The Liberal National Government will help reduce the out of pocket medical expenses for Australian families needing life-saving scans like ultrasounds and X-rays with an almost $200 million investment

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said for the first time in 20 years the indexation of Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items will be expanded to all ultrasound and diagnostic radiology services over three years from July 1 2020.

“This means that the Medicare rebates for about 90 per cent of all diagnostic imaging services will now be indexed,” Mr Vasta said.

“This includes X-rays for fractures, mammograms, pregnancy ultrasounds, echocardiograms, angiograms, image guided procedures and CT scans for the diagnosis and management of cancer.”

“More than nine million Australian patients use diagnostic imaging services each year.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt said our plan for a strong economy continues to deliver record funding for essential health services that saves lives.

“We are delivering what Labor hasn’t,” Minister Hunt said.

“This investment will support patients needing these important diagnostic services and encourage diagnostic imaging providers to maintain or increase their level of bulk billing.”

“It will reduce the burden on Australian families when a family member needs diagnostic imaging scans.”

“Diagnostic imaging for every child who breaks an arm, older Australians with broken hips and even a simple broken finger will receive a higher rebate.”

“Ultrasounds for pregnant women, people needing cardiac ultrasounds and ultrasound guided procedures will also receive higher rebates.”

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said this announcement comes after the recently announced expansion of Medicare eligibility for an additional 50 MRI units across Australia at an estimated cost of $375 million over four years, benefiting over 800,000 Australians.

“I’m proud to have secured a bulk billed MRI license for Qscan Carindale, this service will enable constituent’s access to bulk billed scans that allow detailed views of the soft tissues of the body such as muscles, ligaments, brain tissue, discs and blood vessels,” Mr Vasta said.

“It is used by doctors to diagnose and monitor number of different medical conditions including cancer and trauma or sporting injuries. These scans save and protect lives.”

“We have also recently added important new diagnostic imaging services to the Medicare such as MRI of the prostate, liver and three dimensional breast tomosynthesis for the diagnosis of breast cancer.”

“This is in addition to the indexation of the MBS items for computed tomography, fluoroscopy, mammography and interventional radiology, also commencing from 1 July 2020, announced in the 2017-18 Budget.”

A re-elected Morrison Government will provide $1.8 million to deliver the Bayside’s only freestanding Netball Courts for Wynnum Netball Club.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said building these local courts is a key priority for the LNP because of the significant benefits for the Bayside community and the more than 204 players at the local club.

“In the three years that Wynnum Netball Club has been operational its membership numbers has more than tripled and the Ladybugs continue to grow, however there are no local courts so they have to borrow courts from local schools,” Mr Vasta said.

“Because of the lack of local facilities the club says players often look elsewhere to play and are forced to use facilities that are ill equipped for their needs and travel long distances.”

“The LNP is committed to supporting women in sport and enabling girls from a young age access to the things they need to pursue their sporting interests and this funding commitment adds to our great track record by giving the girls of the bayside what they need to follow their netball dreams.

“By building local courts closer to home families will no longer have to spend lots of money and time travelling long distances, they will now have everything they need in the one place that can service the growing Ladybugs netball club,” MR Vasta said.

Mr Vasta said the funding for the Wynnum Netball Club courts was only possible because of the Morrison Government’s plan for a stronger economy.

“Only the Liberals and Nationals have a proven track record when it comes to managing the Budget,” Mr Vasta said.

“By paying down debt and growing the economy, we can afford to deliver funding for priorities in local communities such as Wynnum Netball Club courts.

“This is all at risk under Labor and Bill Shorten who pose the greatest risk to Australia’s economy in a generation with plans for $387 billion in new taxes on small and family businesses, retirees, housing, income, investments, electricity and cars.

“Labor would put at risk Australia’s 27 years of consecutive economic growth.”

Mr Vasta said this year’s Federal Budget delivered Australia’s first surplus in more than a decade.

“The surplus guarantees funding for the essential services that you and your family need and rely on,” Mr Vasta said.

