From 1 November 2021, Australians in Bonner with a respiratory illness, early onset puberty and blood cancer will have improved access to subsidised medicines through new and amended listings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP welcomed the November PBS listings and said many Australians and their families in our local community will be able to access these treatments, reducing their out of pocket costs.

“Our Government has always been committed to ensuring Australians can access the medicines and treatments and our track record with the PBS is reducing medical bills for families across Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable lung disease, which causes the airways in the lungs to narrow, making it difficult to breathe.

About 1 in 20 Australians aged 45 years and over have COPD, tragically, in 2018 it was the fifth leading cause of death^.

Breztri Aerosphere^® (budesonide + glycopyrronium + formoterol) will be available from November 1, 2021 on the PBS to treat COPD. Without PBS subsidy, around 68,000 Australians per year might pay more than $1,000 per year for treatment.

Also from 1 November 2021, Diphereline^® (triptorelin) will be expanded to include the treatment of central precocious puberty (CCP).

In Australia, the average age for the onset of puberty is around 10 years for girls and 12 years for boys. In central precocious puberty, this onset occurs earlier – before 8 years of age in girls and before 9 years in boys.

Diphereline^® works by lowering the levels of the hormone oestrogen for females and testosterone in males that lead to puberty-related changes to the body. Without PBS subsidy, around 800 Australians per year might pay more than $3,600 per year for treatment.

Earlier this year, Darzalex^® (daratumumab) was listed on the PBS for the first time for use in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone, as a second-line treatment for around Australians with multiple myeloma.

Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow and it is estimated that around 2,423 Australians will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2021. Darzalex® is a ground-breaking treatment mobilises the patient’s own immune system to fight the disease. This treatment will bring improved clinical outcomes and quality of life for those affected by this disease.

From 1 November 2021, these patients will now have access to a new subcutaneous form of Darzalex®, which means it can be given as an injection under the skin.

This additional treatment option for patients will provide a more convenient alternative, delivered as a 5‑minute injection that can be administered at home compared with the intravenous infusion which is given over several hours in a healthcare facility.

Without PBS subsidy, around 1,165 Australians per year might pay more than $136,000 per course of treatment with this new subcutaneous form.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said thousands of Australians and their families will benefit from these new and expanded listings.

“Since 2013, the Coalition Government had approved more than 2,700 new or amended listings on the PBS. This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month – or one each day – at an overall investment by the Government of $13.9 billion,” Minister Hunt said.

“Without PBS subsidies many Australians would be thousands of dollars out of pocket, instead they’ll only pay $41.30 per script or $6.60 with a concession card for these medicines.

Also available from November 1, 2021, Verzenio® (abemaciclib) will be expanded for use in combination with fulvestrant through the PBS. A new treatment option for Australians battling advanced forms of breast cancer.

These PBS listings have been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.

From 1 November 2021, Australian men with prostate cancer will have access to a new medication at an affordable price, thanks to the Morrison Government.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the announcement was a further sign that the Morrison Government’s commitment to ensuring Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.

“Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in men in Australia and the third most common cause of cancer death,” Mr Vasta said.

“One in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85. It is more common in older men, with more than 63 per cent of cases diagnosed in men over 65 years of age.”

“From November 1, as we mark the start of Movember, Nubeqa^® (darolutamide) will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the first time for patients with non-metastatic castration resistant carcinoma of the prostate.”

“Without PBS subsidy, around 1,000 patients may pay more than $40,000 per year for treatment. Instead, they will pay a maximum of $41.30 per script or $6.60 with a concession card.”

Prostate cancer that is no longer stopped by low testosterone levels is known as castration resistant. Castration-resistant prostate cancer is defined by a rising prostate specific antigen level, worsening symptoms and/or growing cancer verified by scans.

This PBS listing has been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt, echoed Mr Vasta, saying medication, alongside early detection can save lives and protect lives.

“It is estimated that around 18,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in Australia this year alone,” Minister Hunt said.

“Early detection and treatment can significantly improve prostate cancer survival. I encourage men over 50 to learn the symptoms of prostate cancer and if they have any concerns, talk to their GP.”

