Delivering on My Plan for Bonner

A MESSAGE FROM ROSS

I’ve been a local resident of Bonner for over four decades, I’ve attended school here, started a small business and now raising my own family here.

Over the past three years we have faced significant challenges, the pandemic and more recently the flood. But when those challenges have arisen we have delivered.

I’m dedicated to our community and I’m proud to be delivering on my local plan for the area, including our flood recovery plan to help our community come back stronger.

As your Federal MP I have been working hard to secure our economic recovery, support local jobs and help local families get ahead.

During the recent flood, I spent days with many locals, sandbagging, delivering food parcels and generators and then cleaning up the mud.

So far more than $1 billion of Federal funding has been paid to Queenslanders impacted by the flood. With our local Flood Recovery Plan, we will come back stronger, and work on prioritising mitigation efforts.

In addition to delivering on my local plan in Bonner, our strong economy is delivering results.

  • 16,273 people in Queensland have received HomeBuilder grants to help build a new home or renovate an existing one.
  • People in Bonner are paying $128 less for a power bill than two years ago.
  • There are over 2,800 new medicines on the PBS, saving $80 per year for 1.4 million Australians.
  • More bulk billing means people are saving $40 per visit to a GP.
  • 1,710 local families are benefiting from savings of  $2,000 per year on childcare.
  • Around 65,200 taxpayers in Bonner will benefit from tax relief of up to $2,745 this year.
  • Pensions have increased by $159.10 per fortnight since we were elected.

Working together we’ve achieved a lot for our community. With your support we can continue to protect our lifestyle and secure our future locally for your family.

 


MY PLAN

My Flood recovery plan for Bonner

With our local Flood Recovery Plan, we will come back stronger, and work on prioritising mitigation efforts.

Our local plan will:

• Keep our economy strong so we can continue to properly fund our recovery

• Work with the Schrinner Council to fund priority mitigation projects

• Build our local roads back to a higher standard than before

• Get our clubs and organisations back open and resourced to replace damaged equipment

• Support our businesses with disaster funding to protect local jobs

• Provide ongoing assistance including mental health support for local families

We can only recover and come back stronger from the flood if we do it together. With my team I’ll continue to do whatever it takes, but I need your support, and with our local plan we will come back stronger. If you need assistance don’t hesitate to reach out to me personally on (07) 3893 3488 or by email to Ross.Vasta.MP@aph.gov.au.

Continuing to fix our local roads and reduce traffic

Delivering better local roads to reduce congestion – getting you home sooner and safer. I’ve already secured over $200 million for local road projects. I’ll continue to fight for more local upgrades and to fix local black spots.

 

 

Protecting our local lifestyle and environment

I am committed to supporting local community groups, sports clubs and small businesses to thrive in Bonner as well as providing support to local catchment and bushcare groups with funding for planting, wildlife breeding boxes, creek rejuvenation and weed eradication. I’m also working to eliminate harmful plastics and waste by making sure packaging can be recycled, reused and kept out of our waterways.

 

 

Securing our economy recovery and keeping Australians safe

Our economic recovery plan is delivering lower taxes and record jobs, including for women and young people. We’re also creating jobs through our $110 billion infrastructure pipeline and supporting more apprentices to help fill the skills of the future. We will always put Australia first and protect our national security and interests.

 

 

Supporting families with better health and education

Making sure local families have access to the best education and quality healthcare. Helping young families to get ahead by removing the cap on the Child Care Subsidy and strengthening Medicare by making Telehealth permanent.

 

 

Reducing emissions and increasing renewable energy

Delivering real action on Climate Change with a fully costed plan for net zero emissions by 2050. Backing technology, not taxes, by investing in renewables. I’m also working closely with local environment groups and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, part of our carbon neutral Council, to deliver energy solutions like solar panels in our local community.

 

Read More

Clairvaux Football Club scores a goal with federal funding

Clairvaux Football Club (FC) has been successful in receiving funding from Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP through the Volunteer Grants program. The funding will be used to purchase new equipment for the club’s volunteers.

On Saturday Mr Vasta attended Clairvaux FC, at Clairvaux Mackillop College, to catch-up with members and find out how the new equipment will help the club.

