Free access to glucose monitoring devices will save pregnant women, children and more adults in Bonner living with type 1 diabetes up to $7,000 a year from the start of March, thanks to an investment by the Liberal National Government.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the Government’s investment over the next five years will assist 37,000 eligible people, including many in Bonner with type 1 diabetes through the expansion of the Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Initiative.

“Since April 2017, the Government as a result of our stronger economy has provided fully subsidised CGM products to children and young people, under 21 years of age, with type 1 diabetes,” Mr Vasta said.

From 1 March 2019, eligibility for fully subsidised CGM products will be expanded to include:

• children and young people with conditions very similar to type 1 diabetes, such as cystic fibrosis related diabetes and neonatal diabetes, who require insulin;
• women with type 1 diabetes who are pregnant, actively planning pregnancy, or immediately post-pregnancy; and
• people with type 1 diabetes aged 21 years or older who have concessional status and have a high clinical need to access CGM products.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said there are more than 9,700 young Australians under the age of 21 years currently benefitting from the CGM Initiative that was a key 2016 election commitment.

“Increasing access to CGM products will help more people with type 1 diabetes mange this difficult disease better, as well as further support their families and carers,” Minister Hunt said.

“Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that attacks a person’s ability to produce insulin. People with this condition must be able to monitor their glucose levels day and night for the entire life.”

“A continuous glucose monitoring device will continually monitor a person’s glucose levels and provides alerts if glucose levels become unsafe.”

“The devices will assist a person with diabetes with the management of their condition, reduce emergency visits to the hospital, and improve their quality of life now and into the future.”

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said that this investment builds on our recent announcement of $54.5 million for research into type 1 diabetes.

“As part of that announcement the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Australia will receive $25 million to advance its Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Research Network,” Mr Vasta said.

“$25 million will also be dedicated to broader diabetes research under the $125 million MRFF Targeted Translation Research Accelerator initiative, to help progress early stage health and medical research discoveries to reach proof-of-concept and progress to clinical trials.”

“It’s only as a result of the Liberal National Government’s ability to deliver a stronger economy can we make these critical investments into CGM and type 1 diabetes research”.

Eligibility criteria and additional information for the expanded CGM Initiative is available on the NDSS website at www.ndss.com.au.

Community organisations will get help to reduce their power bills through the Morrison Government’s $5 million Solar Communities program which is part of new Energy Efficient Communities Program.

A $5 million Solar Communities programme support grants of up to $12,500 for eligible community organisations to apply for funding for small-scale solar energy generation and storage projects.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the Morrison Government understood community groups were struggling under the weight of energy bills.

“That’s why we’re taking strong steps to ensure they get the practical support that they need,” he said.

“We are investing in them, so they can invest in their local communities.

“These grants are part of the Morrison Government’s $3.5 billion Climate Solutions Package, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure we meet our 2030 Climate Commitments.”

Minister for the Environment the Hon Melissa Price MP said the Government was committed to helping businesses and communities to play their role in a sustainable future for the environment.

“The Morrison Government believes in developing practical ways of working with people rather than taxing them – supporting solar generation will reduce emissions and help community groups manage their power bills,” Minister Price said.

A wide range of organisations that work hard to support our community will be eligible to apply. Examples include community owned kindergartens, welfare centres, Men’s Sheds, community centres, women’s associations, country fire authorities, community owned child care centres, community football and netball clubs, Scout or Guide groups, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community groups and surf lifesaving clubs.

Community Organisations will be able to submit expressions of interest (EoI) for the program from 4 March 2019.

Through the Energy Efficient Communities Program, eligible small businesses will also be able to claim grants of up to $20,000, high-energy using businesses up to $25,000.

The Morrison Government remains committed to ensuring customers remain at the centre of its energy policy. Promoting efficient energy usage is an important part of this plan.

