Before I flew out of Brisbane over the weekend, I was spending time with my boys and filled them in on what I would be getting up to at work this week.
“I’m going to be talking about space,” I said.
Now, having two sons who are both diehard Star Wars fans, their interpretation of what I would be speaking about versus what I am actually speaking about is worlds apart.
But nonetheless, in a galaxy not so far away…
Or should I say, in our galaxy Deputy Speaker…
Our Government is recognising the great value of Australia’s space sector.
Recently the Morrison Government announced the recipients of the Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement Grants.
I was proud to see local Tingalpa business Crystalaid awarded over $538,000 in funding.
This is on top of $461,000 awarded to them earlier this year as part of the second round of this grants program.
Skyrocketing the total funding for this local business to $1 million.
Funding which allows Crystalaid to bring more employees onboard and deliver more opportunities for their skilled workers.
It will enhance their ability to supply cutting edge electronics to the international space industry.
And will see Crystalaid used in satellite electronics systems across the globe.
It’s been a privilege to witness Crystalaid’s rapid growth over the years and I couldn’t be prouder of their ongoing success.
The Morrison Government is providing a further $150,000 in funding for small-scale upgrades and new equipment that community groups in Bonner need and deserve.
Expressions of interest are now open for Round 7 of the Stronger Communities Programme, giving local governing bodies and community groups an opportunity to nominate projects for grants of up to $20,000.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said more funding for the area would deliver the infrastructure and equipment our communities need to be successful and grow.
“This latest funding injection will support up to 20 projects across our communities, benefitting jobs and delivering an economic boost to drive our recovery on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mr Vasta.
“This type of investment brings people together by strengthening social connections, building community participation and delivering a brighter and more vibrant future for communities.
“Round 6 of Stronger Communities delivered for many of our community groups. I was pleased to award funding to Belmont State School P&C, Brisbane Coast Guard, Manly Lota Scouts, Ocean Crusaders, Junior Bayside Jets Basketball, C&K Mt Gravatt West Community Childcare, EACH, Mt Gravatt Youth and Rec Club, Safer by the Bay, HELP, Rochedale Scout Group and Hemmant Community Hall.
“Having now had the opportunity to visit these organisations and see firsthand the incredible benefits and upgrades this funding has enabled, I strongly encourage interested organisations to contact my office regarding projects important to them and our community.
“Grants from $2,500 up to $20,000 are available to cover up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs, or up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs for local governing bodies.”
Through the Stronger Communities Program, the Government has provided more than $135 million for projects for community-building and job-creating projects across Australia.
More information is available at business.gov.au/scp
Veterans’ Health Week runs from the 16th to 24th of October and with more than 720 events that focus on veteran wellbeing taking place across the country until the end of November, this year is set to be the biggest Veterans’ Health Week yet.
The Morrison Government has provided a record $540,000 in funding for Veterans’ Health Week 2021, which will deliver a range of activities that focus on the overall health of veterans and their families.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said veterans in Bonner can get involved in local events happening for Veterans’ Health Week.
“This year’s focus on physical activity offers a fantastic opportunity for veterans to make new connections with other veterans and their families while having some fun in the process,” Mr Vasta said.
“Over the weekend, I had a stand at the Veterans Health Expo at Wynnum RSL and it was great to see the community turn out and the important conversations that took place. The Morrison Government is driving awareness with record funding for this year’s Veteran’s Health Week, with some fantastic events happening in our area during October.”
Local events happening during Veterans Health Week include:
Bayside Veterans Community Physical Therapy Activity hosted by Manly-Lota RSL Sub Branch: Wednesday 20 October 2pm to 5pm, 184 Melville Terrace, Manly
Barefoot bowls hosted by Naval Association of Australia-Bayside Sub Section: Friday 23 October 12pm-5pm, Manly Bowls Club, 26 Faine Street, Manly
Visit to Camp Hill Antiques Centre and Tart Café hosted by North Gold Coast RSL Sub Branch Inc.: Wednesday 27 October 10am to 1:30pm, 545 Old Cleveland Road, Camp Hill
“I encourage all our local veterans, current serving personnel, and their families in Bonner to check out what events are happening in the area, or online, and put your hand up to participate.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said this year’s theme, Get Moving, will promote physical health and encourage veterans and their families to stay active.