“It’s been great to work with Clairvaux FC and deliver federal funding which will be used to purchase new fridges for their canteen,” Mr Vasta said.

“Canteens sales at sporting events are a vital source of income and allow the club to reinvest into their players and the community.”

Clairvaux FC Coach and Treasurer Robbie McLean said the funding allows the club to regain an important income stream.

“We are very thankful for the funding that Ross has secured for us, and it will make a massive difference to the club,” Mr McLean said.

“Without fridges to keep food and drinks cold and fresh, we lose the ability to raise money through canteen sales, which means we have less money to reinvest into the club,

“Purchasing new fridges will also mean we can have cold drinks ready for players after games.”

Mr Vasta is proud to support the Clairvaux FC, which last year had 400 players, and provide this Federal funding to benefit the Clairvaux FC sporting community.

Read More

Landmark PBS listing for Australians with cystic fibrosis

Australians with cystic fibrosis in Bonner will soon have access to a new treatment following the listing of Trikafta® on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

From April 1, Trikafta® (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor) will be available on the PBS for the first time for Australians with cystic fibrosis aged 12 years and older, who have at least one F508del mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. F508del is the most common mutation.

In Australia, one in 2,500 babies are born with cystic fibrosis and there is currently no cure.

Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections. The condition is caused by genetic defects that limit the flow of chloride and water through cell membranes, resulting in a thick, sticky build-up of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs and over time limits the ability to breathe and makes it easier for germs to grow.

Trikafta® works by improving the flow of chloride and water in patients who have a certain genetic defect and helps improve lung function and breathing.

The median life expectancy for Australians with cystic fibrosis is 47 years. Tragically, this is significantly lower than the average Australian.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the listing of Trikafta® on the PBS would be welcome news to those in my local community with CF and their families.

“This is a game changer for Australians with CF in Bonner and their families,” Mr Vasta said.

“Access to Trikafta® has been out of reach for most of the population with CF, but this listing will ensure more Australians can get the treatment they need, without huge out of pocket costs.

“This just demonstrates our Government’s continued commitment to ensuring Australians can access the medicines and treatments they need, no matter where they live.”

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the listing of Trikafta® would be life changing for many Australians with cystic fibrosis and their families.

“Without PBS subsidy, around 1,900 Australians would pay more than $250,000 a year for access to Trikafta®,” Minister Hunt said.

“This treatment is out of reach for most Australians, and now that it will be available on the PBS, patients will only pay a maximum of $42.50 per script, or as little as $6.80 with a concession card.

“I am so proud that one of the final treatments listed on the PBS under my watch as Minister for Health is Trikafta®. This listing will make access to treatment within reach for thousands of Australians with CF each year.”

Since 2013, the Coalition Government has approved more than 2,800 new and amended listings on the PBS. This is at an overall investment by Government of $15 billion.

The Morrison Government’s commitment to ensuring Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.

This is a stark contrast to Mr Albanese and Labor, who when last in Government stopped listing essential medicines and treatments on the PBS.

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

Read More

Making an entrance at Wynnum Croquet Club

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP recently congratulated Wynnum Croquet Club on receiving a Stronger Communities Grant from the Federal Government to replace damaged infrastructure.

Mr Vasta attended the Wynnum Croquet Club to announce the news to members and see firsthand how the grant will benefit the club.

“The Wynnum Croquet Club has a strong history on the bayside and is one of the oldest clubs in the area.  It’s been wonderful to support them with federal funding to allow the club to replace a broken gate which has been damaged by age and weather,” Mr Vasta said.

“The new upgrade will provide increased safety and security at the club.”

The Wynnum Croquet Club provides a place for local seniors to connect and a supportive environment to share a love of this age-old sport.

“With the challenges of the last few years, social isolation has proven to be a huge impact on our community, especially seniors who don’t necessarily have the technological skills or connections of the younger generations.

“That is why it is so important to support places like the Wynnum Croquet Club, so they can continue providing a safe and welcoming environment for our seniors to connect with friends and stay active later in life.”

