Deputy Speaker, I rise today to recognise the small businesses at the heart of our communities.

And to acknowledge the support the Morrison Government has delivered to keep them afloat during this time.

New economic data from ATO and Treasury analysis released this week shows small businesses have received $5 billion worth of tax relief this year and next.

That’s $5 billion back into the pockets of these businesses, seeing the creation of 600,000 new jobs.

We’ve also provided Australian workers; whether they be a teacher or a nurse – who are on $60,000 a year, a total of $6,480 in tax relief.

Australians are better off thanks to our Government.

I’ve welcomed the comments from small businesses in my electorate of Bonner who couldn’t be more thankful for the support we have provided.

Deputy Speaker, Michael Sunderland is the Sales Manager at Karalis Real Estate in Mount Gravatt.

Being a small office with only 3 full-time staff, things were at their lowest when the pandemic hit.

Karalis Real Estate were eligible for our wage subsidy scheme, which in Michael’s words, was a lifesaver for his business.

As time progressed, it was no longer needed.

Now, they’re focused on expansion, growing their team of 3 full-timers to 8 employees by next March.

And in the Bayside suburb of Wynnum is Fluer by Ellie, a local florist which opened during covid.

Owner Ellie believes wholeheartedly our tax relief measures have had widespread benefits in the area.

Given the noticeably increased foot traffic and return in consumer confidence, Ellie has been able to expand her floristry business with the added addition of a new café.

Creating more jobs and more opportunities for locals to go local first.

There’s also The Jungle Adventure Play in Cannon Hill; every local kid’s favourite place to be.

Including my two boys!

Owner Lachlan Walker opened this business during the June/July school holidays last year.

To get on their feet during this time, The Jungle took advantage of our government’s instant asset write-off.

In anticipation of Brisbane’s hot summers, they installed aircon units which has improved the space for children who are busy running around and climbing the equipment.

Lachlan mentioned The Jungle also has 10 staff taking part in our Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements program.

They are now able to upskill and train casual apprentices to become part time or full-time employees.

Deputy Speaker, this is just a snapshot of how our government’s measures have positively impacted countless businesses and employees in Bonner.

And with Christmas right around the corner, it’s the most important time of the year to be purchasing gifts locally and supporting our mum and dad small businesses.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP visited Wishart State School to see the newly completed all abilities senior playground which was made possible thanks to $350,000 in funding by the Morrison Government.

Mr Vasta said he was thrilled with the completed playground and recreational space that will be enjoyed by the school community for many years to come.

“This playground has been part of Wishart State School’s vision for over 20 years. It’s been a long time coming, making it extra special to know what it will mean for both the school and local community,” said Mr Vasta.

“Since announcing the funding, I have been following the upgrade stages closely and have made regular visits to the site. The school undertook an extensive consultation process to make sure staff, students and parents could all have a say in the designs.

“Given Wishart State School’s growing school community, the senior students need a space where they can embrace the outdoors and this is exactly what this playground has enabled.

“Most importantly, all the senior students have been considered, including specialty equipment for those with special needs.”

Wishart State School Principal Yolanda Tognini said “We’ve been overwhelmed by how pleased students, staff and parents are with the new playground.

“It’s already making an incredible difference and we are really grateful for this significant contribution.”

I am pleased to update the House that we are keeping up the momentum with my plan to deliver more mental health services on the bayside of my electorate of Bonner. The last time I spoke on this subject was in July after convening the Bayside Mental Health Working Group, which was attended by local mental health and community providers. My aim was to bring these important voices together and start a conversation around the services that locals are calling for.

Since then, meaningful progress has been made, and I’ve met with the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, the Hon. David Coleman, who has provided his support. I have also been meeting regularly with Brisbane South PHN to determine how we can fill the gaps. After being made aware of a mental health plan, they have been working alongside Feros Care.

With the intention for it to be tailored to the youth of the bayside, last week I reconvened the working group. Over 20 local mental health experts and community providers heard from Brisbane South PHN and Feros Care, who presented this early intervention and prevention approach.

Young people are the largest cohort of Australians experiencing problematic loneliness. Social connections are the greatest protection against depression and are proven to reduce suicidal behaviour. That’s why responding to it by delivering accessible support services is of great urgency. The mental health of our community cannot be underestimated. I look forward to continuing to work with Brisbane South PHN and Brisbane’s Bayside Mental Health Working Group.

Deputy Speaker, we’ve officially entered the festive season.

This is a time of celebration and joy, but for some it can be isolating, stressful and costly, especially during this time.

Today I rise to encourage locals in my electorate of Bonner to give the gift of giving by donating to our annual Bonner Christmas Appeal.

This year, I will be collecting donations of non-perishable food items until Wednesday the 15^th of December.

I’ve already heard from local not for profit groups that there is an immense need for donations in the lead up to Christmas.