“This includes record funding for schools, hospitals, medicines and roads.”

Continuing his proven track record of delivering vital funds for Men’s sheds in Bonner, Federal Member Ross Vasta has promised an additional $200,000 for Wynnum Manly Men’s shed under a re-elected Morrison Government.

During his time as Federal Member for Bonner Mr Vasta has delivered almost $150,000 for local men’s sheds, and this election commitment of $200,000 for Wynnum Manly Men’s shed builds on his proven track record.

Mr Vasta said he’s been working with David Westlake and the team at Wynnum Manly Men’s shed for years and said he knows how important it is for local men to have access to an organisation like this in the local community.

“This funding will enable the men’s shed to upgrade and purchase new workshop equipment, upgrade their kitchen and also purchase a vehicle.

“The addition of a vehicle means that the men’s shed will be able to provide greater access to services for men in the bayside community who otherwise would not have been able to get to and from the organisation,” Mr Vasta said.

David Westlake past president said Mr Vasta has been constant support for the local shed and he is always willing to assist us wherever he can.

“Just after the last federal election Mr Vasta came and spoke to us and ever since then he’s been working alongside us to fight for the additional $200,000 funding that we needed so we could expand our capabilities.”

“This funding doesn’t just help us and our members, it means that we can help others in the community for example a local lady called the other day to ask if we could transport her unwell pet to the vet for her, it doesn’t seem like much but it’s just small things that we are able to then do more of which helps locals in need.”

The Morrison Government will fund trials of smartwatches that will enable women to press a single button to alert family or police of the risk of imminent danger or violence.

Minister for Families and Social Services Paul Fletcher and Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta today announced $500,000 to support the trial in which smartwatches will be provided to 100 women at high risk of domestic and family violence.

The devices, developed by Brisbane-based organisation Commsync, allow victims to discreetly trigger a personalised safety plan at the time of an attack or if they feel particularly vulnerable.

“In a crisis, every second counts, but it can be difficult for a victim of domestic and family violence to quickly call for help without further inflaming the situation and putting themselves at greater risk,” said Mr Fletcher.

“This trial will allow us to test this technology to see if it delivers practical safety improvements for women at risk of domestic and family violence.”

Women participating in the trial will be supported to set up a comprehensive safety plan.

In a crisis situation the woman can tap the device to send an alert to members of her safety network; the safety network will receive a voice call (via one-way or two way microphone), SMS and emails, which will send live audio and location data.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP has been working alongside the locally based organisation Commsync for a number of years, and has been a constant advocate for the innovative and potentially life-saving technology.

“Commsync has developed cutting-edge software that allows victims to send an alert to their safety network – all at the push of a single button.”

“I am glad that local organisation Commsync has partnered with expert domestic and family violence providers to implement this innovative new trial.

“I’m humbled by the work Chris and the team at Commsync have done, and I’m pleased to have been able to help champion this amazing technology. If it saves just one life or gives one woman peace of mind that they are safe, it’s worth it,” Mr Vasta said.

This new trial is part of the Morrison Government’s Women’s Safety Technology Trials initiative.

Our Liberal National Government has committed over $840 million to Women’s Safety since 2013, including our recent announcement of $328 million – the largest ever Commonwealth investment in women’s safety under the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children.   

A re-elected Morrison Government will provide $1.8 million to deliver the Bayside’s only freestanding Netball Courts for Wynnum Netball Club.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said building these local courts is a key priority for the LNP because of the significant benefits for the Bayside community and the more than 204 players at the local club.

“In the three years that Wynnum Netball Club has been operational its membership numbers has more than tripled and the Ladybugs continue to grow, however there are no local courts so they have to borrow courts from local schools,” Mr Vasta said.

“Because of the lack of local facilities the club says players often look elsewhere to play and are forced to use facilities that are ill equipped for their needs and travel long distances.

“The LNP is committed to supporting women in sport and enabling girls from a young age access to the things they need to pursue their sporting interests and this funding commitment adds to our great track record by giving the girls of the bayside what they need to follow their netball dreams.