“I’m delighted that this year’s Veterans’ Health Week is the biggest yet, with ex-service organisations and community groups coming together to host more than 720 events around the country,” Minister Gee said.
“Veterans and their families and friends can take part in as many activities as they like and there are plenty of options on offer, so I encourage everyone to check out what’s on and get moving!”
For more information on attending a Veterans’ Health Week event, including a list of activities near you, visit the DVA website dva.gov.au/vhw, call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or email vhw@dva.gov.au.
Deputy Speaker, today I rise to move a motion for a matter that is very close to my heart.
I rise to be the voice of every newborn and family currently on their own journey with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
And for those who will embark on this journey in the future.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy, also known as SMA sadly affects one in 10,000 births in Australia.
And Deputy Speaker, with no cure this disease is the number one genetic cause of death for babies under two in Australia.
I first became aware of SMA through the story of Baby Mackenzie in 2018.
Since then, I have taken every opportunity to raise awareness around SMA and speak on this matter in the house.
Because fighting for the lives of newborns and the lives of Australians is a matter of urgency, especially when there are treatments available.
Deputy Speaker, Little Mackenzie was diagnosed with SMA at just 10 weeks old and sadly passed away at just seven months old.
Mackenzie’s parents Rachael and Jonathan Casella have made it their mission to shine a light on this disease.
Learning of their story, I had the privilege of working with Rachael and Jonathan to bring SMA to the attention of Minister Hunt.
Their hard work resulted in the delivery of a $20 million study into reproductive genetic carrier screening called Mackenzie’s Mission in the 2018 Budget. It was a core project as part of the $500 million Australian Genomics Health Futures Mission.
Next Friday, the 22nd of October marks the anniversary of little Mackenzie’s life.
Her story and legacy will forever leave a mark on the fight for more lifesaving SMA testing.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Casella family, for the little girl they miss dearly.
Deputy Speaker, our Government has remained committed to supporting babies with this horrible disease by introducing lifesaving measures.
During SMA awareness month, which fell during August, our Government listed Evrysdi on the PBS.
This medication has meant families living with SMA now have access to less invasive treatment options.
It has also meant these families may experience a reduction in visits to specialists’ hospitals.
Deputy Speaker, as a parent, all you want is protect your child from pain and suffering.
Treatment options just like Evrysdi are making sure new families can enjoy one of the happiest times of their lives as they welcome their little one into the world.
It means they can make precious family moments that aren’t tarnished by days, weeks or even months of sleepless nights at the hospital.
It is giving and will give so many families hope at a time when it is needed most.
I thank our government for this listing.
Deputy Speaker, I am a strong advocate for bringing awareness to SMA.
There are families in my electorate of Bonner currently battling this disease, just like locals Kate and Grant Gough and their beautiful baby, Oakley.
Just last week, Oakley celebrated her 1st birthday.
I first met with the Gough family last year and have been working with them to bring awareness to SMA in Queensland.
It has been a long and challenging journey for Oakley, after being diagnosed at just 8 weeks old.
But to see how Oakley has grown and remained resilient during her first 12 months of life has truly been a privilege. She is one of the most precious and inspiring little fighters I have ever met.
Kate and Grant Gough have shown Oakley the strongest and purest form of love.
Oakley has recently been able to access Zolgensma, a lifechanging gene therapy drug to treat babies with SMA.
After just two weeks of accessing this drug, Oakley rolled over the for first time, lifted her head and scored 100% in her physio assessment.
She is now even able to enjoy sitting upright!
I’m happy to report she is improving every day. But that doesn’t mean life will be easy.
Had Oakley been screened for SMA as part of the Newborn Bloodspot Screen Program, her quality of life may be completely different to today.
And Deputy Speaker, it is incompressible that had Oakey been born in a different state, that too may have meant her quality of life would be completely different to today.
A disadvantage which should not be happening in this country.
Today I also rise to bring attention to the lack of action from the Queensland State Government in including a screening for SMA as part of the NBS Program.