Donations to the Bonner Christmas Appeal will be spread across these not-for-profit groups which include Mt Gravatt Community Centre, Access Street Van’s in Mansfield, Rosie’s, Beyond DV as well as church groups like St Peters Anglican Church in Wynnum and Citipointe Church in Carindale.

These organisations go above and beyond to provide a helping hand to those who need it most, making an invaluable difference to our community.

It is a privilege to be involving our entire community and supporting them once again this year.

While we’re out shopping for our loved ones this year, making a difference to someone’s Christmas is as simple as adding a few items like canned goods to our trolley’s.

Together, let’s spread the Christmas spirit right across Bonner.

Deputy Speaker, the childcare sector is fundamental to nurturing the potential of our children and that is why I rise today, to move a motion which recognises the support our Government has provided to this sector.

Our Government is making a real difference to the lives of families across the country.

Even during the pandemic, our support to has continued to be unwavering.

Our Government has remained committed to keeping the childcare sector open and staff employed.

200,000 early childhood educators and teachers in Australia have been able to keep their job.

And around 6,200 services in New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT have received $234 million in payments to date.

This is on top of our Government’s continued flow of the Child Care Subsidy.

And just last month, we announced our increased Child Care Subsidy for multiple children has been brought forward four months earlier than first expected.

It’s certainly been a challenging time, but it couldn’t be clearer how important this sector is to Australian families, parent workforce participation and our economy.

And Deputy Speaker, I am seeing our Government deliver for this sector across my electorate of Bonner.

I am regularly visiting our local childcare centres and kindergartens, spending time with the staff and children and learning about what we can do to support them.

These are always heart-warming visits as not only am I able to see the widespread benefits of our Government’s funding in this space, but I am also able to recognise the dedicated staff who do an incredible job at supporting our children’s passion for learning.

During these visits, a guaranteed crowd pleaser is reading to the children and my book of choice is ‘If I Was Prime Minister’ by Beck and Robin Feiner.

Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces is priceless and makes it especially worthwhile to also donate the book to these centres.

Last month, I donated this book to the vibrant Kindergarten class at C&K St Catherine’s Community Kindergarten in Wishart.

Deputy Speaker, the children loved the book so much that they created and sent me their own version which told the story of what they would do if they were Prime Minister.

Some said they would save the animals, help people and take care of our environment.

At a very young age, these children already have amazing hearts for making a difference and it is their family members and educators who are playing key roles in this.

Pulling this book together was a truly tremendous effort by the kindergarten class and staff at C&K St Catherine’s.

It’s a book I’ve now shared with my family and even with other members of the house deputy speaker.

And Deputy Speaker, this is just one example of many.

Time and time again I hear the overwhelming support from local centres for our Governments funding.

During this year’s Federal Budget, we announced the investment of a further $1.7 billion into childcare to increase its affordability and give parents the choice to take on extra work.

I caught up with Tingalpa’s Lead Childcare centre manager Krissy who was very pleased with this announcement.

As someone with extensive experience in this sector, it was especially meaningful to hear her positive feedback.

Because Deputy Speaker, supporting our children to engage in early education are the fundamental building blocks to ensuring they are best prepared to start school.

During Early Learning Matters Week which fell a couple of months ago, I visited Green Eggs Early Childhood Centre in Mansfield and Mother Duck Child Care Centre in Manly.

Two fantastic local centres that are fostering inclusive spaces for children to grow into confident and enthusiastic learners.

These visits were an opportunity for me to personally thank the staff for the high-quality early education and care they provide.

When I asked Mother Duck Child Care Centre Nominated Supervisor Kate why being an early educator matters to her, she said that children need strong role models both at home and in their everyday lives.

And educators play a special role in guiding them on the value of early education right from the very start.

So, Deputy Speaker, today I am shining a light on how our Government continues to reach new heights in our support of the childcare sector.

But most importantly, I am taking this opportunity to recognise the hardworking early educators who make a real difference to the lives of our children across the country, helping them to see the fun in learning.

To all our early educators, I say thank you.

I rise today to bust the myths of this motion and to speak on the infrastructure investment commitments our government has made and is making right across our country. Our government hears the needs of Australians, and we respond. That is why, during this year’s budget, we made it clear that we were building the infrastructure our country needs for the future, with our 10-year, $110 billion investment pipeline for better roads, faster commutes and, most importantly, making sure Australians can get home sooner and more safely. We’ve also invested a further $1 billion in road safety upgrades to save lives and a further $1 billion in local road infrastructure projects.

In my electorate of Bonner, our government is delivering for locals. In September I went to see the upgrades to the M1 between Sports Drive and the Gateway Motorway, thanks to the $110 billion investment pipeline. This is a 3.5-kilometre upgrade which is part of the broader $750 million, eight-kilometre M1 Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill project. By alleviating congestion along critical sections of roads like this one, we’re helping freight more and more between our cities and we’re generating jobs across the country.