“By building local courts closer to home families will no longer have to spend lots of money and time travelling long distances, they will now have everything they need in the one place that can service the growing Ladybugs netball club,” MR Vasta said.

Mr Vasta said the funding for the Wynnum Netball Club courts was only possible because of the Morrison Government’s plan for a stronger economy.

“Only the Liberals and Nationals have a proven track record when it comes to managing the Budget,” Mr Vasta said.

“By paying down debt and growing the economy, we can afford to deliver funding for priorities in local communities such as Wynnum Netball Club courts.

“This is all at risk under Labor and Bill Shorten who pose the greatest risk to Australia’s economy in a generation with plans for $387 billion in new taxes on small and family businesses,

retirees, housing, income, investments, electricity and cars.

“Labor would put at risk Australia’s 27 years of consecutive economic growth.”

Mr Vasta said this year’s Federal Budget delivered Australia’s first surplus in more than a decade.

“The surplus guarantees funding for the essential services that you and your family need and rely on,” Mr Vasta said.

“This includes record funding for schools, hospitals, medicines and roads.”

The Liberal National Government has launched the National Women’s Health Strategy 2020-2030 with more than $50 million in funding to improve women’s health in areas such as ovarian cancer and endometriosis.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta welcomed the announcement and said the National Women’s Health Strategy will set out a national approach to improving health outcomes for all women and girls in Australia and in Bonner, particularly those at greatest risk of poor health.

“Australian women on the whole enjoy long, healthy lives, with a current average life expectancy of 85 for those born in recent years,” Mr Vasta said.

“This relatively long life expectancy disguises a large element of avoidable ill-health and inequitable outcomes between different groups.”

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the Government is committed to improving health outcomes throughout Australia and building a world class health system.

“Today’s announcements add to the Government’s strong record on women’s health,” Minister Hunt said.

“The women’s health strategy for 2020-2030 includes recommendations for action by governments, health professionals and women themselves.”

The Government’s investment will improve women’s health in a number of areas, including:

• $20 million for research to help Australian women in their fight against ovarian cancer with a focus on early detection
• Over $10 million for endometriosis
• $5 million to Jean Hailes for Women’s Health for the continuation of its National Women’s Health Initiative
• $9 million investment to The Glen to build and run a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program
• $1.3 million for an intensive support service to support families following stillbirth.
• More than $4 million for reproductive and family planning organisations
• $1.5 million over three years for local women’s health promotion grants

Minister for Women, Kelly O’Dwyer said, “I want to thank the women from all walks of life, doctors, policy makers and others who took part in the consultations to draft the strategy.”

The Liberal National Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued record investment of funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.

For full details of the National Women’s Health Strategy 2020-2030 visit the Department of Health website

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has encouraged students living in Bonner to apply for a
Government-funded scholarship to assist with the costs of their tertiary education.

Applications are now open for scholarships under the expanded $58.1 million Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships program.

Mr Vasta said eligible students could benefit from up to $18,000 towards the cost of studying an eligible university or vocational education course.

“Our Government is ensuring that every Australian, no matter where they live, has access to a world-class education,” Mr Vasta said.

“It’s only fair if you live in Bonner that you get the same opportunities to access higher education as those living in metropolitan areas.

“The second round saw four scholarships offered to students in Bonner undertaking undergraduate, postgraduate and Vocational Education and Training (VET) science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) courses.

“Round three has been expanded to include all areas of study, and I hope there will be a record number of applications from across Bonner.”

Mr Vasta said the scholarships cover courses ranging from certificate IV through to PhD level, with support for those seeking flexible study arrangements, as well as providing $500 for students undertaking an internship to ensure they are job-ready.

“I certainly encourage all prospective students living in Bonner who need financial support to gain a tertiary qualification or undertake further study to apply,” Mr Vasta said.

Applications for the third round close on 14 June 2019.

For more information or to apply, visit https://www.education.gov.au/rural-and-regional-enterprise-scholarships.