Download Small Business EOI form here- EECP_Small Business Grants_Form_QLD_VastaR

Download Community Group EOI form here- EECP_Solar Communities Grants_Form_QLD_VastaR

The Liberal National Government will provide $268 million to continue support for Australians battling alcohol and drug issues.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the funding over three years from 2019-20 to 2021-22 will be provided to regionally based Primary Health Networks (PHNs), providers of residential and non-residential withdrawal management and rehabilitation programs, alcohol and peak drug organisations and other national activities already supported by our Government.

• From 1 July 2019, PHNs across Australia will receive $45 million a year for alcohol and other drug treatment services which will provide stability to services and meet the needs of local communities.
• Withdrawal management and rehabilitation services currently receiving Government funding can apply for a share of $29 million a year in continued funding to provide evidence-based treatment services for individuals most in need.
• Four national research centres will receive $24 million over three years to continue to undertake research into alcohol and other drug issues including the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction, the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, the Centre for Youth Substance Research and the National Drug Research Institute.
• Additionally, funding of $4.9 million a year will continue for alcohol and peak drug organisations and complementary national treatment sector capacity building activities.

“Metro South Region which delivers for residents in Bonner will receive more than $1.4 million with $152,000 dedicated for Bonner. This is great news for constituents in Bonner who need assistance.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt said this announcement provides continuity of important drug and alcohol treatment and support services and complements state and territory funding.

“As a new initiative, our Government has committed $7.2 million over 2 years to pilot a take-home naloxone (THN) program in Australia,” Minister Hunt said.

“In partnership with the States and Territories, a THN program will expand availability of naloxone to a range of additional settings frequently accessed by at-risk groups.”

“Concurrent to the pilot, the Commonwealth has provided over $100,000 funding to the Burnett Institute to undertake research, with the National Drug Research Institute, into the key principles and features of a nationally consistent THN model in Australia.”

“The findings of this research will complement the ‘on the ground’ findings of the pilot, which will enable the THN model to be refined to a national rollout.”

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said communities like ours in Bonner can be hit hard by substance misuse. Its effects are felt deeply and can continue for years.

“Alcohol and drug misuse doesn’t just affect the person. It affects families, friends and the surrounding community,” Mr Vasta said.

“We know that people impacted by alcohol and drugs need to be able to access appropriate support when and where they need it. This funding will help provide this access.”

“For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.”

The Liberal National Government will ensure that residents in Bonner at risk of heart disease receive timely and appropriate medical advice with the creation of a new Medicare item for heart health checks.
Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said from April 1 this year a new dedicated MBS item for heart health checks will support General Practitioners and patients in assessing cardiovascular risk.
“Our Government is deeply committed to tackling Australia’s biggest killer – heart disease. One Australian dies of cardiovascular disease every 12 minutes, with one Australian experiencing a heart attack or stroke every five minutes,” Mr Vasta said.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said this dedicated Medicare item for heart heath checks will save and protect lives.
“The independent medical experts at the Medical Benefits Schedule Review Taskforce will also conduct a review with the potential for further development of this new Medicare item,” Minister Hunt said.

Anyone who is concerned about their heart health should always ask their GP for a check-up. Currently there are a range of Medicare items that cover services and tests where people may have heart disease or are at risk of heart disease, including:

• Specialist consultations with a cardiologist
• Electrocardiogram tests (ECG)
• Exercise ECG
• Stress (exercise) ECG
• Cardiac ECG
• Coronary angiography
• Computed tomography coronary arteries

• Chest x-ray
• Electrophysiology studies
• Cholesterol tests
• Lipid tests
• Glucose test
Mr Vasta said since 2013, the Coalition Government has provided $662.2 million for research into cardiovascular disease and provided $7.7 billion to subsidise medicine to treat cardiovascular disease on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Thousands of Bonner residents and families now have access to bulk billed MRI’s thanks to the Coalition and Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta.

Mr Vasta said he is thrilled to have been able to advocate for the community and secure an MRI bulk billing license at Qscan Carindale.