I’m especially proud of my ongoing partnership with the Brisbane City Council and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. Working together for our community, we have a strong track record of upgrading local roads and building a better Brisbane. Last month the lord mayor and I visited some of the works currently underway. My electorate is home to Newnham Road and Wecker Road, whose intersection is rated by the RACQ as the fifth most dangerous in Queensland.

There is great urgency within the community to fix this problem area, and I was proud to secure $12 million in funding for this project, which will be delivered by the Brisbane City Council. It will involve the construction of new turning lanes, signalised pedestrian crossings, improved footpaths and the coordination of traffic lights.

Our government, with the Brisbane City Council, is also contributing to the Brisbane Metro project. This is a major project, and one that is strongly aligned with our plan to reduce emissions. We are contributing $300 million to this vital project, with construction of a new depot facility currently underway at School Road in Rochedale in my electorate. The depot will provide storage for the new battery electric Brisbane Metro fleet, advanced charging infrastructure, maintenance and staff facilities. Brisbane Metro will have four stops in Bonner.

With transport being one of the major sources of carbon emissions, this project demonstrates the importance of working with all levels of government to reduce our footprint across the country. It is fantastic to see our government leading these initiatives and forging the way for a cleaner and greener public transport system.

The last time I spoke on the Lindum crossing in this House, I was pleased to share the long-awaited upgrades that were getting underway. I’ve been fighting for this upgrade since 2017, when over 7,000 locals in Bonner signed my petition to fix the Lindum crossing. We were successful in 2019, with the federal government committing $85 million to this worthy project. Brisbane City Council have also come to the table, with $40 million to fix the Lindum crossing.

This month we commenced the first stages of the immediate safety upgrades to the crossing, thanks to $1 million from our federal funds. These works will include the installation of new and extended median islands, as well as new on-road line markings and resurfacing. This weekend there are scheduled upgrades to the rail corridor. This first stage is critical to ensuring the crossing is safe for all our community while more extensive planning can be undertaken for the long-term grade separation of Lindum crossing. We are monitoring this vital project and we’re fixing Lindum once and for all.

What is more important is working alongside Brisbane City Council, because we’ve also started construction on the Chelsea Road and Rickertt Road intersection upgrade and the Wakerley bikeway project in Ransome. I was very pleased to secure $6 million in funding for this vital project. Our government has also allocated $14 million towards fixing the notorious Rochedale roundabout, which will improve the intersection safety for all commuters and cater for future traffic demands in this fast-growing suburb.

I’ve spoken about many projects today that are underway in Bonner, and with this funding delivered by the Morrison government to benefit our local roads and address the needs of commuters our commitment to infrastructure funding could not be stronger.

In recognition of World Diabetes Day which falls this month, the Morrison Government has released a new 10-year plan to better support Australians in Bonner living with all forms of diabetes.

The Australian National Diabetes Strategy 2021–2030 will drive real improvements in the prevention, early detection, management, and care of people with diabetes.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said with approximately one in 20 Australians affected by diabetes, the new strategy will bring together the latest research and evidence to ensure our health response continues to adapt to the changing health environment.

“The Strategy will help support all Australians living with diabetes, including those in Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“It has been updated to include information relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as guidance and support to help Australian’s diabetes self-management.”

“In the last 12 months, the Morrison Government has prioritised the health and wellbeing of Australians, delivering more than 5.9 million diabetes products worth more than $186 million and dispensing more than $709 million in medicines under the PBS.

“Significant investments have been made and will continue to be made by our government into diabetes research.”

The Strategy also features specific details and actions for priority population groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and expectant mothers.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt, said with this year’s World Diabetes Day theme being Access to Diabetes Care: If Not Now, When? it highlights the ongoing care and support people with diabetes require to manage their condition and avoid complications.

“This year also marks 100 years since the discovery of insulin, a medical breakthrough that has saved the lives of millions over the last century,” Minister Hunt said.

“The Morrison Government is committed to ensuring Australians with diabetes can continue to access the treatments and support they need, when they need it.”

In just 12 months, the number of Australians with diabetes registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme increased by more than 120,000 people, climbing to around 1.4 million in June 2021.

The Morrison Government provides funding to support people with diabetes through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) which includes programs such as KeepSight, Diabetes in Schools, FootForward and MyDesmond; the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), the Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) initiative, and research funding.

The Australian National Diabetes Strategy 2021–2030 is available online – https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/australian-national-diabetes-strategy-2021-2030

The festive season has officially begun! This is a time of celebration and joy, but for some it can be stressful, isolating, and costly – especially during the ongoing pandemic.

Every year, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP encourages locals to give the gift of giving by donating non-perishable food items to the Bonner Christmas Appeal. This year’s appeal has now launched and will be running until Wednesday 15^th December.