Queensland is set to benefit from the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s record $100 billion infrastructure investment over 10 years with an additional $4 billion delivered in the 2019–20 Budget, bringing total infrastructure investment in the state to more than $25 billion from 2013–14.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said the Government was getting Australians home sooner and safer by busting congestion and improving road safety, while delivering critical infrastructure and road upgrades to better connect Queensland communities, support local business and increase freight productivity.

“Locally I’ve secured $85.4 million to fix Lindum Crossing, $12 Million to fix Newnham Wecker Rd intersection in Mt Gravatt, $6 million for Chelsea Rickertt Rd in Ransome, $10 million for the upgrade of Greencamp Rickertt Road and $1 billion congestion busting funding for the M1 including upgrade at Gateway Motorway merge at Eight Mile Plains.”

“The Liberal National Government’s commitment to infrastructure of critical importance continues across the state, including investing more than $730 million in Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said a series of major infrastructure projects would be delivered as part of the Coalition Government’s record investment across the country.

“Regional Queensland will receive a further $320 million for priority upgrades on the Warrego Highway, up to $287.2 million for the Cairns Ring Road, $100 million for the Gladstone Port Access Road Extension, as well as a $1 billion investment in key freight corridors statement under the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative,” Mr McCormack said.

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the Morrison
Government’s congestion busting projects will get Queenslanders home sooner and safer
with major initiatives to upgrade the suburban road network across South East Queensland.

“We are delivering for Queensland with $378.8 million toward 16 congestion-busting
projects in the state, including 15 pinch-point upgrades, commuter car park upgrades at
train stations, as well as $800 million and $500 million for the next priority upgrades on the
Gateway and M1 Pacific Motorways respectively,” Mr Tudge said.

Minister for Regional Services, Sport, Local Government and Decentralisation Bridget
McKenzie said residents of regional Queensland would benefit from key Government
initiatives aimed at building stronger regions, including almost 200 new initiatives
nationwide that are supporting regional families and communities.

“This Budget includes a further $200 million towards a fourth round of the Building Better
Regions Fund (BBRF), $22.7 million for a fifth round of the Stronger Communities
Programme, as well as the roll-out of the $272.2 million Regional Growth Fund and the
$222.3 million Regional Jobs and Investment Packages to unlock economic opportunities,
create jobs and strengthen communities,” Minister McKenzie said.

The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government will continue to invest in the Queensland
economy in the coming years, through initiatives such as Stage 5 of the Townsville Ring
Road, additional funding for the Maroochydore Road Interchange Upgrade and $63 million
to develop seven business cases for future potential investments such as Brisbane’s North-
West Transport Corridor and the Second M1 (Coomera Connector).

The Government’s rolling investment forms an unprecedented pipeline of projects that will
deliver the infrastructure Queensland needs to thrive over the next decade and beyond.

For more information on investments in Queensland, including through the 2019–20
Budget, visit http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au.

Ross Vasta is encouraging people with disability, their families or carers, in Bonner, to have their say on draft Terms of Reference for a Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.

Mr Vasta welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement today to begin an important public consultation process to shape the scope of a Royal Commission.

The consultation process was announced by Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher, and is open until 28 March 2019.

“Everyone has the right to live in a safe environment without violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation,” Mr Vasta said.

“This consultation will establish the scope of a Royal Commission and find out what support is needed for people with disability to fully participate in a Royal Commission once it is up and running.

“This is a vital step in guiding the establishment of a Royal Commission and ensuring people with disability are firmly at the centre of shaping the inquiry.:

Mr Vasta is encouraging those in Bonner to provide feedback by completing the survey at www.engage.dss.gov.au

“This is the time to provide input into the scope of the Commission. However, if you are experiencing any form of violence or abuse, or if you are concerned for your safety, you must continue to report this to the relevant authorities,” Mr Vasta said.

The survey is fully accessible and includes Auslan translations and an Easy English guide.

For help to complete the survey, contact the Survey Hotline on 1800 880 052 Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm AEST, or your disability advocate for support and advice.