“This license will give local families and resident’s access to bulk billed MRI’s close to home. It means people will spend less time and money travelling to appointments, and more time with loved ones.”

“Locals can now access bulk billed MRI services for stroke, neurological disorders, various cancers and coronary conditions closer to home and without the inconvenience of having to go to a hospital.”

“It’s all thanks to the Coalition’s commitment to delivering a strong economy that I am able to deliver vital health services to families in my electorate,” said Mr Vasta.

Qscan radiologist Dr Stephen Drew said they hear locals complain every day about the lack of bulk billing MRI services around, but thanks to Ross Vasta and the Federal Government they can now offer this service locally at Qscan Carindale.

“Prior to this announcement there was no Bulk billing MRI licenses in this region and previously patients in Bonner and the bayside would have had to travel long distances to access a bulk billed MRI this means that they would often prolong diagnosis.”

“Having this service on hand now means residents can book in for an MRI sooner and this means their diagnosis and treatment process can begin quickly and we can get them on the path to definitive management as soon as possible.”

This announcement is part of the Coalition’s $375 million package to deliver 50 new bulk bill MRI licenses across Australia.

NEW legislation introduced into Federal Parliament will provide better recognition of the unique nature of military service and further acknowledge the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families.

The Government’s Australian Veterans’ Recognition (Putting Veterans and their Families First) Bill 2019 will establish an Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant, and as part of a wider recognition package, a card and lapel pin will be provided to veterans.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester and Ross Vasta Member for Bonner said the Government is committed to putting veterans and their families first and this legislation is part of a greater suite of measures being put in place.

“The Government has introduced legislation to provide a formal way for all Australians to show their appreciation to the men and women who secured the freedoms we enjoy today and to their families who have supported them,” Mr Chester said.

Mr Vasta said he was a strong supporter of the initiative and what it meant for veterans and their families in their local community.

“The covenant, card and lapel pin will provide the community of Bonner the opportunity to recognise the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our nation,” Mr Vasta said.

“Included in the covenant is an oath, which all Australians will be encouraged to take at community commemorative events and is underpinned by the new Veteran Card and an Australian Veteran Lapel Pin and a Reservist Lapel Pin.

“I encourage all those in Bonner to play their part in recognising and respecting those who have served.”

This Bill will create a separate Act to provide symbolic recognition for all veterans and includes an important overarching statement requiring the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to adopt a beneficial approach when interpreting legislation and applying a fair, just and consistent approach to veterans’ claims.

More information on the Australian Defence Veterans Covenant can be found on the DVA website

New laws giving older Australians in Bonner a better deal in retirement have passed the Parliament, Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said today.

The Retirement Incomes Bill 2018 will make a number of changes to give locals more financial options in retirement from July 1.

The Pension Work Bonus – the amount that can be earned from work without affecting eligibility for the Age Pension – will rise from $250 to $300 a fortnight, giving 90,000 people across Australia an increase in their payments.

Australians of retirement age who chose to work will be able to keep more of their pension.

Self-employed pensioners will also qualify for the Work Bonus for the first time.

Some 1,150 more people will become eligible for a social security pension for the first time.

“The new laws also expand the Pension Loans Scheme, giving more people the option of borrowing against the value of their home to draw down fortnightly payments from Centrelink,” said Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher.

“The expanded Pension Loans Scheme will give people a higher standard of living in retirement by receiving additional fortnightly payments in the form of a loan, conveniently paid into their accounts fortnightly by Centrelink.”

Mr Vasta said the combination of a pension payment and a loan payment can be up to 150 per cent of the full pension, or $1,374.45 a fortnight for a single person of pension age.

“Importantly, any eligible Australian of pension age who owns a home can participate in the Pension Loans Scheme regardless of whether they would otherwise be eligible for a full pension, part pension or no pension,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Liberal National Government is helping retirees while Labor is hitting them with new taxes.

“Under Labor’s retiree tax, retirees stand to lose thousands of dollars from their nest egg.

