Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash today joined Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta to announce that a re-elected Morrison Government will provide $35,000 to deliver a shade sail for the Carina State School quadrangle.

Mr Vasta said this shade sail will provide the 300+ students with better sun protection and enable use of the new quadrangle year round.

The LNP government is providing record funding for all 28 government schools in Bonner, including Carina State School, and funding will continue to increase by around 50% per student over the next decade to 2029.

Mr Vasta said delivering this shade sail for the school and its community is a key priority for the LNP because of the significant benefits that it will provide to the school community and local community and sporting groups.

Carina State School P&C Vice President Kathy Mitmannsgruber said this commitment from the Morrison government will save the school and P&C about two years’ worth of fundraising efforts.

“We exhausted all of our fundraising money upgrading the old unused concrete quadrangle to create a colourful and creative outdoor learning space but we fell short of being able to erect shade sails.”

“Mr Vasta’s commitment of $35,000 will fund shade sails to complete the project and provide a shaded outdoor space for students and staff for lessons and during lunch hours and a gathering place for our growing school community,” said Kathy Mitmannsgruber.

Minister Cash said that this was important infrastructure that can only be delivered to the local community becomes of the Liberal National Government’s economic management.

“Only the Liberals and Nationals have a proven track record when it comes to managing the Budget,” Minister Cash said.

“By paying down debt and growing the economy, we can afford to deliver funding for priorities in local communities such as Carina State School.

Mr Vasta said this was all at risk under Labor.

“This is all at risk under Labor and Bill Shorten who pose the greatest risk to Australia’s economy in a generation with plans for $387 billion in new taxes on small and family businesses, retirees, housing, income, investments, electricity and cars.

“Labor would put at risk Australia’s 27 years of consecutive economic growth.”

Mr Vasta said this year’s Federal Budget delivered Australia’s first surplus in more than a decade.

“The surplus guarantees funding for the essential services that you and your family need and rely on,” Mr Vasta said.

“This includes record funding for schools, hospitals, medicines and roads.”

The NDIS has made an incredible difference in the life of our family and I can’t thank Ross and the Coalition Government enough for the fully funded program that they have provided to us.

Our daughter Abigail is now able to access Occupational therapy and Speech therapy sessions that have had an incredibly positive impact on both her behaviour and quality of life. She is communicating more effectively, and learning more efficiently.

Previously there were very limited opportunities for her to socialise or enjoy getting out of the house. Now we are seeing an ever increasing amount of quality options being created by caring people and organisations empowered by the NDIS. Thank you so much Ross Vasta and team Scomo.

The unwavering contribution Ross Vasta continually makes for the Electorate of Bonner is inspiring. I have lived in this electorate for nearly thirty years and it is refreshing to see how much Ross actually cares about the people in this electorate and is extremely passionate about getting things done.

This is evidenced by the spending on local schools, parks, roads, community projects and now a much needed bulk billed MRI Scan facility at Carindale.

With the increase in aged care facilities and the population growing in our neck of the woods the bulk billed MRI Scan will assist many families who require this expensive service.  Again Ross, Well done for the action man and can do approach to our community.

The Morrison Government’s plan for a stronger economy is guaranteeing essential education services in Bonner through the delivery of yet another year of record funding for child care, preschools, schools and universities.

Federal Member for Bonner ross Vasta said in this year’s Budget, a record $21.4 billion will be provided for Bonner state schools, Catholic schools and Independent schools for the 2020 school year – an increase in funding of $8.5 billion since 2013.

The 2019-20 Budget provides a record $8.6 billion for child care, including $8.3 billion for the Child Care Subsidy and $17.7 billion for the university sector.

Mr Vasta said it’s great to see more than 7,551 local families in Bonner are already taking advantage of the New Child Care Package.

The Government is ensuring this record funding delivers a quality education from early learning through to tertiary studies.

The Government will establish a Local School Community Fund, which will enable all schools in Bonner to apply for a share of $200,000 to support priority projects in local schools that benefit students and their communities.

The Government will continue to fund universal access to 15 hours of preschool in the year before school by providing $453.1 million to guarantee funding through to the end of the 2020 school year and to undertake the related National Early Childhood Education and Care Collection.

Mr Vasta said the Coalition understands the importance of Australians receiving a quality education and the importance of making sure it’s affordable for all families in Bonner.

“The Morrison Government’s economic management has delivered a stronger economy which means we can afford to invest in education,” Mr Vasta said.

“We also understand that record investment must be matched by a plan that ensures that money leads to improvements for all Australian students and their families, that is why we will conduct a national preschool review through Education Council and introduced the Gonski reforms.

“Our reforms to child care via the Child Care Subsidy have already led to out-of-pocket child care costs for families falling by more than 10 per cent. Our National School Reform Agreement binds the Federal and every state and territory to a series of reforms that will improve education across Australia.

