Thousands of Bonner residents and families now have access to bulk billed MRI’s thanks to the Coalition and Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta.

Mr Vasta said he is thrilled to have been able to advocate for the community and secure an MRI bulk billing license at Qscan Carindale.

“This license will give local families and resident’s access to bulk billed MRI’s close to home. It means people will spend less time and money travelling to appointments, and more time with loved ones.”

“Locals can now access bulk billed MRI services for stroke, neurological disorders, various cancers and coronary conditions closer to home and without the inconvenience of having to go to a hospital.”

“It’s all thanks to the Coalition’s commitment to delivering a strong economy that I am able to deliver vital health services to families in my electorate,” said Mr Vasta.

Qscan radiologist Dr Stephen Drew said they hear locals complain every day about the lack of bulk billing MRI services around, but thanks to Ross Vasta and the Federal Government they can now offer this service locally at Qscan Carindale.

“Prior to this announcement there was no Bulk billing MRI licenses in this region and previously patients in Bonner and the bayside would have had to travel long distances to access a bulk billed MRI this means that they would often prolong diagnosis.”

“Having this service on hand now means residents can book in for an MRI sooner and this means their diagnosis and treatment process can begin quickly and we can get them on the path to definitive management as soon as possible.”

This announcement is part of the Coalition’s $375 million package to deliver 50 new bulk bill MRI licenses across Australia.

NEW legislation introduced into Federal Parliament will provide better recognition of the unique nature of military service and further acknowledge the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families.

The Government’s Australian Veterans’ Recognition (Putting Veterans and their Families First) Bill 2019 will establish an Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant, and as part of a wider recognition package, a card and lapel pin will be provided to veterans.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester and Ross Vasta Member for Bonner said the Government is committed to putting veterans and their families first and this legislation is part of a greater suite of measures being put in place.

“The Government has introduced legislation to provide a formal way for all Australians to show their appreciation to the men and women who secured the freedoms we enjoy today and to their families who have supported them,” Mr Chester said.

Mr Vasta said he was a strong supporter of the initiative and what it meant for veterans and their families in their local community.

“The covenant, card and lapel pin will provide the community of Bonner the opportunity to recognise the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our nation,” Mr Vasta said.

“Included in the covenant is an oath, which all Australians will be encouraged to take at community commemorative events and is underpinned by the new Veteran Card and an Australian Veteran Lapel Pin and a Reservist Lapel Pin.

“I encourage all those in Bonner to play their part in recognising and respecting those who have served.”

This Bill will create a separate Act to provide symbolic recognition for all veterans and includes an important overarching statement requiring the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to adopt a beneficial approach when interpreting legislation and applying a fair, just and consistent approach to veterans’ claims.

More information on the Australian Defence Veterans Covenant can be found on the DVA website

New laws giving older Australians in Bonner a better deal in retirement have passed the Parliament, Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said today.

The Retirement Incomes Bill 2018 will make a number of changes to give locals more financial options in retirement from July 1.

The Pension Work Bonus – the amount that can be earned from work without affecting eligibility for the Age Pension – will rise from $250 to $300 a fortnight, giving 90,000 people across Australia an increase in their payments.

Australians of retirement age who chose to work will be able to keep more of their pension.

Self-employed pensioners will also qualify for the Work Bonus for the first time.

Some 1,150 more people will become eligible for a social security pension for the first time.

“The new laws also expand the Pension Loans Scheme, giving more people the option of borrowing against the value of their home to draw down fortnightly payments from Centrelink,” said Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher.

“The expanded Pension Loans Scheme will give people a higher standard of living in retirement by receiving additional fortnightly payments in the form of a loan, conveniently paid into their accounts fortnightly by Centrelink.”

Mr Vasta said the combination of a pension payment and a loan payment can be up to 150 per cent of the full pension, or $1,374.45 a fortnight for a single person of pension age.

“Importantly, any eligible Australian of pension age who owns a home can participate in the Pension Loans Scheme regardless of whether they would otherwise be eligible for a full pension, part pension or no pension,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Liberal National Government is helping retirees while Labor is hitting them with new taxes.

“Under Labor’s retiree tax, retirees stand to lose thousands of dollars from their nest egg.

“Around 900,000 Australians, 200,000 self-managed super funds and 2,000 super funds will be hit.“On average, individuals will lose $2,200 a year and self-managed super funds will lose $12,000 a year. For many, the losses will be much higher.

“By contrast, our Liberal National Government is able to deliver more support to retirees, thanks to our strong economy and prudent management of the Budget.”

Mr Vasta said the new legislation has also changed the means test to assess newer financial products, including pooled lifetime retirement income streams.