Mr Vasta has been working alongside the Wynnum Croquet Club for many years and will continues is strong support of the club.

Read More

Record funding for endo and genetic testing in Bonner

Women and girls living with endometriosis in Bonner will soon have access to improved diagnosis, care and treatment, with the Morrison Government announcing new specialised endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics in every state and territory.

Through the 2022-23 Budget, a record $58 million will be provided under the National Action Plan for Endometriosis to improve endometriosis diagnosis and primary care support, helping more women to find appropriate care and better manage the impact of endometriosis.

Endometriosis has a profound impact on around one in nine Australian women and girls. It is a highly individualised condition, with symptoms ranging significantly from person to person, but commonly impacting on family and social life, work and study.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this significant investment will build on the work the Morrison Government has done to provide treatment and support for women and girls with endo across Australia.

“The Coalition Government was the first government to acknowledge and recognise endometriosis and the impacts it has on women and girls across Australia,” Mr Vasta said.

“Around 800,000 women and girls are currently living with endo, including across Bonner and this funding will bring welcome relief and support through better diagnosis, treatment and care.

“Our government’s plan will improve the quality of life for women living with endometriosis, with record support, building on our National Action Plan for Endometriosis, so women of all ages can get diagnosed and be supported.”

The Morrison Government will also help couples plan for their pregnancy by investing $81.2 million to create a new Medicare item to support access to genetic testing for three serious genetic conditions.

Genetic testing can assist families who are planning for their pregnancy and may be at risk of passing on significant genetic conditions, to understand and assess their risk and to plan their pregnancy appropriately.

The new Medicare item builds on advances to date through Mackenzie’s Mission and will support universal Medicare funded testing to check if couples are carriers of cystic fibrosis (CF), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and fragile X syndrome (FXS), with the item available in 2023.

CF, SMA and FXS are the most common inheritable genetic disorders resulting in substantially reduced life expectancy within the Australian population.

This testing is presently available in Australia as a privately funded service and this measure will provide a Medicare rebate for genetic testing for CF, SMA and FXS.

Endometriosis initiatives include:

  • $16.4 million to establish new specialised endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics in each state and territory incorporating doctors, allied health professionals and nurses to assist in navigating the health system
  • $25.2 million to support women with severe endometriosis and other conditions that affect fertility to access a new Medicare funded magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
  • $5.1 million to develop an Endometriosis Management Plan to support patients in primary care.
  • $5.1 million towards the National Endometriosis Clinical and Scientific Trials Network and for early career researcher scholarships to continue growing research capacity and address research gaps.
  • $2.5 million to transform and promote the Australian Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Endometriosis into a “living guideline” that will be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect community feedback and the latest expert medical advice.
  • $2 million to increase awareness and education of endometriosis amongst priority populations through the Australian Coalition for Endometriosis, a Mentor Program to support those newly diagnosed with endometriosis and a Workplace Assistance Program to support employees and employers to navigate discussions in the workplace.
  • $1.4 million for the EndoZone digital platform, providing access to evidence-based information.
  • $300,000 to promote access to the suite of Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme items for diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said increasing access to genetic testing would be a welcome relief for many parents and couples planning pregnancy.

“This will allow thousands of Australians to undergo genetic testing without huge out of pocket costs and enable them to see if they are genetic carriers of disorders like CF, SMA and FXS,” Minister Hunt said.

“As a passionate advocate for genetic testing, I am proud that the Morrison Government is making this significant investment, which will not only help Australians and their families, but ensure they know and understand the risks of inheritable genetic disorders.”

The Morrison Government’s National Women’s Health Strategy 2020–2030 has five priority areas; maternal, sexual and reproductive health, healthy ageing, chronic conditions and preventive health, mental health, and the health impacts of violence against women and girls – core issues affecting the lives and livelihoods of women and girls.

This significant investment builds on our government’s commitment to implementing the National Women’s Health Strategy 2020–2030 and improving long term health outcomes for women and girls.

Read More

Mansfield State High School cruise into 2022 with a new set of wheels

Mansfield State High P&C school has been awarded a Stronger Communities Grant by Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP to purchase a new golf cart.