“Since 2013, the Coalition Government had approved more than 2,700 new or amended listings on the PBS. This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month – or one each day – at an overall investment by the Government of $13.9 billion.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has visited Bayside Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) in Lota to see the benefits of a previous election commitment representing $558,000 in funding for upgrades of their facilities and equipment which currently service the local community.

With a growing membership base, the clubs’ facilities were in urgent need of repair and this funding has enabled the upgrade of its gym kitchen, electrical, front entrance, fans and roofing to deliver the best possible experience.

Being taken on a tour of the clubs’ new facilities, Mr Vasta said it was fantastic to see how the club has utilised the funding to completely transform the space so it can continue to meet the needs of the community for years to come.

“Bayside PCYC has been helping both young people and seniors in the Bayside area for 49 years. They make an invaluable difference to our community and it has been a privilege to work with them from the very start of their vision for these upgrades,” said Mr Vasta.

“The upgrades will not only benefit Bayside PCYC’s membership base but cater to external community groups as well as the many locals and their families who use the space by ensuring they have access to quality equipment and resources.”

PCYC Queensland Chief Financial Officer Phillip Jessup said, “The facility itself looks fantastic, but it’s also about the extra members that we get coming through now, including over 300 children taking part in gymnastics.”

“The funding has made a huge difference,” said Mr Jessup.

Schools, ex-service organisations and community groups across Australia will soon receive resources to help them plan Remembrance Day commemorative services and activities.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP encouraged all schools and community groups in the Bonner to use these resources to expand the knowledge of future generations to ensure Remembrance Day continues to be acknowledged with pride and respect.

“The Remembrance Day ‘kitbag’ contains the resources required to conduct a commemorative service including an Order of Service, the Ode of Remembrance, the Australian National Anthem, suggested speeches, and commemorative music,” Mr Vasta said.

“In the lead up to Remembrance Day, assisting students in Bonner to learn more about the service and sacrifice of all Australians who have served our nation, contributes to honouring and preserving the Anzac legacy.

“The Remembrance Day ‘kitbag’ will provide everything a family, a neighbourhood or a community group needs to hold their own service this year on Remembrance Day.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the Department of Veterans’ Affairs has prepared a Remembrance Day educational resources pack to highlight the history and importance of honouring Australia’s veterans and servicemen and women.

“Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of guns falling silent on the Western Front in the First World War: the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Our nation stands in silent reflection for one minute each year to commemorate and honour the more than 102,000 Australians who have suffered and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” Minister Gee said.

“It is important that their service and sacrifice is never forgotten. As a nation, we can ensure generations of Australians continue to mark Remembrance Day and preserve the memory of our veterans by providing relevant and engaging educational resources to our schools and community groups.

“The Australian Government’s resources pack contains a video series focusing on the roles of Australians in war time, as well as a range of online and hardcopy resources, and an interactive lesson.”

Schools, community groups and ex-service organisations will start receiving the educational resources in the coming weeks. Resources are also available online at the Anzac Portal: anzacportal.dva.gov.au

The Morrison Government will act in a practical, responsible way to deliver net zero emissions by 2050 while preserving Australian jobs and generating new opportunities for industries and regional Australia.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor today released Australia’s Long Term Emissions Reduction Plan (the Plan), to deliver net zero emissions by 2050.

The technology-driven plan sets out a credible pathway to net zero by 2050, while preserving our existing industries, establishing Australia as a leader in low emissions technologies, and positioning our regions to prosper.

The Plan is based on our existing policies and will be guided by five principles that will ensure Australia’s shift to a net zero economy will not put industries, regions or jobs at risk.

The principles are: technology not taxes; expand choices not mandates; drive down the cost of a range of new technologies; keep energy prices down with affordable and reliable power; and, be accountable for progress.

The Plan focuses on driving down technology costs and accelerating their deployment at scale across the economy.

Over the next decade, our existing $20 billion investment in low emissions technology is expected to unlock at least $80 billion of total private and public investment, including in clean hydrogen, carbon capture and storage and energy storage.

The Plan also identifies the potential for continued technology advances and breakthroughs to unlock ultra low‑cost solar. As part of the annual update to the Technology Investment Roadmap, we have set a stretch goal of solar electricity generation at $15 per megawatt hour (MWh). Australia is a world leader in renewable energy, and cheap, clean electricity is integral to lowering emissions in the electricity sector and other industries in Australia.