“The Morrison Government also believes that no matter where they grow up, all Australians should have access to quality education. That is why we are targeting investments in regional, rural and remote Australia – from the Destination Australia program that encourages more higher education students to study outside of the capital cities to genuine needs-based funding for every student in every school.”

The Coalition Government is backing Men’s and Women’s sheds in Bonner by unlocking new fundraising potential.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said Men’s and Women’s Sheds are a great Australian success story that has seen a staple of the Australian backyard evolve into a vital part of the Australian and Bonner community.

“Every day, Men’s and Women’s Sheds in Bonner provide support, and now it’s our turn to provide more support to them.

Our Government will introduce a new law that will make donations to Men’s and Women’s Sheds tax deductable.

What this means is that from 1 July 2020 anyone who donates $2 or more to a Shed can claim an income tax deduction for that donation.

“This is great news for Sheds in Bonner,”Mr Vasta said.

“This will give members of our community an extra incentive to make a donation and provide support to our local Men’s and Women’s Sheds.

“This will help to secure the financial stability of some existing Sheds, allow for the expansion of others or even assist in the creation of more across Bonner.

“Men’s and Women’s Sheds are at the centre of so many communities across Bonner. They provide a place for some to build and create, while for others it’s a reason to get up every day.

“I am proud that we are able to provide this support to Men’s and Women’s Sheds and in turn to our communities. Bringing Australians together is part of our plan for a stronger economy.”

The Morrison Government’s plan to deliver a stronger economy means we can invest in essential services such as youth mental health and suicide prevention.

“The tragedy of youth suicide touches far too many families in our community,” said Ross Vasta Federal Member for Bonner.

Mr Vasta welcomed the Morrison Government’s $503.1 million Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan which is focussed on protecting the lives and mental wellbeing of young Australians.

“This represents the single largest investment in youth suicide prevention in the country’s history, as part of our record investment of $4.8 billion in mental health services,” said Mr Vasta.

Our Plan includes:

• Expanding the headspace network from 115 to 145 sites and increasing its funding to more than $120 million per year to help with wait times and improve services.
• Supporting Beyond Blue with $98.6 million for the Mental Health in Education initiative,

Be You and Head to Health, the award-winning digital mental health gateway.

• Partnering with Indigenous communities to address mental health and suicide prevention.
• Supporting rural communities by providing psychological services via videoconferencing, by additional funding for communities affected by natural disasters, and ensuring help is available 24/7, through free online or telephone services.
• Providing $1.45 billion to Primary Health Networks for mental health services and creating new adult mental health centres to provide advice and support over extended hours.
• Investing in ground breaking medical research through our $125 million Millions Minds Mission.

“The Morrison Government’s strong economic management means we can deliver the essential services that keep families in Bonner safe and well,” said Mr Vasta.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has encouraged students living in Bonner to apply for a
Government-funded scholarship to assist with the costs of their tertiary education.

Applications are now open for scholarships under the expanded $58.1 million Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships program.

Mr Vasta said eligible students could benefit from up to $18,000 towards the cost of studying an eligible university or vocational education course.

“Our Government is ensuring that every Australian, no matter where they live, has access to a world-class education,” Mr Vasta said.

“It’s only fair if you live in Bonner that you get the same opportunities to access higher education as those living in metropolitan areas.

“The second round saw four scholarships offered to students in Bonner undertaking undergraduate, postgraduate and Vocational Education and Training (VET) science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) courses.

“Round three has been expanded to include all areas of study, and I hope there will be a record number of applications from across Bonner.”

Mr Vasta said the scholarships cover courses ranging from certificate IV through to PhD level, with support for those seeking flexible study arrangements, as well as providing $500 for students undertaking an internship to ensure they are job-ready.

“I certainly encourage all prospective students living in Bonner who need financial support to gain a tertiary qualification or undertake further study to apply,” Mr Vasta said.

Applications for the third round close on 14 June 2019.

For more information or to apply, visit https://www.education.gov.au/rural-and-regional-enterprise-scholarships

The Liberal National Government has launched the National Women’s Health Strategy 2020-2030 with more than $50 million in funding to improve women’s health in areas such as ovarian cancer and endometriosis.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta welcomed the announcement and said the National Women’s Health Strategy will set out a national approach to improving health outcomes for all women and girls in Australia and in Bonner, particularly those at greatest risk of poor health.

“Australian women on the whole enjoy long, healthy lives, with a current average life expectancy of 85 for those born in recent years,” Mr Vasta said.

“This relatively long life expectancy disguises a large element of avoidable ill-health and inequitable outcomes between different groups.”

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the Government is committed to improving health outcomes throughout Australia and building a world class health system.

“Today’s announcements add to the Government’s strong record on women’s health,” Minister Hunt said.

“The women’s health strategy for 2020-2030 includes recommendations for action by governments, health professionals and women themselves.”