“The new rules will make sure that these products are fairly and consistently assessed,” Mr Vasta said.

“These changes will support the development of new types of financial products in the superannuation system, improving choice and flexibility for retirees.”

The Liberal National Government will ensure 170,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents are vaccinated against the flu for free and additionally provide a $12 million to boost a national immunisation education campaign.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta welcomed the announcement and said seasonal influenza vaccines will be available at no cost through the National Immunisation Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents for the first time.

“As a result of this measure, almost 170,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents aged five to 14 years of age will now be able to access an influenza vaccine at no cost,” Mr Vasta said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience a significantly higher burden from influenza infection and are much more likely to be hospitalised with this disease.”

“This means all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children 6 months of age to 14 year olds in Bonner will now be able to receive a seasonal influenza vaccine at no cost through our national program, making it easier for parents and providers.”

This announcement follows a recommendation from the independent medical experts at the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) and contributes to our Government’s Close the Gap agenda.

Making a further announcement, Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said an additional $12 million will be spent over the next three years to expand the reach of the successful Get the Facts about immunisation campaign.

“The current campaign will be expanded into national television advertising to raise awareness of the benefits and importance of immunisation,” Minister Hunt said.

“This brings the total investment in this campaign to $20 million over six years, and shows our Government’s commitment to supporting parents make informed decisions by providing evidence based information about immunisation.”

The campaign was launch in 2017 by our Government to encourage Australian parents and carers to get their kids vaccinated.

“In addition, I am pleased to release the National Immunisation Strategy 2019–24,” Minister Hunt said.

“The strategy builds upon the success of the first National Immunisation Strategy 2013–18 and articulates a vision for improving immunisation outcomes shared with states and key stakeholders.”

“The Strategy has been agreed by all health ministers, showing a strong national approach to immunisation in Australia.”

“It has eight priority areas for action by governments, health providers and the community, to complement and strengthen the National Immunisation Program with the aim of maximising immunisation coverage in people of all ages.”

“I am proud to say that Australia’s child immunisation rates are at record levels. The latest data shows the nationwide immunisation rate for five-year-olds was 94.62 per cent, which is the highest figure on record. This is very close to the 95 per cent herd immunity we aim to achieve,” 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 year, the Liberal National Government increased protection for Australians from vaccine preventable diseases with the addition of a number of new vaccines on the National Immunisation Program.

Young Australians now receive better protection against Human papillomavirus, with the introduction of a new vaccine protecting against 9 types of the virus.

People aged over 65 were able to access new, advanced seasonal influenza vaccines, fast-tracked to be available for the 2018 flu season.

From 1 July 2018, expectant mothers were able to protect themselves and their new born babies against whooping cough with the listing of the pertussis vaccines – a $39.5 million investment.

Also from 1 July 2018, every 12 month old in the country is now offered a free A, C, W and Y meningococcal vaccine.

The Government has already committed $52 million over four years for students aged 14 to 16 years in Year 10 to receive the meningococcal A, C, W and Y vaccine from April this year under a school–based program, with an ongoing catch up program for young adults aged 15 to 19 through general practice and other vaccination providers.

Immunisation not only protects you, but others in the community, by reducing the spread of preventable diseases.

The Liberal National Government has invested $446.5 million in the National Immunisation Program this financial year. We look to the future to ensure we continue to guard Australians.

The new National Immunisation Strategy 2019–24 can be accessed at: https://beta.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-immunisation-strategy-for-australia-2019-to-2024

The Liberal National Government will establish the HeartKids Project with $26 million to tackle childhood heart disease, which affects more than 65,000 throughout Australia and including Bonner.

Today, on international day for congenital heart disease, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the Government will provide $20 million for medical research into congenital heart disease.

“This funding from the Medical Research Future Fund will support our best and brightest researchers to translate their vital work into real health benefits – better diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital heart disease,” Mr Vasta said.

“The funding is for an open grant round aimed at better understanding the disease’s genetic causes and prevention and treatment options.”

“Unlike other cardiovascular problems, which commonly present in adults over 45 years, congenital heart disease has its greatest impact on the young.”

“As a father I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have a child with heart disease. The toll that this takes on a family and the strength that they have to show in the face of adversity is admirable.”

“I’m proud to be a part of a Government that is standing up for those who cannot fight for themselves and the families who are giving their all to continue the battle for their children.”

Congenital heart disease is the leading cause of deaths for Australian infants and the second leading cause of death for children and there is currently now known cure.

Eight babies are born with congenital heart disease daily, with four passing away each week.