The Plan shows how our priority technologies will deliver 85 per cent of the emissions reductions necessary to achieve net zero by 2050. This is achieved through our strong track record, with emissions already more than 20 per cent lower than 2005 levels, the Technology Investment Roadmap which will reduce emissions by around 40 per cent, global technology trends that will reduce emissions by 15 per cent, and high-integrity offsets that will achieve at least a further 10 per cent reduction.

It recognises the role future technology breakthroughs will play in closing the gap, with new and emerging technologies to reduce emissions by a further 15 per cent by 2050.

The Plan rules out taxes or a legislated mechanism, because these regressive approaches would impose costs on households, businesses and regions least able to afford them.

It includes five-yearly reviews that will enable us to evaluate progress and adapt to advances in technology.

 The Prime Minister said the Plan would continue to reduce Australia’s emissions while keeping our economy growing, maintaining affordable, reliable energy, and ensuring our regions remain strong.

“Australia now has a target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and we have a clear plan for achieving it,” the Prime Minister said. “The Plan outlines responsible, practical action to achieve net zero that is in our national interest.

“The Plan will deliver results through technology, not taxes. It respects people’s choice, and will not force mandates on what people can do or buy. It guarantees that we keep downward pressure on energy prices and secures reliable power. It will ensure Australia continues to serve traditional markets, while taking advantage of new economic opportunities.

“Australia will continue to build on our record of reducing emissions and achieve our targets in the Australian way.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Plan outlines an Australian way to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

“Australia will continue to reduce emissions while growing our economy, maintaining affordable, reliable energy and ensuring our regions remain strong,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our Plan continues the policies that we have already put in place and that we know have worked.”
“Our technology-driven approach will continue our strong emissions reduction record while preserving traditional industries and establishing Australia as a leader in emerging low emissions technologies.”

Minister Taylor said Australia’s emissions reduction story had been one of consistent achievement, and the Plan had been designed for Australia.

“Our Plan continues the policies and initiatives that we have already put in place and that have proven to be successful, while preserving existing industries and jobs, and supporting regional Australia,” Minister Taylor said.  “It will not shut down coal or gas production, or require displacement of productive agricultural land.

“Between 2005 and 2021, Australia’s emissions fell by 20.8 per cent, outpacing the reductions of the United States, Canada and New Zealand, and every other major commodity exporting nation in the world. The most recent forecast shows we will cut our emissions by up to 35 per cent by 2030.

“Under our Plan, the Technology Investment Roadmap and global trends will see Australia reduce its emissions by 85 per cent by 2050. We are committed to closing the gap to net zero over the next three decades in a way that is consistent with Liberal Party and National Party values.

“Our Plan is built on a set of key principles; the most important being technology, not taxes. Unlike Labor, we won’t introduce a carbon tax that drives Australian jobs overseas and punishes the most vulnerable in our community through higher prices for electricity and other essentials.”

Latest official projections released today show Australia is on track to reduce emissions by up to 35 per cent by 2030, well above our target of 26-28 per cent.

The Plan will maintain this momentum.

More information at: positiveenergy.gov.au and industry.gov.au/AEP2021

The National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse (2021-2030) announced today will provide vital protection and support for Australia’s young people.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this whole-of-nation effort is welcome news for victim-survivors, children and families Bonner.

“The safety and wellbeing of our community has always been a top priority for me, and since the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse we’ve been working with our organisations on building child-safe cultures,” Mr Vasta said.

“This National Strategy is a significant development in Australia’s capacity to support survivors and to hold perpetrators to account.

“Through this strategy we are more united than ever in our approach towards law enforcement, community awareness, intervention, and support.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the landmark National Strategy was the first of its kind.

“This is a watershed day for Australia. Today we deliver the first ever long-term, truly national plan to protect our children from the scourge of sexual abuse,” Prime Minister Morrison said.

“We must stop the abuse, and we must better support those who have been abused. We are doing our bit with an initial $307.5 million commitment to implement the National Strategy.”

The National Strategy was developed in partnership with Commonwealth and state and territory governments and in consultation with hundreds of stakeholders, including victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and their advocates, children and young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disability and their advocates.

The first phase of the National Strategy will be driven by two, four-year action plans.

