, aids or appliances or other costs relating to venue accessibility.

“I encourage organisations in Bonner planning to hold a disability-related conference during this period to apply for a National Disability Conference Initiative grant,” Mr Vasta said.

The Government anticipates the funding will enable over 30 conferences across the country to be more inclusive of people with disability, their families and carers to attend conferences about issues that affect them.

Applications open on 9 January 2019 and close at 2pm (AEDT) on 20 February 2019. To apply for a grant or for more information on the National Disability Conference Initiative grant round, go to Australian Government Community Grants Hub at communitygrants.gov.au or Grant Connect at grants.gov.au.

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GOV’T INVESTING IN GREATER ACCESS TO INFORMATION FOR BONNER RESIDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

The Liberal-National Government has announced up to $315,000 in grant funding to make conferences more accessible for people with disability.

The National Disability Conference Initiative grants assist eligible conference organisers to include people with disability at nationally-focused, disability-related conferences in Australia.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the grant funding will help to assist people with disability, their families and carers to attend conferences.

“Grants of up to $10,000 are available to organisations to help people with disability participate in disability-related conferences from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020,” Mr Vasta said.

The grants are designed to assist people with disability with the costs of attending the conference—assisting them with conference fees, accommodation and travel costs.

They can also be used for accessibility purposes such as funding AUSLAN interpreters, assistive computer devices or software, aids or appliances or other costs relating to venue accessibility.

“I encourage organisations in Bonner planning to hold a disability-related conference during this period to apply for a National Disability Conference Initiative grant,” Mr Vasta said.

The Government anticipates the funding will enable over 30 conferences across the country to be more inclusive of people with disability, their families and carers to attend conferences about issues that affect them.

Applications open on 9 January 2019 and close at 2pm (AEDT) on 20 February 2019. To apply for a grant or for more information on the National Disability Conference Initiative grant round, go to Australian Government Community Grants Hub at communitygrants.gov.au or Grant Connect at grants.gov.au.

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