Newborns in New South Wales and ACT are already being screened for SMA as part of a pilot NBS program.
And just last month Western Australia signed on.
Queensland is now one of the few remaining states left to include SMA as part of this program.
To provide some context around why this is so alarming, when a condition is nominated for inclusion in the screening programs and if the Standing Committee on Screening agrees with a recommendation for further assessment, an initial review is conducted.
At the completion of the initial review, the standing committee determines whether the condition should be reviewed in more detail.
In this case, the Standing Committee on Screening conducted an initial review of the inclusion of SMA prior to their disbanding and determined that no further action was necessary.
In fact, they stated that in light of the successful pilots on New South Wales and the ACT, states Australia wide are encouraged to implement this screening.
Deputy Speaker, I’ve asked the Queensland State Government on multiple occasions why they haven’t moved based on this guidance.
They have stated that because the Standing Committee has since been disbanded, it has created ‘a grey area for them to progress.’
But Deputy Speaker, this response leaves me dumbfounded because the advice of the Standing Committee to every state couldn’t be clearer.
They recognise the value in the testing and the ability for it to save the lives of Australian families and are encouraging states to implement screening.
It’s that simple.
Early detection of SMA can slow the rapid decline in the health of the child and give them the best chance at a healthy life.
Deputy Speaker, we cannot stand by and risk the health and lives of newborns for generations to come when there are effective screening options available.
Family is everything and I hear the overwhelming calls of Queensland families for the State Government to take urgent action, but it just feels like they are making excuse after excuse as to why they can’t move forward.
These families aren’t just fighting for this testing for themselves, they are doing it for the next family so they don’t have to endure the same suffering.
Today I am speaking up for all these families.
I’ve recently had two more precious babies in my local area brought to my attention who are battling SMA.
And at just a couple of months old.
How many more children, grandchildren, siblings and loved ones must endure this unforgiving disease when it could have been prevented Deputy Speaker.
How many more babies will fall victim to the lack of life saving testing in the state of Queensland.
We’ve heard some of the testimonies today, of families who have put their heart and soul into spreading awareness of SMA and are dealing with the heartache of the Queensland State Government sitting idle for this long.
Sitting idle when testing exists Deputy Speaker!
Now, I understand rolling out testing like this can’t be done overnight.
But at approximately $10 per test there is no reason it shouldn’t be added.
No family should have to endure the pain of losing a child to this disease and no child should be disadvantaged based on where they are born in this country.
Last week, the Junior Bonner Youth Advisory Council (BYAC) met with Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP and CEO and Founder of Vuly Trampolines and Bonner local Joe Andon to have their say on issues important to them.
The meeting saw three students from Moreton Bay College and Gumdale State School join a Zoom call with Mr Vasta and Mr Andon to find out more about how the Vuly Trampolines business started.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this year the BYAC was extended to junior students, providing students between years 5 and 6 with the opportunity to meet with Mr Vasta and other community leaders.
“Meeting with the Junior BYAC is always a special highlight for me, as it is a chance to meet with the inquisitive young minds and natural born leaders from schools across Bonner. I am always learning from these students,” said Mr Vasta.
“I wanted to involve Joe in this term’s Junior BYAC as he inspires me greatly with his work ethic and creative mind. I knew he would be a hit with the students and encourage them that no idea or dream is ever too big to pursue.
“The students were engaged with Joe’s story, particularly how he started working on the business venture that is now the Bonner based and internationally renowned Vuly Trampolines whilst he was still at school!
“I was very impressed with the students who took part. They asked insightful questions around how Joe started his business, what inspires him and how he handles moments when things in his business don’t go to plan.”
CEO and Founder of Vuly Trampolines Joe Andon said, “It was so good to talk to these students.”
“I really loved the questions, the train of thought they had and to be honest; it just reminded me of being a kid again. I got to relive that part of my journey and fill them in on everything that’s happened ever since.”
Moreton Bay College year 6 student Jessie Hawkins said, “I had a fabulous time during the Junior BYAC meeting and am really inspired by Mr Andon’s story. I even went home and brainstormed ideas for a business with my 2 sisters!”
