Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP has announced the Liberals National Government is investing $422,000 to deliver the Mt Gravatt Community Centre for the Mt Gravatt community.

Mr Vasta said this was an important project of the Mt Gravatt community and was proud the Morrison Government was yet again delivering for the people of Bonner.

“The Liberal National Government is delivering local infrastructure that our communities expect and deserve,” Mr Vasta said.

“I am proud to deliver this important funding for Mt Gravatt Community Centre, or “Bernie’s Place” as it is known locally, because it is an invaluable space that benefits the entire community.”

Mt Gravatt Community Centre provides a number of services including;

• Emergency relief
• Food hampers
• Counselling services
• English language
• Computing classes

“The Liberal National Government invests in local projects because we understand Australia is made of more than big infrastructure projects.”

“I’m proud to have fought for this project and delivered the funding for my local community and am proud to be seeing it through to fruition.”

Mt Gravatt Community Centre CEO Deb Crompton fought back tears to thank Mr Vasta for the funding that will transform the local community centre.

“This funding means more people accessing our community space and more groups will be able to utilise it.

“These renovations will allow us to provide improved services and support to all our community members, including our most vulnerable people – those experiencing homelessness or domestic violence.  This space will enable individuals to shower, cook a meal and watch television and just do regular things not afforded to them during their time of need.

“I’m so excited for this project as this is great for the Mount Gravatt community, thank you Ross! Thank you for believing in us and thank you for all your help in making this project happen.”

The Morrison Government has delivered another increase to payment rates for pension and allowance recipients.

From the 20^th March more than 29,000 pension and allowance recipients in Bonner will receive a boost in their fortnightly payment.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said pension payments including Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment will increase by $9.90 a fortnight to $926.20 for singles, and $14.80 a fortnight to $1,396.20 for couples combined.

“Since we were first elected, the Age Pension has increased by $117.80 per fortnight for single pensioners and by $177.40 per fortnight for couples combined,” said Mr Vasta.

Individuals receiving Newstart Allowance, Widow Allowance and Sickness Allowance will benefit from an increase of $5.50 a fortnight to $564.50, including Energy Supplement. Members of a couple will see an increase of $5.00 a fortnight to $509.60 each, including Energy Supplement.

The rate of Parenting Payment (Single) will increase by $7.60 to $788.10 a fortnight, including Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement.

The Morrison Government understands the importance of these increases to help pensioners and allowance recipients keep up with the cost of living,” Mr Vasta said.

“Rent Assistance rates will also increase from 20 March, as well as a range of income and assets limits for pensions and allowances. This includes higher limits to the income and assets tests for age pensioners.”

“While the Morrison Government is protecting older Australians in Bonner, Labor and Bill Shorten want to steal their retirement incomes.

“Labor’s Retiree Tax would rip an average of $1,400 in income away from more than 5,600 retirees in the Bonner electorate, including pensioners,” Ross Vasta said.

Full details of new rates and thresholds can be found on the Department of Social Services website at www.dss.gov.au/about-the-department/benefits-payments.

The Liberal National Government is investing $150 million to advance stem cell research that could potentially grow kidneys, repair damaged spinal cords and cure dementia for patients in Bonner.

Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said the establishment of the $150 million 10-year Australian Stem Cell Therapies Mission, funded through the Government’s landmark Medical Research Future Fund, will enable the momentum around stem cell science to continue.

“Funding from this mission will accelerate the investigation of the use of stem cells from fat, cord blood, bone marrow and foetal tissue as possible treatments for spinal cord injuries,” Mr Vasta said.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said, this mission will also find new hope for patients with dementia as stem cells can grow into brain cells and as a result may have the potential to repair brain damage caused by neurological conditions.

“Stem cell treatments applied through regenerative medicine, precision medicine and synthetic biology will provide new, targeted and more effective treatments,” Minister Hunt said.

“They will reduce the burden of disease on patients and carers. They will enhance equity in health care by addressing unmet clinical needs.”

“Human stem cells are also currently being used to develop kidneys with functioning tissue as an alternative for renal replacement. This mission could fast-track the use of these kidneys in humans.”

Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said one in 10 Australians having chronic kidney disease, one in three children having inheritable disease and approximately 53 Australians dying every day from related kidney disease.

“Stem cell medicine’s benefits are not only about individual health but the economic potential immense,” Mr Vasta said.

