To secure Australia’s recovery, the Morrison Government will continue to support tens of thousands of Bonner’s small and family businesses—the backbone of our community.

As part of the 2021-22 Budget, the Morrison Government will back small businesses by continuing tax incentives which will allow around 20,400 businesses in Bonner to write off the full value of eligible asset they purchase.

Additionally, around 8,200 businesses in Bonner will be able to use the extended loss carry back measure to support cashflow confidence. This has helped businesses invest more in the local economy and create local jobs.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said supporting local small and family businesses will help to stimulate more economic activity and create more jobs.

“Bonner is home to incredible small and family owned businesses. Backing these businesses, means we are making sure they are able to thrive and keep Australian’s in jobs, which is more important than ever,” said Mr Vasta.

“The support delivered by the Morrison Government is impacting businesses like Chocolate Elements which has just opened in Wynnum. Last week I had the pleasure of dropping in on store owners Phil and Dawn, a couple who have put their heart and soul into starting this delicious business.

“Being a new business, Phil and Dawn are really pleased with the support our Morrison Government is delivering, making sure not only their business, but all existing and future small businesses can feel supported as we recover from COVID-19.”

In more good news, around 1,000 small brewers and distillers across the country will benefit from $255 million in tax relief to support more jobs and investment as part of the Budget, including Wynnum’s Hudson Brewery.

The Morrison Government is committed to assisting local businesses to grow, create jobs and support Australia’s economic recovery.

Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Today I rise to speak on behalf of my constituents: Kate and Grant Gough and their six-month old baby, Oakley.

I recently met with this beautiful family who shared with me the heartbreaking story of baby Oakley’s Spinal Muscular Atrophy diagnoses at just 8 weeks old.

Sadly, SMA is the leading genetic killer of infants under the age of two in Australia, with 1 in 35 Australians unknowingly carrying the gene.

Deputy Speaker, had Oakley been screened for SMA as part of the Newborn Bloodspot Screening and started treatment sooner, her quality of life may be completely different to today.

I first became aware of SMA in 2018 through baby Mackenzie. At just 10 weeks old, little Mackenzie was diagnosed with SMA, sadly passing away at just seven months and eleven days old.

I brought Mackenzie’s story to the attention of Minister Hunt and Minister Coleman and they took prompt action.

Deputy Speaker, this action resulted in the inclusion of a $20 million study into reproductive genetic carrier screening called Mackenzie’s Mission in the May 2018 Federal Budget.

I understand the Minister has asked all states and territories to include screening for SMA in their Newborn bloodspot screening programs.

Trials for SMA through Newborn bloodspot screening programs are currently ONLY underway in New South Wales and the ACT.

I ask those in room today, what about newborns impacted by SMA in other parts of the country?

Deputy Speaker, I want to emphasise that the results of these trials have been extremely encouraging.

The medical community is overwhelmingly in agreement that the sooner the treatment begins, the better long-term prognosis for children with SMA.

With that in mind, I am calling on the Queensland State Labor Government to consider the courageous families battling SMA or will be in the future.

Even AMA Queensland is asking for SMA to be included in the Queensland Newborn bloodspot screening program.

Deputy Speaker, our families do not have the time to wait for trials to conclude in NSW and ACT before Queensland State Labor acts.

With the cost effectiveness of this test – approximately $10 per test- its positive results thus far, AND the Morrison Government’s willingness to collaborate, I urge Queensland State Labor to include SMA in their Newborn bloodspot screening program.

You’ve heard Oakley and Mackenzie’s stories today.

As a father of two, there is nothing more important to me than family and their wellbeing.

I am taking this opportunity today to fight for the quality of life these babies deserve.

No family should have to endure the heartbreak of losing a child to this disease. And no child should be disadvantaged based on where they’re born.