Australians living with advanced breast cancer now have access to life-saving medicine thanks to the Morrison Government’s listing of Verzenio® (abemaciclib) to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the new drug would treat non-premenopausal patients with advanced hormone receptor positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative breast cancer.

“Before being listed on the PBS, this drug would cost patients up to $55,000 per year,” Mr Vasta said.

“Now for the more than 3000 patients with this type of breast cancer, the drug will only cost $41 per script and only $6.60 for concessional patients.

“The Morrison Government is committed to supporting all breast cancer patients, with the hope they may overcome this horrible disease and continue leading a full and healthy life.”

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said this was just another way the Morrison Government was saving lives and protecting lives.

“It is estimated around 19,000 women and 160 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia in 2020,” Minister Hunt said.

“Australia has one of the highest survival rates or breast cancer in the world, with the five year survival rate at almost 91 per cent.

“The Morrison Government is committed to ensuring all Australians have access to affordable medicines when they need them.”

The quality of Australia’s aged care sector has been significantly strengthened following new reforms introduced by the Morrison Government.

Older Australians will now have access to an aged care system with vastly improved compliance and quality following a bolstering of the functions of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

The additional functions and responsibilities came into effect on January 1, 2020 to improve the sector’s quality and safeguard its future.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the reform was part of the government’s response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s Interim Report.

“As well as introducing compliance safeguards to the sector, other matters identified for changes were new restrictions for prescriptions of the drug Risperidone,” Mr Vasta said.

“Over reliance on chemical restraint drug was identified as a key concern the Morrison Government has taken action on to ensure older Australians get the treatment they deserve.

Minister for Aged Care Richard Colbeck said while there was a wait for more key finding from the Royal Commission, the government would continue to invest in compliance and preventative measures as well as funds into the sector.

“The Morrison Government is continuing its record funding for aged care in 2019-2020 through an additional $623.9 million investment to ensure quality measures are secured in the Aged Care sector,” Minister Colbeck said.

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s Final Report with key areas requiring action by the government is expected to be delivered by November 12.

Don’t forget to have your say on the Lindum Station Precinct Study with community consultation closing Friday, February 28.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said information from the community would help shape the plans to provide a safe crossing, improve traffic flow and protect the rail corridor.

“Already we’ve seen hundreds of residents put pen to paper to make sure we come up with the best possible solution to this dangerous level crossing,” Mr Vasta said.

“With $85 million from the Morrison Government delivered and $40 million from Brisbane City Council delivered, I hope at the conclusion of this study we will see the Queensland Government commit its share of funding to get construction underway.”

Mr Vasta said last year he collected more than 7000 signatures petitioning for the upgrade of Lindum Crossing.

“Since public consultation started on November 4, more than 200 online surveys have been completed with a further 155 ideas shared on the interactive ideas wall at pop-up information stalls,” Mr Vasta said.

Lord Mayor representative for Wynnum Manly Ward Megan Piccardi said tapping into local knowledge was a great way to ensure the upgrade delivered on the needs of the community.

“By meeting with residents and businesses I’ve got a good idea of the changes they want to see to ensure pedestrians and motorists are safe,” Ms Piccardi said.

“Local knowledge is greatly valued and we want to see the station improved in a way everyone benefits.”

For more information visit www.tmr.gov.au/lindumstudy