The Liberal National Government is making a significant investment of $36.8 million for Parkinson’s medical research through the Garvan Institute’s Australian Parkinson Mission and in Parkinson’s nurses to improve the life of people living with the disease and ultimately to find a cure for this devastating condition.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said Parkinson’s disease is recognised as the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in Australia.

“More than 100,000 Australians endure its progressive and debilitating symptoms – and without a medical breakthrough, this number is expected to double in 15 years,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our Government is providing $30 million over five years to the Garvan Institute of Medical Research to trial promising drugs to reduce the progression of the disease and allow people in Bonner to live in their homes longer.”

Up to 1,000 Australians from Victoria, NSW and Queensland living with Parkinson’s will test the effectiveness of four repurposed drugs, revolutionising our understanding of Parkinson’s, identifying new treatment targets and discovering new drugs.

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the $30 million in funding comes from our landmark Medical Research Future Fund, which is giving unprecedented support to the best and brightest minds from our research community.

“The MRFF is 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.”

“The fund will double Australia’s investment in health and medical research and further enhance our global reputation for research excellence.”

A further $6.8 million over four years will be provided to Primary Health Networks to improve access to specialised nursing care in the community for people living with movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease.

Minister Hunt said nurses play a critical role in preventing and managing chronic disease and in improving timely access to health care for Australian communities.

“The specialist nurses would fulfil a range of roles including providing clinical care to patients, coordinating timely access to community based care to manage acute and chronic health problems and delivery of education and information.”

The Australian Parkinson’s Mission is an international research collaboration between the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Shake it Up Australia Foundation, The Cure Parkinson’s Trust, Michael J Fox Foundation and Parkinson’s Australia.

A successful Australian Parkinson’s Mission will mean that Australian patients and their families will be the first to benefit from the future of precision medicine for Parkinson’s.

The mission will be rolled out nationally through leading capital city centres and extended into regional Australia, where possible, via a hub and spoke model.

Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta has welcomed a $1.8 million Move It Aus Better Ageing investment into Parkrun Australia.

Parkrun is among 27 organisations to share in the Coalition’s $22.9 million Better Ageing Grants funding over the next two years.

Mr Vasta said the funding administered by Sport Australia will be used to encourage more older people in Bonner to get up and active.

“There are five Parkrun groups in the Bonner electorate and each of them do a fantastic job promoting and encouraging locals to have fun, and improve their fitness.”

“Parkrun isn’t just about fitness it’s also about connecting people and encourages people of all ages to get out and be active by walking, running or even just volunteering and this funding injection will further this great initiative within Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“More than half a million people are registered participants of Parkrun and I encourage everybody, regardless of age or ability, to get along to one of the five local Parkrun’s in Bonner.”

Minister for Sport Senator Bridget McKenzie this week joined hundreds of parkrunners in Tasmania to announce this major investment.

Minister McKenzie said Australians were living longer and the Move It Aus Better Ageing program was an important step in helping older Australians to live longer happier lives.

“As outlined in the Government’s National Sport Plan – Sport 2030 – no matter what your age and no matter what your stage, we’re encouraging all Australians to embrace the philosophy of ‘Movement for Life’,” Minister McKenzie said.

“It’s predicted that the number of Australians aged 65-plus is expected to double in the next 40 years. This shift presents a challenge in broader health terms but provides a chance for sport and physical activity to make a positive difference to the lives of all older Australians.”

Parkrun Australia chief executive Tim Oberg said the $1.8 million investment would help Parkrun engage directly with more older Australians, their families and the people closest to them,” Mr Oberg said.

“Our aim is to empower people for whom physical activity through walking, running and volunteering is not the norm to become involved with parkrun in a way that is enjoyable, sociable and leads to regular participation,” Mr Oberg said.

Further Information on Move It Aus Better Ageing Grant Program: https://www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding/better_ageing

Map of parkrun locations:

http://www.parkrun.com.au/events/events/

Further information on parkrun Australia:

http://www.parkrun.com.au/

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has encouraged teachers and school leaders in Bonner to take action against bullying.

Mr Vasta said registrations were now open for schools to sign up to the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence on Friday 15 March 2019.

“The National Day of Action is a national movement against bullying and cyberbullying, and registered schools in Bonner would receive new anti-bullying materials and teaching resources,” Mr Vasta said.