Mr Vasta said the goods will be spread across Bonner’s not for profit groups where they are needed most including Mt Gravatt Community Centre, Access Street Van’s in Mansfield, Rosie’s, Beyond DV as well as church groups like St Peters in Wynnum and Citipointe Church in Carindale.

“This has been another challenging year for many individuals and families in our community. The Bonner Christmas Appeal is an opportunity for locals to spread joy and comfort to those who need it most by donating the simple food items most of us take for granted.

“I’ve already heard from local not for profit groups that there is an immense need for donations in the lead up to Christmas. That is why it is a privilege to be partnering with them and involving our entire community to provide a helping hand.

“While you’re shopping for your loved ones this year, I encourage you to think about adding a few items to your trolley which can make a real difference to someone’s Christmas.

“Together, let’s make sure our community can enjoy Christmas.”

St Pete’s Pantry volunteer Marilyne Jacob said, “This is such a generous appeal; there is a definite need in this community.

“People’s money is not stretching, and Christmas is that time where most of the community wants to help,” said Mrs Jacob.

Donations can be dropped into the below locations any weekday between now and Wednesday 15^th December between the office hours at each location:

• Ross Vasta MP at 69 Clara Street Wynnum (open 8:30am to 4:30pm)
• State Member for Chatsworth Steve Minnikin MP at Unit 1, Millennium Business Centre, Millennium Boulevard Carindale (open between 9am to 5pm)
• Councillor Steven Huang at MacGregor Ward Office 2072 Logan Road Upper Mt Gravatt (open between 9am to 5pm)
• Councillor Ryan Murphy at Chandler Ward Office Shop 8 Millennium Centre, 14 Millennium Boulevard Carindale (open between 9am to 5pm)
• Councillor Lisa Atwood at Doboy Ward Office Shop 5, 1181 Wynnum Road Cannon Hill (open between 9am to 5pm)

As part of Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP’s ongoing plan to deliver more mental health services on the Bayside, this week he reconvened the Bayside Mental Health Working Group.

The over 20 attendees heard from Brisbane South PHN Senior HR Business Partner Melissa Binks and Head of Be Someone for Someone (Initiative of Feros Care) Joanne Winwood who presented social prescribing as an early intervention and prevention approach for youth mental health; a plan tailored to the Bayside.

Throwing his support behind this plan, Mr Vasta said the meeting addressed problematic loneliness amongst young people and how to help them to reconnect with their community through the potential of social prescribing.

“Social connections are the greatest protection against depression and are proven to reduce suicidal behaviour. Young people are the largest cohort of Australian’s experiencing problematic loneliness, so it is critical to not only be recognising this need but responding to it by delivering accessible support services,” Mr Vasta said.

“Taking urgent action to combat loneliness and social isolation amongst youth has widespread social and economic benefits for communities. It supports individuals’ mental health and quality of life and makes these communities stronger.

“Brisbane South PHN and Feros have proposed a co-designed model, seeking feedback from local mental health experts and community providers whose work extends right across our area including (but not limited to) children, men, women, young people, adults, older people, First Nations and LGBTQI+.

“With a deep understanding of what is happening and what needs to be done in our area specifically around early intervention for youth, their feedback has already played a fundamental role in formulating this plan.

“The mental health of our community cannot be underestimated and I look forward to continuing to work with Brisbane South PHN and Feros on this plan for the Bayside.”

Supporting mental health is a key priority of the Morrison Government, who made a $2.3 billion commitment to the sector as part of the recent 2021-22 Federal Budget. The Bayside Mental Health Roundtable forms part of Mr Vasta’s plan to ensure the funding included as part of the Budget will benefit the Bayside.

Do not hesitate to reach out for mental health support. Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through headspace (https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), Lifeline (13 11 14), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).

Bonner residents are encouraged to observe a minute’s silence this Remembrance Day, to reflect on the service and sacrifice of all those Australians who have suffered and died in times of war.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said it was important to continue the tradition of pausing at the 11^th hour on the 11^th day of the 11^th month to commemorate our fallen.

“For more than a century, Australians have stood together on Remembrance Day to remember the more than 102,000 Australian service personnel who have served or lost their lives in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” Mr Vasta said.

“It is one of the most important days of the year for not only our veterans, but for all Australians.

“Across Bonner today, locals and communities are coming together at the various services taking place to observe a minute’s silence in honour of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.”

On Remembrance Day it is a tradition to honour the fallen by wearing a red poppy, the flower that grew in the battlefields of France and Belgium during the First World War.

“Bonner has a proud history of military service and I encourage all members of our community to buy and wear a poppy this Remembrance Day. Buying a poppy from your nearest RSL sub-branch makes a difference to their work supporting our local veterans.”

Australians are also able to access commemorative resources for Remembrance Day, including stories from those who served, from the Anzac Portal.