“It has been estimated that if Australia were to capture a five per cent share of the burgeoning regenerative medicine market, this would represent $6 billion in annual revenue and create approximately 6,000 jobs.”

“Stem cell medicine is poised to become a core part of mainstream health care. It will transform and save the lives of people with incurable diseases.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the establishment of the Australian Stem Cell Therapies Mission is the first step in a coordinated effort to stimulate regenerative medicine research and industry in Australia.”

“Our Government is able to provide unprecedented levels of support to health and medical research because of our strong economic management.” Minister Hunt said.

“This funding is made available through our landmark Medical Research Future Fund —an endowment fund which will mature at $20 billion, providing a sustainable source of funding for vital medical research.”

It is the single largest boost in health and medical research funding in Australia’s history.

Since 2013 we have provided $506.6 million for stem cell research through the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Brisbane City Council has completed a major upgrade of the Green Camp Road corridor, reducing congestion and improving safety for all road users.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the upgrade was part of Council’s $1.3 billion investment to tackle traffic congestion across Brisbane.

“Council is taking real action on congestion across the city, with 90 congestion-busting projects to get residents home quicker and safer with more travel options,” Cr Quirk said.

“Green Camp Road is used by 30,000 vehicles every day and this critical upgrade has widened the corridor to a minimum of four lanes, cutting travel times by up to 50 per cent,” Cr Quirk said.

“The project has also delivered major upgrades to the Tilley Road and Green Camp Road intersection as well as the Rickertt Road and Green Camp Road intersection.”

Deputy Mayor and Chandler Ward Councillor Adrian Schrinner said the upgrade would also deliver major benefits for cyclists, with new on-road bike lanes along Green Camp Road and Rickertt Road.

“Green Camp Road is a major corridor between the CBD and the bayside and this upgrade will boost safety for all road users, with new on-road cycle lanes and a shared pathway,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Over seven years, there have been 57 serious crashes reported along this corridor and this upgrade will cut the risk of future accidents by more than half.”

Doboy Ward Councillor Ryan Murphy said until now, the Rickertt Road intersection had been operating above capacity during peak periods.

“Until now, motorists have been looking down traffic queues up to 800-metres long, with 18-minute delays during the afternoon peak,” Cr Murphy said.

“This upgrade will reduce peak travel times by up to 50 per cent, helping local drivers get home up to 13-minutes sooner.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the project would make the corridor safer and ease congestion at well-known choke points.

“This upgrade is offering immediate benefits to all road users, as well as future-proofing the corridor by delivering the infrastructure needed for the growing Brisbane region,” Mr Vasta said.

Federal Member for Bowman Andrew Laming said the collaboration between Brisbane City Council and the Australian Government had delivered huge benefits for residents.

“I’m delighted this high-quality project to expand Green Camp Road to four lanes has been delivered, as promised to Brisbane City Council and Redland City residents,” Dr Laming said.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta is delivering for Bayside sporting women. Mr Vasta has today announced $580,000 for Bayside United Football Club to build female amenities, female referee facilities and a parent’s room at the Bayside sporting club.

Mr Vasta said this is an important project for the Bayside community and was proud the Morrison Government was delivering for the people of Bonner.

“I have been working with Bayside United President Greg Pascall and the administrative team and I’m glad to have been able to fight and deliver these much needed funds to upgrade the local club.”

“The LNP is delivering local infrastructure that our communities expect and deserve, infrastructure that will enable more female participation in football and local sport,” Mr Vasta said.

“Not only will this project deliver for the 140 plus women and girls that already play at the club but it will also benefit the community, visiting teams and encourage more female inclusion at the playing level, and at a refereeing level.”

Bayside United Club President Greg Pascall thanked Mr Vasta for delivering for the club and said that this funding will have a huge impact on the club’s membership and the community.

“We are passionate about increasing our women’s involvement at the club and this funding will allow us to do that, it’s all thanks to Mr Vasta who is a champion of Bayside United.”

“Since 2017 we have had a 21% increase in players signing up at Bayside United FC, of this percentage a large number are female but the club lacked the necessary facilities to accommodate them.

“The current amenities lack privacy and are in disrepair so we needed to make sure that we have the adequate facilities for our players and referees,” Mr Pascall said.

Mr Vasta said that he is proud to be part of a Coalition Government that is delivering a stronger economy so they can invest in local projects.

“The Morrison Government understands the importance of inclusion and delivering infrastructure at a local level for communities just like the Bayside.”