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the Government will also provide up to $6 million to help implement the recommendations of the National Strategic Action Plan for Childhood Heart Disease by supporting HeartKids with $1 million per year over six years.

“We announced the National Strategic Action Plan for Childhood Heart Disease a year ago along with $150,000 for the organisation HeartKids to jointly develop the plan,” Minister Hunt said.

“The Action Plan will guide improvements for the care of thousands of patients, and save lives.”

“It will coordinate policy action for tackling the disease across the nation and drive collaboration in management, care and support, research and community awareness.” Minister Hunt said.

The Action Plan targets three priority populations that are disproportionally affected by childhood heart disease – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, adolescents and young adults who are moving from paediatric to adult cardiac health services and people living in remote, or rural and regional locations.

HeartKids’ role in progressing the Action Plan’s recommendations will include addressing the standards of care for people impacted by childhood heart disease and increasing the availability of quality, relevant information about childhood heart disease.

Minister Hunt said a particular focus will be to help young people impacted by childhood heart disease as they move into adulthood.

“We are committed to doing more to support people battling this dreadful disease – and the HeartKids Project will help us chart the most effective way forward.”

“Since 2013, the Coalition has provided $662 million for research into forms of cardiovascular disease including $45.7 million for congenital heart disease research.”

“We have also provided $7.7 billion to subsidise medicine to treat cardiovascular disease on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS),” Minister Hunt said.

The Morrison Government is further strengthening environmental protection of Australia’s marine parks with a $5 million fund to improve conservation and encourage sustainable fishing practices.

Our Marine Park Grants build on the Coalition’s world-leading management plans implemented last year, which delivered new levels of protection for 3.2 million square kilometres of pristine marine areas.

The program, part of the $35 million Fisheries Assistance and User Engagement Package, will support industries and communities transition their operations under the new arrangements.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta encouraged eligible groups and individuals in Bonner to apply for assistance through the grants program.

“Eligible projects include a variety of initiatives such as improving fishing gear types or practices, connecting fishers to marine park management through citizen science, and marketing locally and sustainably caught seafood,” Mr Vasta said.

“Up to $5 million is available in the first round for grants ranging from $50,000-$1 million.

“It’s important that we continue to build on the work to preserve our unique marine areas in Bonner and ensure they remain in a pristine state for future generations.”

The Government will open a further grant round to a wider range of organisations representing marine park users later this year.

The grants will support marine users to engage with managing these special places and support their ongoing sustainability.

The Coalition will continue to deliver a high standard of environmental protection for our marine parks, maintaining the right balance between outstanding conservation outcomes and securing the future of jobs within Australia’s sustainable marine industries.

Applications for round one of the Our Marine Parks Grants program close at 2pm AEDT on 12 March, 2019.

For more information about Australian Marine Parks visit parksaustralia.gov.au/marine.

The Morrison Government has committed to working with the Queensland Government and local councils in South East Queensland to develop a City Deal for the region.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Federal Government was already delivering billions of dollars of funding for congestion busting roads and rail projects and this new deal would help unlock further investment.

“I want people to get home sooner and have dinner as a family. I want tradies to spend less time on the road and more time at the worksite,” the Prime Minister said.

“We want to ensure Queensland remains a major tourism destination and one of the world’s premier locations to live, work and raise a family.”

It will be the second City Deal for Queensland following the policy being first established in Townsville.

It comes in addition to the Morrison Government piloting a Regional Deal for the Bundaberg Hervey Bay region.

The commitment to an SEQ City Deal is supported by Queensland LNP MPs and Senators who have campaigned for funding to support the diverse sectors within the region including tourism, manufacturing and education.

The Morrison Government has been working with the SEQ Council of Mayors, in particular Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, on the recently released People Mass Movement Study which explores the impact of population growth on the region’s ability to cope with future transport demand.

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the Liberal and Nationals Government was committed to the people of South East Queensland and to making the region even more liveable than it already is.

“South East Queensland is already home to over two thirds of the state’s population and is expected to accommodate 5.3 million people within 25 years’ time,” Minister Tudge said.

“The SEQ City Deal will be a huge step forward in making sure the people of South East Queensland get the most out of living in this beautiful region.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the City Deal has helped deliver $12 million to fix Newnham Wecker Rd intersection in Mt Gravatt and $6 million for Chelsea Rickertt Rd intersection in Ransome, as well as more public transport options via the Brisbane Metro.

“We’re investing in getting locals home sooner and safer so that they can spend less time in the car and in traffic and more time at home with their families.”