“Junior BYAC participants can be chosen by their school or they can self-nominate for the chance to be the youth voice of their peers,” said Mr Vasta.
“This was a fantastic final Junior BYAC meeting for 2021 and I am looking forward to the exciting plans I have for next year.”
If you would like to be part of the 2022 Junior BYAC, contact your school and email your nomination to ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au.
Families in Bonner will benefit from greater child care support sooner, with increased Child Care Subsidy (CCS) for multiple children brought forward from 7 March 2022, four months earlier than first expected.
The increased subsidies were due to come into effect on 11 July 2022, but the Government has been able to work with Commonwealth agencies and service providers to make necessary technical changes sooner.
From 7 March 2022, families with two or more children aged five years and under in care will have their CCS rate increased by 30 percentage points for their second child and younger children, up to a maximum rate of 95 per cent.
A family earning $11,000 a year with two kids in care, four days a week will be better off by $100 a week.
The $10,655 annual cap will also be scrapped on 10 December 2021 and applied retrospectively for the whole 2021-22 financial year, meaning families who hit the cap before the date will receive a refund on any excess fees paid.
There are around 1,700 families in Bonner that have two or more children in care and could benefit from the increased subsidy. More than half of eligible Australian families will receive the maximum 95 per cent subsidy.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the support would be targeted at those that need it most.
“We know child care costs can really add up when you have two, three or more children in care and this package will help those families by significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs for the second child and younger children,” Mr Vasta said.
“This will make a real difference in the lives of families in Bonner.
“The changes will also see this government’s total investment in child care grow to $11 billion a year they build on the Child Care Package we introduced in 2018 that is still keeping out-of-pocket costs low.”
Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said the changes would ease pressure on working families in Bonner and encourage more parents into work.
“These changes are good for families and great for the economy, and it’s significant that we are able to deliver them sooner,” Minister Tudge said.
“Removing the cap and increasing subsidies will allow more parents, particularly mothers, to return to work or take on more hours if they choose to.”
The Morrison Government is encouraging all Australians to celebrate Indigenous Business Month this October by discovering the untapped potential of Indigenous businesses across our communities.
The 2021 theme ‘Powering the Indigenous Economy’ aims to promote strong networks among Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses and showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP encouraged residents to search Australia’s leading database for verified Indigenous businesses, Supply Nation, to find local businesses to support.
“Indigenous Business Month is about embracing a more inclusive, sustainable Australian economy – one that celebrates local culture and entrepreneurialism.”
“From construction to arts and entertainment, I encourage people in Bonner to reach out and support local Indigenous businesses or go to the Supply Nation website and search the more than 500 registered businesses listed.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, The Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, said supporting Indigenous businesses creates jobs and a more sustainable economy.
“Backing Indigenous businesses will not only improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it’s going to be key to the overall economic success of our country as we bounce back from COVID-19.
“This is an opportunity to examine our business-to-business supply chains, broaden our networks and, as consumers, support local jobs and Indigenous wealth creation.
“Congratulations to the alumni of Melbourne Business School’s MURRA Indigenous Business Master Class Program for launching this powerful initiative, now in its seventh year.”
The Morrison Government is supporting Tingalpa based company Crystalaid to tap into international space supply chains and create new Australian jobs as part of the $150 million Moon to Mars initiative.
Crystalaid will receive $538,882 under the latest Supply Chain Capability Improvement grants program to improve their technical capabilities. This is on top of $461,118 awarded to them earlier this year as part of the second round of the grants program, representing a total investment of $1 million.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said Crystalaid will use this critical funding to replace and modernise their vacuum oven technology by working alongside industry leaders and research partners.
“This project is a great example of the innovation and ingenuity that exists in our Bonner community. Crystalaid is doing revolutionary work in the space industry and I congratulate them on such an outstanding initiative,” Mr Vasta said.
“By securing this funding, we are backing Crystalaid so they can meet new supply chain opportunities, create more local jobs and deliver opportunities for skilled workers. All of which are key to strengthening Australia’s space manufacturing sector.
“I am very proud to support the ongoing successes of Crystalaid, whose work contributes to better positioning Australian companies to be part of NASA’s plan to return to the moon and prepare for missions to Mars.”