The Liberal National Government will list crucial medicines for Cancer, Parkinson’s and motor neurone on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), saving patients in Bonner up to $300,000 a year.

Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said our Government will invest $19 million to broaden the PBS listing of Adcetris^® (brentuximab vedotin) to include treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL).

“CTCL is a very rare form of cancer affecting around 150 to 200 Australians each year caused by cancerous growth of a type of white blood cell called a T-cell,” Mr Vasta said.

“Sometimes confused with eczema, patients can suffer from itchy, rash-like symptoms across the body which can often go undiagnosed for some time.”

“It is a cancer that usually affects people aged 40 to 60 years and is more common in men than women.”

“This medicine is an immunotherapy and chemotherapy combined into one medicine that targets and kills the certain cancer cells. It has the potential to saves and protects lives,” Mr Vasta said.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said without PBS subsidy, an average of 60 patients per year would otherwise pay up to $300,000 per year for this treatment.

“From April 1 this year the price of the medicine will drop to $40.30 per script, or $6.50 with a concession card under the PBS,” Minister Hunt said.

“Xadago^® (safinamide) will be listed on the PBS for the first time for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition which can lead to a range of symptoms including slow movement and muscle stiffness and tremors.”

“It is estimated that around 80,000 people live with Parkinson’s disease and around 30 Australians are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every day.”

“This medicine increases the level of dopamine in the brain which decreases symptoms.”

Mr Vasta said over 11,000 people, including many in Bonner with Parkinson’s are expected to benefit from this listing.

“Without PBS subsidy patients would pay more than $1,400 per year for treatment,” Mr Vasta said.

“Teglutik^® (riluzole) will now be listed on the PBS for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a form of motor neurone disease which can cause muscle degeneration leading to muscle weakness.”

“This medicine may help prevent nerve cells being damaged by stopping the release of a chemical messenger in the brain.”

“More than 1,300 patients are expected to benefit. Without PBS subsidy, patients would pay more than $2,900 per year for treatment.”

“From 1 April this year, patients will be able to access all of these medicines for these conditions for just $40.30 per script, or $6.50 with a concession card.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt said every medicine was recommended to be added to the PBS by the independent expert Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.

“By law the Federal Government cannot list a new medicine without a positive recommendation from the PBAC,” Minister Hunt said.

“Unlike Labor, we are subsidising all drugs recommended by the independent medical experts. Since 2013, our Government more than 2,000 new or amended items on the PBS.”

“This represents an average of around 30 listings per month—or one each day— at an overall cost of around $10.6 billion.”

“Our commitment to ensuring that all Australians can access affordable medicines remains rock solid. Our plan for a strong economy continues to deliver record funding for essential health services that saves lives.”

The Morrison Government is delivering on its commitment for immediate action to protect the Great Barrier Reef with the recent announcement of $19 million in water quality grants through the Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF).

These grants are made possible through the Morrison Government’s $443 million game-changing investment into restoring and protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

The 10 water quality grants will fund 11 projects over two years through practical initiatives including the restoration of eroded gullies, improved farming practices, improved fertiliser management, accreditation schemes and the monitoring soil levels in critical areas.

Run off from farms increases nutrient levels in the water, which damage coral and encourage the crown of thorns star fish population, while sediments damage seagrass eco-systems and inshore coral. These issues further compound the Reef’s ability to cope with climate change.

This is about working with landholders and farmers to protect the Reef and is in keeping with the Morrison Government’s Reef 2050 Plan developed in partnership with the Queensland Government.

Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said this announcement was a clear reminder that the Government was getting on with the job of protecting the reef, and the 64,000 Australians whose livelihoods depend on its future health.

Unfortunately these crucial projects would be cancelled if a Shorten Labor government was elected. Labor’s plans to rip these urgently needed funds from the reef will mean its recovery and protection would be under threat, as will be the Queensland communities who rely on the reef.

In all, $201 million will be invested by the GBRF to improve water quality in the Great Barrier Reef.

The Foundation is developing practical projects with indigenous owners, local growers, farmers, and communities and strong partnerships with universities and research institutes.

Further details of the successful projects can be found on the Foundation’s website www.barrierreef.org

The Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta has welcomed the investment into local sporting infrastructure as part of the second $30 million round of the Coalition’s Community Sport Infrastructure Program.

Mr Vasta secured $187,686 for Mt Gravatt Vultures AFL club to upgrade night lighting, install field irrigation systems and construct coaching boxes and spectator facilities.