The First National Action Plan – delivered by Commonwealth, state and territory governments in a coordinated and consistent approach – includes a national awareness raising campaign, new ways for survivors to access support, and the implementation of a National Victim Identification Framework.

The First Commonwealth Action Plan – which will be primarily delivered by Commonwealth agencies – includes $59.9 million worth of initiatives to be delivered by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to combat child sexual abuse, and $13.1 million to fund an independent national service to provide free legal advice to all victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.

Each action plan also includes co-designed approaches and resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

For more information, visit: the National Office for Child Safety website at https://childsafety.pmc.gov.au

Deputy Speaker, I rise today to speak about one of the nation’s greatest health challenges.

Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia, and the number one cause of death for women.

Almost half a million people are currently living with dementia in Australia, with this number expected to reach around 1.1 million in less than 30 years.

Deputy Speaker, I am proud of the funding our Government is investing into dementia services to support those living with this condition and their carers.

We have a range of Government funded dementia services including Dementia Australia which delivers the National Dementia Support Program and National Dementia Helpline.

These services offer lifechanging support, most notably aiding carers when behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia are affecting a person’s care or quality of life.

Deputy Speaker, carers can go through many emotions, from joy to grief and financial pressure.

It is of the upmost importance to our Government that carers know they are not alone.

The National Dementia Helpline provides free support and advice for carers on how they can look after themselves and the services available to them.

Deputy Speaker, as part of this year’s Budget we made an extraordinary commitment to dementia, investing over $229 million.

Some of the key measures of this investment include enhanced support for people living with dementia, additional outreach capability for the National Dementia Helpline and dementia training throughout the sector.

Deputy Speaker, in my electorate of Bonner I am seeing the benefits of our ongoing investments firsthand.

As part of our Government’s $185 million Ageing and Dementia Mission from 2018 to 2029, the first recipient of the mission with $10 million for dementia research was The Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research at the Queensland Brain Institute.

I had the privilege of being invited to the centre with the Minister for Health Greg Hunt to see the ground-breaking research being undertaken and congratulate the team on being awarded the single largest boost in health and medical research funding in Australia’s history.

Deputy Speaker, the researchers couldn’t have been more grateful for our Government’s continued funding.

I invited local dementia advocates from Bonner to join me on a tour of the research facility and attend a presentation at the QBI world-class research facility.

The tour examined the different technologies and new methods being used to ensure all Australians have a better quality of life.

Deputy Speaker, I also want to take this opportunity to shine a light on two amazing dementia advocates in my electorate, John Quinn and his partner Glenys Petrie.

In 2014, John and Glenys started the Brisbane South-East Dementia Alliance.

And from here, their work has extended across our community and beyond.

John lives with dementia and shares his personal testimony to raise awareness.

To say they have both been heavily involved in our community is an understatement Deputy Speaker.

Glenys had a vision for John to live well and be supported in the community and has dedicated her time to breaking the stigma and changing the mindsets about people living with this condition.

She has organised regular community forums and even an international dementia conference in Bonner.

Glenys has also maintained a ‘Remember Me’ friendship group which meets monthly to enable people with dementia, their carers and family members to get together socially.

It goes to show, providing safe and inclusive spaces, where connections can be made really does make all the difference.

Most recently, Glenys and John have been working with the year 12 students at Bonner’s Iona College to deliver a dementia awareness program.

Students Glenys and John refer to as being the ‘change agents of future’.

Iona College is the first school in Australia to work towards becoming a dementia friendly school and this month the Brisbane South-East Dementia Alliance launched the ‘Creating Change: Activating a Dementia-Friendly Brisbane Forum’ which took place at the college.

It saw Brisbane residents and businesses come together to support and empower people with dementia to live well.

Deputy Speaker, Glenys is well and truly making strides towards her vision that by the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, we will be recognised as a dementia inclusive city.

Currently, Brisbane is the only capital city in Australia that has committed to this recognition and it would not have been possible without the efforts and change driven by Glenys and John.

How fantastic it is to see this level of awareness in the community.

Because Deputy Speaker, a dementia friendly community, is like any other community.

The difference is, everyone feels that they belong.

The Independent Brisbane Airport Post Implementation Review Advisory Forum wants to hear from members of the Bonner community who are impacted by Brisbane’s airspace changes on what they would like to see as outcomes of the Airservices Australia Post Implementation Review.