“Parents want to know that students, teachers and school leaders in Bonner have the best tools to deal with bullying and cyberbullying.

“The Morrison Government is focused on keeping our kids safe, which means providing support and resources to combat bullies as well as educating everyone about the impact of bullying.

“I want to see more and more schools across Australia, including in Bonner, taking a stand against bullying, and we have already surpassed the two million students who took part in last year’s event.

“My message to Bonner’s teachers and principals is to get fired up about taking action against bullying and register to become a National Day of Action school.”

For more information and to register your school, visit www.bullyingnoway.gov.au

Nominations are now open for the 2019 Bonner Volunteer Awards, to help recognise outstanding local volunteers and volunteer groups in the Bonner electorate.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta is encouraging local people to nominate individuals and groups that have demonstrated outstanding volunteer qualities, made a significant and lasting contribution to the community, and set a good example for fellow volunteers and inspired others to volunteer.

Nominations are open from now until Friday, 1^st March 2019 in the following categories:

• Youth
• Adult
• Senior
• Group/organisation

Winners will be presented their awards at a special ceremony on Wednesday, 13th March 2019.

“Volunteers are often the unsung heroes of our community, so I’m pleased to hold these awards to shine a spotlight on them and the vital work they perform within our community,” Mr Vasta said.

Nomination forms are available from Mr Vasta’s office or on his website at www.rossvasta.com.au.

Completed forms can be returned in person or via email at ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au.

Bonner motorists will spend less time on the road stuck in congestion, thanks to the Coalition’s announcement to fully fund the $6 million upgrade of the problematic intersection at Chelsea and Rickertt Road in Ransome.

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 such as Chelsea/Rickertt road.

“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.

“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 the hardworking families here in Bonner.”

Infrastructure and Transport Minister the Hon Alan Tudge joined Bonner MP Ross Vasta at the local hazardous intersection following the recent $6 million announcement.

Mr Vasta said he has been working with local residents to ensure that this accident hotspot is sorted out as soon as possible.

“I’ve spoken to the people in my electorate about this issue and I’ve been working closely with the Minister and Prime Minister to get on with the job of delivering the upgrade of this Ransome intersection for local residents.”

“I’ve made it clear that this is a priority of mine and it’s what locals need so without further ado the Coalition is fully funding the upgrade of Chelsea Rickertt Road and I’m delivering what I promised to local families,” Mr Vasta said

Ransome residents are delighted following the Coalition’s commitment to fix the local intersection.

Kelly and Brad Davies have lived in the area since 2011 and said that they are extremely happy with Mr Vasta’s commitment to fix this congestion hotspot.

“We are extremely happy with this announcement; it can’t come soon enough for our family and the residents, locals and users of the intersection.”

“This upgrade will improve our family and neighbours lives immensely. It means we will be able to do our daily business safely without worrying about accidents, it will ensure safer walkways for pedestrians and cyclists and more importantly our young daughter will be able to safely cross the road when returning home from school in peak hour traffic.”

The Liberal National Government’s record investment in Defence industry is driving world class technological advances to keep Australian troops safe and creating new jobs in South-East Brisbane.

Bonner MP Ross Vasta and the Minister for Defence Industry the Hon Steven Ciobo recently visited Teledyne Technologies in Eight Mile Plains and BMD at the Port of Brisbane, to see how a stronger economy under the Liberal National Government has allowed greater investment by small and medium sized companies to create jobs the local community.

Teledyne Technologies has developed vehicle-mounted systems to combat Improvised Explosive Devices, while BMD conducts civil construction with more than 200 employees.

Mr Vasta said investment in supporting cutting edge technologies will better protect troops putting their lives on the line for our country.

“Once built and tested, this device will attach to military vehicles to detect roadside IED’s. At the moment, the only way to find these explosives requires soldiers to scan the environment on foot, which is extremely dangerous,” he said.

Mr Ciobo said the Liberal National Government is embarking on a major renewal of Australia’s defence capability.

“We’re investing $200 billion in our Defence capability to keep Australia safe and to grow our industry and economy,” he said.

“BMD is a great example of Queensland businesses enjoying incredible success as a result of our investment in defence capability.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.”