Mr Vasta met with the Principal Karen Tanks and President of the P&C Phil Reeves to discuss how this federal funding will benefit the students at Mansfield State High School.

“It’s great to work alongside Mansfield State High School P&C to support the school community,” Mr Vasta said.

“The golf cart will service sporting events and allow for staff to more readily assist students if they are injured. It will also be used to help transport food stock between multiple canteens, which means canteen staff will no longer have to push a trolley by hand to replenish stock.”

Principal of Mansfield State High School Karen Tanks expressed her gratitude for Mr Vasta’s support of the school and said the funding for the cart will make a huge difference to students and staff.

“This funding will provide so many opportunities for the school. By purchasing a golf cart to replace our current food cart, food stock will be delivered more quickly between canteens which means canteen staff can more readily respond to student’s needs,”

“The golf cart can also be used to help out at sporting events if a student gets injured and needs to be transported safely and efficiently, as well as at open days and other events throughout the school year.”

Mr Vasta said the Stronger Communities Grants Program is supporting communities right across Bonner and delivering positive social outcomes to benefit local residents.

Read More

Try a Trade Roadshow in Wynnum

This week, young women in Bonner tried their hands at a trade as a roadshow aimed at inspiring women and girls into trades careers arrives in our community.

The Morrison Government’s National Careers Institute has partnered with not-for-profit organisation Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen (SALT) to deliver hands-on workshops to highlight career pathways in the construction industry to women. Qualified tradespeople will guide students through making a trades project, teaching the safe use of tools for measuring, cutting and assembling. Ross Vasta MP Federal Member for Bonner welcomed the trade roadshow to Wynnum State High School and encouraged women across the community to consider taking up a trade.

“Trades open doors to high-paying careers with diverse prospects, particularly in Queensland, so I’d love to see more local women getting involved,” Mr Vasta said. “We are committed to removing access barriers for young women wishing to enter into trade careers, especially as this sector is seeing record growth under the Morrison Government.”

“Technicians and trade workers are the second most in-demand occupational group in our state today, seeing more than 7,600 job ads in January.

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, said SALT’s work to boost the profile of vocational education and training was vital to up skilling the next generation of Australians.
“These workshops are supporting more women to train and work in the trades, which will be incredibly important for our skills-led economic recovery,’ Minister Robert said.

“They also underline the role the vocational education and training sector plays in equipping young people with job-ready skills.

In Queensland, 28 per cent of apprentices and trainees are women, with nearly 21,000 women currently in training. This is an increase of 51 per cent since 2020 and is still on the rise, as the Government invests a record $7.8 billion in skills this financial year.

Under the $2 billion JobTrainer Fund, more than 35,245 Queensland women have enrolled in free or low-fee training, a number that is expected to grow. Nationally, the proportion of female apprentices and trainees in training is now at 28 per cent, with 94,800 female apprentices and trainees in training – the highest number since 2014.

SALT will be holding nine workshops for Queensland schools this March. The Morrison Government’s National Careers Institute has funded SALT to deliver workshops across the country.

The National Careers Institute was established to ensure people have access to authoritative and accurate careers information and support irrespective of their age or career stage.

Visit the NCI’s Your Career website to be connected to further education, training or work options to support your career goals.

Read More

Ross Vasta MP expands his mental health plan to Southside of Bonner

After positive developments from his community Bayside Mental Health Survey, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has today launched a Southside Mental Health Survey. This represents the first stage of Ross Vasta’s plan to increase funding and local services for residents on the Bonner Southside.

“After listening to residents, I have identified a need for greater access to mental health services on the Southside,” Mr Vasta said.

“I have been a strong advocate for mental health, and I am committed to providing a plan and delivering for mental health funding and services for residents on the Southside.”

To best understand what is happening on a local level, Mr Vasta is calling on Southside community members to take part in the quick survey; whose contribution will be invaluable in determining where more support must be delivered.

“Every community has different demographic and geographical needs, that is why it is important for residents on the Southside to take 30 seconds to fill out this survey.

“By filling out this anonymous survey, it will provide a better understanding on what services and resources are needed and where.