“Around 900,000 Australians, 200,000 self-managed super funds and 2,000 super funds will be hit.“On average, individuals will lose $2,200 a year and self-managed super funds will lose $12,000 a year. For many, the losses will be much higher.

“By contrast, our Liberal National Government is able to deliver more support to retirees, thanks to our strong economy and prudent management of the Budget.”

Mr Vasta said the new legislation has also changed the means test to assess newer financial products, including pooled lifetime retirement income streams.

“The new rules will make sure that these products are fairly and consistently assessed,” Mr Vasta said.

“These changes will support the development of new types of financial products in the superannuation system, improving choice and flexibility for retirees.”

The Liberal National Government will ensure 170,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents are vaccinated against the flu for free and additionally provide a $12 million to boost a national immunisation education campaign.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta welcomed the announcement and said seasonal influenza vaccines will be available at no cost through the National Immunisation Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents for the first time.

“As a result of this measure, almost 170,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents aged five to 14 years of age will now be able to access an influenza vaccine at no cost,” Mr Vasta said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience a significantly higher burden from influenza infection and are much more likely to be hospitalised with this disease.”

“This means all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children 6 months of age to 14 year olds in Bonner will now be able to receive a seasonal influenza vaccine at no cost through our national program, making it easier for parents and providers.”

This announcement follows a recommendation from the independent medical experts at the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) and contributes to our Government’s Close the Gap agenda.

Making a further announcement, Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said an additional $12 million will be spent over the next three years to expand the reach of the successful Get the Facts about immunisation campaign.

“The current campaign will be expanded into national television advertising to raise awareness of the benefits and importance of immunisation,” Minister Hunt said.

“This brings the total investment in this campaign to $20 million over six years, and shows our Government’s commitment to supporting parents make informed decisions by providing evidence based information about immunisation.”

The campaign was launch in 2017 by our Government to encourage Australian parents and carers to get their kids vaccinated.

“In addition, I am pleased to release the National Immunisation Strategy 2019–24,” Minister Hunt said.

“The strategy builds upon the success of the first National Immunisation Strategy 2013–18 and articulates a vision for improving immunisation outcomes shared with states and key stakeholders.”

“The Strategy has been agreed by all health ministers, showing a strong national approach to immunisation in Australia.”

“It has eight priority areas for action by governments, health providers and the community, to complement and strengthen the National Immunisation Program with the aim of maximising immunisation coverage in people of all ages.”

“I am proud to say that Australia’s child immunisation rates are at record levels. The latest data shows the nationwide immunisation rate for five-year-olds was 94.62 per cent, which is the highest figure on record. This is very close to the 95 per cent herd immunity we aim to achieve,” Minister Hunt said.

More than 96.6 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander five year olds were immunised, which is well above the national average.

Last year, the Liberal National Government increased protection for Australians from vaccine preventable diseases with the addition of a number of new vaccines on the National Immunisation Program.

Young Australians now receive better protection against Human papillomavirus, with the introduction of a new vaccine protecting against 9 types of the virus.

People aged over 65 were able to access new, advanced seasonal influenza vaccines, fast-tracked to be available for the 2018 flu season.

From 1 July 2018, expectant mothers were able to protect themselves and their new born babies against whooping cough with the listing of the pertussis vaccines – a $39.5 million investment.

Also from 1 July 2018, every 12 month old in the country is now offered a free A, C, W and Y meningococcal vaccine.

The Government has already committed $52 million over four years for students aged 14 to 16 years in Year 10 to receive the meningococcal A, C, W and Y vaccine from April this year under a school–based program, with an ongoing catch up program for young adults aged 15 to 19 through general practice and other vaccination providers.

Immunisation not only protects you, but others in the community, by reducing the spread of preventable diseases.

The Liberal National Government has invested $446.5 million in the National Immunisation Program this financial year. We look to the future to ensure we continue to guard Australians.