The Liberal and Nationals Government is already investing $7.2 billion into major transport infrastructure projects within the region including:

• $2.7 billion to upgrade the Bruce Highway north of Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast;
• $1.2 billion for six projects to bust congestion on the M1 Pacific Motorway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast;
• $1.1 billion to construct the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing;
• $902 million to increase the efficiency of Brisbane’s motorway network by building the Gateway Upgrade North and;
• $390 million to duplicate the North Coast Rail Line between Beerburrum and Landsborough and provide further improvements to Nambour
• $300 million to support better public transport via the Brisbane Metro;
• $207 million to support construction of Stage 2 (Gold Coast University Hospital to Helensvale), and Stage 3A (Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads) of the Gold Coast Light Rail project;
• $200 million for additional lanes on the Ipswich Motorway between Rocklea and Oxley;
• $170 million for critical safety upgrades at the Yamanto and Amberley intersections with the Cunningham Highway; and
• $20 million for safety and congestion works along Bribie Island Road.

Earlier this month the Morrison Government also committed $244 million for a range of local congestion busting road, and park and ride, projects through its $1 billion Urban Congestion Fund.

Morrison Government pressure on the big energy companies has seen half a million Australian families and small businesses get an automatic discount of up to 15 per cent on their energy bill.

For too long the big energy companies have focused on their massive profits and not on their customers. The Morrison Government has demanded they put customers first, get rid of the loyalty tax and deliver lower, fairer prices.

Energy retailers including Origin, Energy Australia and AGL have listened and lowered their standing offer prices for customers in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and South East Queensland who are paying too much for their electricity.

On average, this is delivering savings of $280 for residential standing offer customers in Bonner from 1 January 2019.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the Government’s energy policy is delivering for hardworking Australian families and small businesses.

“Rising power prices are impacting household budgets and are stopping small businesses in Bonner from growing and employing more staff”, said Mr Vasta.

“The big energy companies have heard the Government’s calls for a fairer deal for Australian families and small businesses, and they have responded.”

The Government is getting results, but there is more to be done.

We know that navigating your power bills, understanding your energy usage and negotiating a better deal can be confusing and time consuming. That’s why the Government is developing a reference bill to be implemented by 1 July 2019 – a price safety net making it easier to compare offers.

We are also banning sneaky late payment fees. Australians can pay up to $600 more a year just because they struggle to pay their electricity bill on time. This is unfair.

In addition, new rules will come into effect in 2019 so vulnerable customers get the help they need to pay their power bills, and energy retailers will be required to notify their customers when their discounts will cease or change.

“Australian families and small businesses are now better off because of the action this Government has taken. We are delivering lower and fairer power prices, making a real difference to household budgets, while keeping the lights on”

For more information on how you can save, visit energymadeeasy.gov.au

The Liberal National Government will support the mental health of expectant and new parents in Bonner and around the nation with a $26 million for a new Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing Program.

Member for Bonner said the impending birth and arrival of a baby—the perinatal period—brings incredible joy as well as new challenges and responsibilities which can be overwhelming.

“Each year, an estimated 100,000 people are affected by perinatal depression and anxiety. Studies show that up to one in ten women experience depression while pregnant and one in seven women in the year following birth,” Mr Vasta said.

“Men can also experience perinatal mental illness, with about one in ten expectant and new fathers experiencing depression, anxiety or other forms of emotional distress in the perinatal period.”

Appropriate supports for families experiencing grief following the death of a child is an important element in the prevention and early intervention of perinatal mental illness.

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said funding will improve the range of services available to better support the mental health and wellbeing of women and families affected by perinatal mental illness, or experiencing grief after the death of a child.

“This new funding will deliver innovative screening and treatment approaches, improved access to perinatal mental health support and treatment, and increased community awareness of perinatal mental health issues,” Minister Hunt said.

“Organisations will be invited to apply for grants for the Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing Program. The program aims to fill gaps in services to ensure the right supports are in the right place, at the right time.”

Dedicated grants rounds will be available for:

• Perinatal mental health support
• Perinatal loss and bereavement peer support
• Perinatal mental health promotion and training

Minister Hunt said the announcement will ensure that funded bereavement organisations provide culturally appropriate support and information for bereaved families who have experienced stillbirth, as recommended by the Select Committee on Stillbirth Research and Education Report.

“This funding is on top an initial commitment of $7.2 million for medical research and education programs to address the rate of stillbirth in Australia announced in December last year as part of our Government’s immediate response to the report from the Select Committee on Stillbirth Research and Education.”

The Liberal National Government is prioritising better mental health for all Australians with a record $4.7 billion expected to be spent on mental health this financial year alone,” Minister Hunt said.

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