“As a part of this plan, I will also be holding the first roundtable discussions on the 23rd of March where I have invited community groups, schools, GPs, mental health providers and more to develop solutions to bridge the gaps in the current system.

“ Everyone knows someone who has experienced or is struggling with mental health, and with suicide continuing to cause the greatest loss of life for young Australians, I remain committed to fighting for greater awareness, and more funding for mental health services.”

Mr Vasta has seen positive developments out of the roundtable Bayside, which has seen great community consultation and has led to practical steps in addressing the gaps in the mental health system in the area.

“I’m very happy to have delivered the first stages of my mental health plan for the Bayside.

“ I know we will be able to replicate and adapt this approach on the Southside but first, community feedback from the survey is needed.”

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 2021-22 Federal Budget.

To take part in the Southside Mental Health Survey, please click: here

All survey responses will be kept anonymous and completely confidential.

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).

 

 

Read More

Morrison Government support for families and childcare services hit by floods in Queensland and New South Wales

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said support was available to local families affected by severe flooding in large areas of South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

“This is a difficult time for families in the Bonner electorate, but emergency support is now available, including for families with children in childcare,” Mr Vasta said.

“Assistance is available to help families and childcare services manage during the immediate flood emergency period and the recovery phase to come.”

Acting Minister for Education and Youth, Stuart Robert MP, said families in affected areas should be aware that children have 52 allowable absence day from childcare this financial year.

“The number of allowable absence days was increased due to COVID-19, but they can be used for any reason including the current flood emergency,” Minister Robert said.

“Importantly, childcare services can continue to receive Child Care Subsidy (CCS) while they are closed during a local emergency.

“Flood-affected families, including those whose home have been destroyed or badly damaged, may also be eligible for extra help with the cost of child care through the Additional Child Care Subsidy (temporary financial hardship). Families must apply directly to Centrelink.”

Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said childcare services facing financial viability issues or closure due to the floods could also apply for a Special Circumstances grant.

“Community Child Care Fund Special Circumstances Grants are available to approved services that operate in, or provide care for, disadvantaged and vulnerable communities,” Minister McKenzie said.

“We will continue to closely monitor the flood emergency and Commonwealth assistance may be extended to other local government areas.”

Ross Vasta MP welcomed the Government’s swift response and commitment of disaster assistance to affected local families.

“The Government has activated the Disaster Recovery Payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child to support people in impacted local government areas,’ Mr Vasta said.

“The Disaster Recovery Payment is a one-off, non-means tested payment and is available to eligible people in those affected local government areas who have suffered a significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or serious injury.”

For more information on the targeted support available to child care providers, services and families in the event of a local emergency visit: www.dese.gov.au/child-care-package/ccp-resources-providers/help-emergency

The Australian Government provides a range of payments and services to individuals affected by a major disaster. For more information visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster.

 

Read More

Personal hardship assistance extended to more flood affected communities across Brisbane

Personal hardship assistance has been extended to more flood-affected individuals and families in the Brisbane, Logan and Noosa local government areas as the South East Queensland flood emergency continues.

Ross Vasta MP the Federal Member for Bonner welcomed the inclusion of the Personal Hardship Grants now available through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

“DRFA personal hardship assistance was in addition to a range of assistance already available in response to the floods,” said Mr Vasta.

Grants of up to $180 per person, to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more to eligible people in flood affected areas of Brisbane, Logan and Noosa to alleviate personal hardship and distress.

“The full impacts yet to be completely understood, however, we know thousands of residents in these areas have been affected.

“The Australian and Queensland Governments will continue to work together to identify what additional assistance is required as we start the road to recovery from this major event,”

DRFA personal hardship assistance was now available in eight local government areas in South East Queensland.

The Commonwealth Government is committed to providing all the support we can and now flood-impacted residents in Brisbane, Logan and Noosa can access this assistance, which was already available in Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Moreton Bay and Somerset.

The City of Gold Coast and Logan City Council have also been activated for DRFA assistance for the repair and reconstruction of damaged essential public infrastructure.

For information on Personal Hardship Assistance and Essential Services Hardship Assistance, contact the Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349 or visit www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies.

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au.

 

Read More