The Government’s investment will improve women’s health in a number of areas, including:

• $20 million for research to help Australian women in their fight against ovarian cancer with a focus on early detection
• Over $10 million for endometriosis
• $5 million to Jean Hailes for Women’s Health for the continuation of its National Women’s Health Initiative
• $9 million investment to The Glen to build and run a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program
• $1.3 million for an intensive support service to support families following stillbirth.
• More than $4 million for reproductive and family planning organisations
• $1.5 million over three years for local women’s health promotion grants

Minister for Women, Kelly O’Dwyer said, “I want to thank the women from all walks of life, doctors, policy makers and others who took part in the consultations to draft the strategy.”

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

For full details of the National Women’s Health Strategy 2020-2030 visit the Department of Health website

The Liberal National Government will help reduce the out of pocket medical expenses for Australian families needing life-saving scans like ultrasounds and X-rays with an almost $200 million investment

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said for the first time in 20 years the indexation of Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items will be expanded to all ultrasound and diagnostic radiology services over three years from July 1 2020.

“This means that the Medicare rebates for about 90 per cent of all diagnostic imaging services will now be indexed,” Mr Vasta said.

“This includes X-rays for fractures, mammograms, pregnancy ultrasounds, echocardiograms, angiograms, image guided procedures and CT scans for the diagnosis and management of cancer.”

“More than nine million Australian patients use diagnostic imaging services each year.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt said our plan for a strong economy continues to deliver record funding for essential health services that saves lives.

“We are delivering what Labor hasn’t,” Minister Hunt said.

“This investment will support patients needing these important diagnostic services and encourage diagnostic imaging providers to maintain or increase their level of bulk billing.”

“It will reduce the burden on Australian families when a family member needs diagnostic imaging scans.”

“Diagnostic imaging for every child who breaks an arm, older Australians with broken hips and even a simple broken finger will receive a higher rebate.”

“Ultrasounds for pregnant women, people needing cardiac ultrasounds and ultrasound guided procedures will also receive higher rebates.”

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said this announcement comes after the recently announced expansion of Medicare eligibility for an additional 50 MRI units across Australia at an estimated cost of $375 million over four years, benefiting over 800,000 Australians.

“I’m proud to have secured a bulk billed MRI license for Qscan Carindale, this service will enable constituent’s access to bulk billed scans that allow detailed views of the soft tissues of the body such as muscles, ligaments, brain tissue, discs and blood vessels,” Mr Vasta said.

“It is used by doctors to diagnose and monitor number of different medical conditions including cancer and trauma or sporting injuries. These scans save and protect lives.”

“We have also recently added important new diagnostic imaging services to the Medicare such as MRI of the prostate, liver and three dimensional breast tomosynthesis for the diagnosis of breast cancer.”

“This is in addition to the indexation of the MBS items for computed tomography, fluoroscopy, mammography and interventional radiology, also commencing from 1 July 2020, announced in the 2017-18 Budget.”

A re-elected Morrison Government will provide $1.8 million to deliver the Bayside’s only freestanding Netball Courts for Wynnum Netball Club.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said building these local courts is a key priority for the LNP because of the significant benefits for the Bayside community and the more than 204 players at the local club.

“In the three years that Wynnum Netball Club has been operational its membership numbers has more than tripled and the Ladybugs continue to grow, however there are no local courts so they have to borrow courts from local schools,” Mr Vasta said.

“Because of the lack of local facilities the club says players often look elsewhere to play and are forced to use facilities that are ill equipped for their needs and travel long distances.”

“The LNP is committed to supporting women in sport and enabling girls from a young age access to the things they need to pursue their sporting interests and this funding commitment adds to our great track record by giving the girls of the bayside what they need to follow their netball dreams.

“By building local courts closer to home families will no longer have to spend lots of money and time travelling long distances, they will now have everything they need in the one place that can service the growing Ladybugs netball club,” MR Vasta said.

Mr Vasta said the funding for the Wynnum Netball Club courts was only possible because of the Morrison Government’s plan for a stronger economy.

“Only the Liberals and Nationals have a proven track record when it comes to managing the Budget,” Mr Vasta said.

“By paying down debt and growing the economy, we can afford to deliver funding for priorities in local communities such as Wynnum Netball Club courts.

“This is all at risk under Labor and Bill Shorten who pose the greatest risk to Australia’s economy in a generation with plans for $387 billion in new taxes on small and family businesses, retirees, housing, income, investments, electricity and cars.

“Labor would put at risk Australia’s 27 years of consecutive economic growth.”

Mr Vasta said this year’s Federal Budget delivered Australia’s first surplus in more than a decade.

“The surplus guarantees funding for the essential services that you and your family need and rely on,” Mr Vasta said.

“This includes record funding for schools, hospitals, medicines and roads.”