The new National Immunisation Strategy 2019–24 can be accessed at: https://beta.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-immunisation-strategy-for-australia-2019-to-2024

The Liberal National Government will establish the HeartKids Project with $26 million to tackle childhood heart disease, which affects more than 65,000 throughout Australia and including Bonner.

Today, on international day for congenital heart disease, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the Government will provide $20 million for medical research into congenital heart disease.

“This funding from the Medical Research Future Fund will support our best and brightest researchers to translate their vital work into real health benefits – better diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital heart disease,” Mr Vasta said.

“The funding is for an open grant round aimed at better understanding the disease’s genetic causes and prevention and treatment options.”

“Unlike other cardiovascular problems, which commonly present in adults over 45 years, congenital heart disease has its greatest impact on the young.”

“As a father I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have a child with heart disease. The toll that this takes on a family and the strength that they have to show in the face of adversity is admirable.”

“I’m proud to be a part of a Government that is standing up for those who cannot fight for themselves and the families who are giving their all to continue the battle for their children.”

Congenital heart disease is the leading cause of deaths for Australian infants and the second leading cause of death for children and there is currently now known cure.

Eight babies are born with congenital heart disease daily, with four passing away each week.

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the Government will also provide up to $6 million to help implement the recommendations of the National Strategic Action Plan for Childhood Heart Disease by supporting HeartKids with $1 million per year over six years.

“We announced the National Strategic Action Plan for Childhood Heart Disease a year ago along with $150,000 for the organisation HeartKids to jointly develop the plan,” Minister Hunt said.

“The Action Plan will guide improvements for the care of thousands of patients, and save lives.”

“It will coordinate policy action for tackling the disease across the nation and drive collaboration in management, care and support, research and community awareness.” Minister Hunt said.

The Action Plan targets three priority populations that are disproportionally affected by childhood heart disease – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, adolescents and young adults who are moving from paediatric to adult cardiac health services and people living in remote, or rural and regional locations.

HeartKids’ role in progressing the Action Plan’s recommendations will include addressing the standards of care for people impacted by childhood heart disease and increasing the availability of quality, relevant information about childhood heart disease.

Minister Hunt said a particular focus will be to help young people impacted by childhood heart disease as they move into adulthood.

“We are committed to doing more to support people battling this dreadful disease – and the HeartKids Project will help us chart the most effective way forward.”

“Since 2013, the Coalition has provided $662 million for research into forms of cardiovascular disease including $45.7 million for congenital heart disease research.”

“We have also provided $7.7 billion to subsidise medicine to treat cardiovascular disease on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS),” Minister Hunt said.

The Morrison Government is further strengthening environmental protection of Australia’s marine parks with a $5 million fund to improve conservation and encourage sustainable fishing practices.

Our Marine Park Grants build on the Coalition’s world-leading management plans implemented last year, which delivered new levels of protection for 3.2 million square kilometres of pristine marine areas.

The program, part of the $35 million Fisheries Assistance and User Engagement Package, will support industries and communities transition their operations under the new arrangements.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta encouraged eligible groups and individuals in Bonner to apply for assistance through the grants program.

“Eligible projects include a variety of initiatives such as improving fishing gear types or practices, connecting fishers to marine park management through citizen science, and marketing locally and sustainably caught seafood,” Mr Vasta said.

“Up to $5 million is available in the first round for grants ranging from $50,000-$1 million.

“It’s important that we continue to build on the work to preserve our unique marine areas in Bonner and ensure they remain in a pristine state for future generations.”

The Government will open a further grant round to a wider range of organisations representing marine park users later this year.

The grants will support marine users to engage with managing these special places and support their ongoing sustainability.

The Coalition will continue to deliver a high standard of environmental protection for our marine parks, maintaining the right balance between outstanding conservation outcomes and securing the future of jobs within Australia’s sustainable marine industries.

Applications for round one of the Our Marine Parks Grants program close at 2pm AEDT on 12 March, 2019.

For more information about Australian Marine Parks visit parksaustralia.gov.au/marine.