Acting Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Angus Taylor said the grants will strengthen Australia’s space manufacturing base, while also boosting the economy and creating new high-skilled jobs.
“The space sector is one of our six National Manufacturing Priorities and these grants directly contribute to building the skills and capabilities of Australian space businesses so they can scale up their operations and become competitive in global markets,” Minister Taylor said.
“The grants also provide a tangible opportunity for the Australian businesses to support the transformation of our space industry and contribute to projects that will support NASA’s Moon to Mars program.”
Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo said these projects again demonstrate the incredible opportunities that are present at the intersection of space and manufacturing.
“Space and manufacturing go hand-in-hand and these projects are leveraging that relationship to drive economic growth and create jobs here in Australia,” Mr Palermo said.
“With this support, these Australian companies will be able to expand their capability and tap into new supply chains around the world – which adds up to opportunities here at home.”
The $150 million Moon to Mars initiative is part of over $700 million being invested by the government into the Australian civil space sector towards the goal of tripling the sector’s size to $12 billion and creating up to an extra 20,000 jobs by 2030.
The Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement program offers grants between $250,000 and $1 million, with applications open until 1 May 2023.
Public feedback is now invited on draft legislation to deliver a better experience for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said that the release of draft legislation for consultation was a major milestone in the Morrison Government’s 2019 promise to set up the scheme for the future and embed an NDIS which works for everyone.
“In recent months, there have been wide consultations with stakeholders, listening to the experience and concerns raised by participants, their families and the disability sector. The goal is for the NDIS to be a service that can endure, for many generations to come.”
Mr Vasta encouraged NDIS participants and all stakeholders to have their say, during the four week consultation period.
“This draft legislation is the product of the extensive consultation that was undertaken during the 2019 Review of the NDIS Act, following this current consultation the legislation will be put through the parliamentary processes, which will allow for more scrutiny,” Mr Vasta said.
“Thousands of hours of consultation has led to the key measures included in this Bill which will provide improved outcomes for NDIS participants into the future.”
Eight years into the operation of the NDIS, improved participant experience is at the centre of the reforms. The proposed reforms also include making lived experience of disability one among a number of important considerations for NDIA Board membership consideration and reflecting the importance of co-design with people with disability.
Feedback on the draft legislation is open on the DSS Engage website, with submissions closing at midnight (EST) on 7 October 2021.
The Morrison Government will continue to secure Australia’s economic recovery by expanding support to help apprentices finish their training, protecting the skills pipeline delivered under the government’s successful Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements program.
The $3.9 billion Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements program will extend support into the second and third year of an eligible Australian Apprenticeship through the $716 million Completing Apprenticeship Commencements program.
Under the new changes from October 2021, eligible employers will receive a 10 per cent wage subsidy in the second year of an eligible apprenticeship, and five per cent in the third year. The Morrison Government’s investment is expected to continue to support the 270,000 anticipated commencements under the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements program from October 2020 to March 2022.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Morrison Government was protecting the pipeline of apprentices today so they can become the skilled workforce of tomorrow through the Completing Apprenticeship Commencements program.
‘With 1,455 apprentices in Bonner this will give employers the confidence to retain an apprentice in their second and third years of training right through to completion,’ Mr Vasta said.
‘Securing the skilled workforce of tomorrow through the Completing Apprenticeship Commencements program is in addition to a record $6.4 billion investment in skills this financial year, including a $500 million expansion of the JobTrainer Fund, which recently hit more than 230,000 course enrolments.’
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, said the new Completing Apprenticeship Commencements program will help maintain a pipeline of skilled workers right across the economy with 348,200 Australians training as at June 2021, 30 per cent more than the previous 12 months.
‘The Morrison Government has supported a generation of Australian apprentices in the face of the biggest shock to our economy since World War Two,’ Minister Robert said.
‘While other countries shed their apprentice workforces, our highly successful Boosting Apprenticeship Commencement program saw new apprenticeships increase 141.5 per cent year on year.
For further information on how to apply for the program, including information on eligibility, visit www.dese.gov.au/boosting-apprenticeship-commencements or contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.