The Australian Government established the Brisbane Airport Post Implementation Review Advisory Forum as a key stakeholder group to advise Airservices Australia’s Brisbane Airport Flight Path Changes Post Implementation Review with input about the impacts of aircraft noise related to the new runway operations from a community perspective.

At key points during the Post Implementation Review process, the Forum will directly consult with Airservices Australia and will provide an independent view on whether community concerns have been adequately considered.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he encourages the Bonner community to take part in this Forum to best tackle flight noise from Brisbane Airport.

“The Morrison Government recognises residents across a number of Brisbane suburbs have been impacted by noise pollution since Brisbane Airport’s second runway opened last year,” Mr Vasta said.

“We are aware that this can have an impact on the living standards of our community. That’s why we are want to address concerns and make sure the entire community can have their voices heard.”

Have your say on the Airservices Australia Post Implementation Review by providing a submission online or by emailing BAPAF@infrastructure.gov.au. Submissions close at 5pm AEST, Friday 26 November 2021.

Deputy Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to Bonner’s amazing school communities.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been dropping off the graduation certificates for our year sixes and year 12 students and visiting classrooms, staff and P&C’s.

I recently caught up with Mt Gravatt East State School P&C who are undertaking some terrific upgrades at the school including a new mural for their community garden.

This term, I brought Parliament House to the year 6 students at Belmont State School.

The students debated whether junk food should be served in the school cafeteria.

The two debating sides really came together to deliver some impactful arguments and I’m sure you can guess what the outcome was…

Our Junior Bonner Youth Advisory council jumped into a Zoom meeting with Founder of Vuly Trampolines and Bonner local, Joe Andon.

Jessie, a year 6 student from Moreton Bay College, contacted me after the meeting and said she was so inspired by Joe’s story that she had started brainstorming business ideas with her two sisters!

This month, alongside Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge, I hosted the Bonner School’s Forum.

We were joined by parents, teachers, school staff and local psychologists to discuss the future of our schools.

And Deputy Speaker, this week our year 12’s started their external exams.

I want to take this opportunity to wish them the best of luck as they prepare to finish up this chapter and embark on their next journey. I am very proud of all their hard work.

Thank you Deputy Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of the little legend that is Richie Walsh.

The most inspiring boy I have ever met.

My first introduction to the Walsh family was in October of last year, when I helped them seek permanent residency here in Australia and in my electorate of Bonner, so Richie could receive treatment for a rare form of cancer that he was battling.

What started as an initial request for support, very quickly evolved into a special bond.

Richie fought incredibly hard. He loved life and lived it to the fullest; that I will never forget.

A few weeks ago, I attended Richie’s celebration of life, where all guests were asked to wear the colours of the rainbow in his memory.

It was a beautiful ceremony, where precious family moments and cherished memories were shared by those nearest and dearest to him.

Deputy Speaker, the Walsh family are truly remarkable.

During this time, their enormous hearts for helping others hasn’t been diminished.

Everywhere Richie went, he took his headphones and his iPad. He was famous for them.

Even Richie’s nurse said she had never seen him without them!

With the Bonner community as well as many Australians across the country touched by Richie’s story and legacy, the family asked that condolences for Richie were in the form of donations so they could send iPads engraved in his name to every bed on the oncology ward at Queensland Children’s Hospital.

In just under one week, the Walsh family smashed their fundraising target for the Queensland Children’s Hospital and 27 engraved iPads are now on their way to children on the oncology ward.

But the family isn’t stopping here.

They are now fundraising to not only send another batch of iPads to the Brisbane Children’s Hospital, but also to every bed on the oncology ward at Perth Children’s Hospital.

They aren’t limiting themselves to Australia either and are planning to send iPads to the children battling cancer in Richie’s hometown of Manchester in the UK.

A beautiful full circle act of generosity, which will touch the lives of so many children and their families around the world.

The Walsh family are currently in the process of registering Little Legends for Richie as a charity, to raise funds for children battling cancer and their families.

They already have a dedicated team onboard to help with all the work and planning involved with registering this charity and making sure it honours Richie’s life.

I will keep sharing Richie’s legacy. He can always count on me to be in his corner.

Rest easy little legend.