Mr Vasta said the Coalition understands that our success and prowess as a sporting nation begins with grassroots organisations. This is why we’ve focused our investment into local grassroots sporting facilities such as the Mt Gravatt Vultures.

“Investing in grassroots sport helps to drive increased participation and promotes social, health and community benefits. As well as this I want to ensure that our local families and youngsters have access to the best sporting facilities possible right here in Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“I’m thrilled to have been able to secure this funding for the Vultures; it means the club can now host night time matches and they will be able to further enhance the quality of the pitch for players and competitors. Go Vultures!”

118 new residential aged care places worth $67,200 each annually will be provided in Bonner, Ross Vasta announced today.

The new places at Garden City Retirement Village and Aveo Carindale will provide a welcome boost to aged care services in Bonner and are part of the Morrison Government’s record funding and expansion of aged care.

“The community of Bonner is one of many centres across Australia that will benefit from this record Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR),” Mr Vasta said.

“Every one of these new places will mean local seniors and their families can have more confidence, knowing they have future care options in locations as close as possible to the places they know and love.”

Overall, the new ACAR allocation represents $907 million in additional annual investment and is Australia’s largest ever allocation of residential aged care places.

It represents an increase of more than 36 per cent on the 9,911 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR) places announced in 2016–17.

“Improving and expanding local residential facilities and aged care services is fundamental to keeping our communities strong,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our Government is also supporting older Australians who have complex or diverse needs with specifically allocated places.

Senior people from culturally and linguistically diverse groups, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, veterans and LGBTI seniors will have priority access to almost a quarter of the new aged care places.

“I congratulate the Garden City Retirement Home and Aveo Carindale on securing these new aged care places and I look forward to seeing the benefits of this funding flow to our community.”

The Morrison Government is boosting annual aged care investment by $5 billion over four years.

Details on the 2018–19 Aged Care Approvals Round outcomes, including successful providers, is available on www.agedcare.health.gov.au/funding/aged-care-approvals-round-acar/2018-19-aged-care-approvals-round.

Combating violence against women and children in Bonner remains one of the Morrison Government’s top priorities, as part of its plan to keep Australians safe.

The Morrison Government is proud to be making the largest ever Commonwealth investment of $328 million for prevention and frontline services through the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.

“The Morrison Government’s first priority is to keep Australians safe. That’s why we are contributing a record amount to fund prevention, response and recovery initiatives,” Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said.

“Our Government has zero tolerance for violence against women and children. This announcement brings Commonwealth investment in this space since 2013 to over $840 million,” he said.

The Morrison Government will develop Australia’s first national prevention strategy to stop domestic and family violence and sexual assault, and continue its work to change the attitudes and beliefs that can lead to violence.

“To stop violence against women, we need to counter the culture of disrespect towards women. That’s why we are investing so heavily in prevention,” Mr Vasta said.

Sadly, one in six women have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner since the age of 15. This figure increases to nearly one in four women when violence by boyfriends, girlfriends and dates is included.

Minister for Women, the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP, said all women and children have the right to feel safe, and to feel supported to seek help when they need it.

“Whether it’s at home, in the workplace, in our communities or online, all women and children deserve to be safe,” Ms O’Dwyer said.

Summary of measures:

• $82 million for frontline services
• $68 million for prevention strategies
• $35 million in support and prevention measures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities funded under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.
• $78 million to provide safe places for people impacted by domestic and family violence.
• $62 million to support 1800RESPECT

Our Government has taken strong action already to protect women and children, including:

• introducing a minimum standard for domestic violence leave for the very first time;
• banning the direct cross-examination of women by their alleged perpetrator during family law proceedings;
• extending early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds to victims of family and domestic violence;
• expanding Good Shepherd Microfinance’s No Interest Loan Scheme to 45,000 women experiencing family and domestic violence;
• providing over 7,046 visas for women and children needing safe refuge through the Women at Risk program;
• extending funding for Specialist Domestic Violence Units and Health Justice Partnerships including funding for additional financial support services;
• funding support for an additional 31,200 families to resolve family law disputes quickly through mediation;
• continuing advertising of the award winning Stop it at the Start campaign;
• further funding 1800 RESPECT, the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service;
• investing an additional $6.7 million in DV alert;
• prioritising women and children who are escaping family violence in the $7.8 billion housing and homelessness agreement; and
• establishing the eSafety Commissioner in 2017, expanding the scope of the Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner.