The Morrison Government has committed to working with the Queensland Government and local councils in South East Queensland to develop a City Deal for the region.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Federal Government was already delivering billions of dollars of funding for congestion busting roads and rail projects and this new deal would help unlock further investment.

“I want people to get home sooner and have dinner as a family. I want tradies to spend less time on the road and more time at the worksite,” the Prime Minister said.

“We want to ensure Queensland remains a major tourism destination and one of the world’s premier locations to live, work and raise a family.”

It will be the second City Deal for Queensland following the policy being first established in Townsville.

It comes in addition to the Morrison Government piloting a Regional Deal for the Bundaberg Hervey Bay region.

The commitment to an SEQ City Deal is supported by Queensland LNP MPs and Senators who have campaigned for funding to support the diverse sectors within the region including tourism, manufacturing and education.

The Morrison Government has been working with the SEQ Council of Mayors, in particular Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, on the recently released People Mass Movement Study which explores the impact of population growth on the region’s ability to cope with future transport demand.

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the Liberal and Nationals Government was committed to the people of South East Queensland and to making the region even more liveable than it already is.

“South East Queensland is already home to over two thirds of the state’s population and is expected to accommodate 5.3 million people within 25 years’ time,” Minister Tudge said.

“The SEQ City Deal will be a huge step forward in making sure the people of South East Queensland get the most out of living in this beautiful region.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the City Deal has helped deliver $12 million to fix Newnham Wecker Rd intersection in Mt Gravatt and $6 million for Chelsea Rickertt Rd intersection in Ransome, as well as more public transport options via the Brisbane Metro.

“We’re investing in getting locals home sooner and safer so that they can spend less time in the car and in traffic and more time at home with their families.”

The Liberal and Nationals Government is already investing $7.2 billion into major transport infrastructure projects within the region including:

• $2.7 billion to upgrade the Bruce Highway north of Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast;
• $1.2 billion for six projects to bust congestion on the M1 Pacific Motorway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast;
• $1.1 billion to construct the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing;
• $902 million to increase the efficiency of Brisbane’s motorway network by building the Gateway Upgrade North and;
• $390 million to duplicate the North Coast Rail Line between Beerburrum and Landsborough and provide further improvements to Nambour
• $300 million to support better public transport via the Brisbane Metro;
• $207 million to support construction of Stage 2 (Gold Coast University Hospital to Helensvale), and Stage 3A (Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads) of the Gold Coast Light Rail project;
• $200 million for additional lanes on the Ipswich Motorway between Rocklea and Oxley;
• $170 million for critical safety upgrades at the Yamanto and Amberley intersections with the Cunningham Highway; and
• $20 million for safety and congestion works along Bribie Island Road.

Earlier this month the Morrison Government also committed $244 million for a range of local congestion busting road, and park and ride, projects through its $1 billion Urban Congestion Fund.

Morrison Government pressure on the big energy companies has seen half a million Australian families and small businesses get an automatic discount of up to 15 per cent on their energy bill.

For too long the big energy companies have focused on their massive profits and not on their customers. The Morrison Government has demanded they put customers first, get rid of the loyalty tax and deliver lower, fairer prices.

Energy retailers including Origin, Energy Australia and AGL have listened and lowered their standing offer prices for customers in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and South East Queensland who are paying too much for their electricity.

On average, this is delivering savings of $280 for residential standing offer customers in Bonner from 1 January 2019.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the Government’s energy policy is delivering for hardworking Australian families and small businesses.

“Rising power prices are impacting household budgets and are stopping small businesses in Bonner from growing and employing more staff”, said Mr Vasta.

“The big energy companies have heard the Government’s calls for a fairer deal for Australian families and small businesses, and they have responded.”

The Government is getting results, but there is more to be done.

We know that navigating your power bills, understanding your energy usage and negotiating a better deal can be confusing and time consuming. That’s why the Government is developing a reference bill to be implemented by 1 July 2019 – a price safety net making it easier to compare offers.

We are also banning sneaky late payment fees. Australians can pay up to $600 more a year just because they struggle to pay their electricity bill on time. This is unfair.

In addition, new rules will come into effect in 2019 so vulnerable customers get the help they need to pay their power bills, and energy retailers will be required to notify their customers when their discounts will cease or change.

“Australian families and small businesses are now better off because of the action this Government has taken. We are delivering lower and fairer power prices, making a real difference to household budgets, while keeping the lights on”

For more information on how you can save, visit energymadeeasy.gov.au

The Liberal National Government will support the mental health of expectant and new parents in Bonner and around the nation with a $26 million for a new Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing Program.

Member for Bonner said the impending birth and arrival of a baby—the perinatal period—brings incredible joy as well as new challenges and responsibilities which can be overwhelming.

“Each year, an estimated 100,000 people are affected by perinatal depression and anxiety. Studies show that up to one in ten women experience depression while pregnant and one in seven women in the year following birth,” Mr Vasta said.

“Men can also experience perinatal mental illness, with about one in ten expectant and new fathers experiencing depression, anxiety or other forms of emotional distress in the perinatal period.”

Appropriate supports for families experiencing grief following the death of a child is an important element in the prevention and early intervention of perinatal mental illness.

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said funding will improve the range of services available to better support the mental health and wellbeing of women and families affected by perinatal mental illness, or experiencing grief after the death of a child.

“This new funding will deliver innovative screening and treatment approaches, improved access to perinatal mental health support and treatment, and increased community awareness of perinatal mental health issues,” Minister Hunt said.

“Organisations will be invited to apply for grants for the Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing Program. The program aims to fill gaps in services to ensure the right supports are in the right place, at the right time.”

Dedicated grants rounds will be available for:

• Perinatal mental health support
• Perinatal loss and bereavement peer support
• Perinatal mental health promotion and training

Minister Hunt said the announcement will ensure that funded bereavement organisations provide culturally appropriate support and information for bereaved families who have experienced stillbirth, as recommended by the Select Committee on Stillbirth Research and Education Report.

“This funding is on top an initial commitment of $7.2 million for medical research and education programs to address the rate of stillbirth in Australia announced in December last year as part of our Government’s immediate response to the report from the Select Committee on Stillbirth Research and Education.”

The Liberal National Government is prioritising better mental health for all Australians with a record $4.7 billion expected to be spent on mental health this financial year alone,” Minister Hunt said.

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

A handy Federal Government cash injection is awaiting some Bonner residents, and it’s as simple as visiting a website.

Bonner Medicare customers are being encouraged to update their bank account details so they can access missed Medicare rebates. Almost 670,000 people have not provided Medicare with their bank details, leaving more than $110 million in unclaimed cash.

Minister for Human Services and Digital Transformation Michael Keenan is reminding all Bonner residents to keep their details up to date, so that they can receive rebates quickly and easy.

“The Coalition Government would much rather see this money sitting in your pockets, instead of ours, which is why we are again reminding those who haven’t given Medicare their bank account details, that they need to take action now.”

The average amount owed to each individual is about $150, but some people could be missing out on far more, if they are regular visitors to their doctor, or have had treatment for a serious medical condition.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta encouraged residents to update their bank account details, so that they could start receiving their cash rebates.

“It only takes a couple of minutes, and the easiest way to update your details is by using one of our digital channels, such as the Medicare Express Plus app, or through your myGov account.”

“Medicare will then take care of the rest, and the money you’re owed will be deposited in your account in a matter of days.”

Medicare Customers are reminded that scammers posing as Medicare have been known to contact people asking for their bank account details, so residents need to remain vigilant.

“As recently as late last year, scammers were actively targeting people through SMS messages, that urged them to click on a hyperlink to claim their outstanding Medicare rebates,” Minister Keenan said.

“While the department does call, SMS, or email people, it never includes hyperlinks in emails or text messages.”

Reminder letters will be sent to people shortly, and will contain clear instructions on how missed rebates may be claimed. Anyone with concerns are encouraged to call, or visit one of the hundreds of service centres around the country.

Mr Vasta encouraged residents to check their details as soon as possible.

“My advice is to set aside a couple of minutes, to do what is a really simple task that will ensure you receive what you are entitled to quickly and easily.”

For more information on how to set up a Medicare online account, visit humanservices.gov.au/medicareonline

Independent research into Australia’s Paris climate target shows that we are on track to meet our Paris target five years early.

According to research undertaken by Australian National University (ANU) Professor Andrew Blakers, the electricity sector is on track to deliver Australia’s entire Paris emissions reduction targets by 2025.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the ANU research confirms what the Liberal National Government has been saying for some time: that we will meet our Paris target in a canter.

“The Government’s most recent official projections show that we will meet our 26 per cent target in the National Electricity Market (NEM) as early as 2022”.

According to latest figures from the Clean Energy Regulator, over $25 billion will be invested in 18.8 GW of new renewable generation in the Australian energy sector over the years 2018-2020.

“Despite record investment in renewables, we have seen significant supply and demand pressures across New South Wales, South Australia and particularly Victoria where 200,000 customers experienced blackouts this summer,” Mr Vasta said.

“That’s why the Government is backing 24/7 reliable power and underwriting new electricity generation.”

The Government’s 26 per cent target is sensible and balanced, whereas Labor have committed to reckless economy-wrecking targets that will slash industries, wages and jobs.

As the Business Council of Australia has stated: “The emissions target of 26 per cent is appropriate and achievable. 45 per cent is an economy wrecking target”.

More than 5,500 vulnerable retirees in Bonner will be worse off financially as a result of Labor’s proposed retiree tax.

Recently a large number of locals attended the Economics standing committee hearing into the implications of removing refundable franking credits in Eight Mile Plains and explained the hardship they are likely to face as a result of Labor’s proposed tax grab.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta spoke with attendees Mr and Mrs O’Connor who said it was great to have the opportunity to speak about how this will have an impact on their lives if introduced.

“If this Labor tax is introduced it means our yearly wage will drop by 15% and we’re already just surviving on not much at all. We will then be forced to whittle our savings and sacrifice the trips away to see family, in order just to get by.”

“We hate the thought of it; Keating brought it in and it was declared unfair now the ALP is now contradicting themselves by trying to re-inforce it.”

Mr and Mrs Mitchell explained that they are disgusted by the Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen’s dismissal of how this would impact retirees, and said his comments about retirees taking their vote elsewhere shows that the Labor party doesn’t care about older Australians.

Mr Vasta said he has spoken to many constituents who will be far worse off under the Labor Retiree Tax.

“These older couples in Bonner are not rich; they’ve worked hard all their lives, lived modestly and never relied on the Government for anything, most of them are living off an income of just $20,000 a year and now are being penalised for thinking ahead and doing the right thing by saving for their own future.”

“One of the couples told me that the money they have been able to save is set aside to pay for age care for them both, but if Labor removes the frank dividend credits they’ll have to use those savings and rely on their family to foot the bill instead.”

Mr Vasta has invited any other concerned locals to make an appointment to speak with him about this proposed policy.

“I am committed to delivering for retirees in Bonner and I encourage all retirees to talk to their friends and family and explain what this means to them and to remember this when the federal election comes around this year and show Chris Bowen and Labor the door.”

To make an appointment with Mr Vasta please email ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR PM’S SCIENCE PRIZE

The quest to find Australia’s top scientists, innovators and science teachers is on again with nominations opening for this year’s Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.

From pure research to innovative commercial applications to teaching excellence, the prizes recognise our best and brightest.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has encouraged those within the science fields in Bonner to nominate their impressive peers, particularly women.

“The Liberal National Government wants to increase the participation and recognition of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields, so this is a great chance to nominate local women in the field.” Mr Vasta said.

“This year nominating is easier than ever, to ensure as many nominations as possible, so don’t hesitate to acknowledge someone worthy.”

Nominations close on 12 March, with $750,000 in prize money to be distributed across seven categories.

The main prizes for Science and Innovation are each worth $250,000. Five other prizes of $50,000 each recognise early to mid-career researchers, innovators working towards commercialising their research and science teachers – in both primary and secondary schools.

Mr Vasta said the Liberal National Government recognises the importance of science and technology as key drivers of Australia’s economy, and the jobs of the future.

“That’s why we’ve invested $2.4 billion in Australia’s research, science and technology capabilities in the 2018-19 Budget, underscored by a $1.9 billion investment to update our National Research Infrastructure – ensuring our ongoing strength in these sectors generates more jobs and higher living standards for all Australians.”

To nominate someone you need to hold a professional qualification in a similar field as your nominee, get their agreement and their CV, and submit 500 words on why they deserve a prize.

For more information visit industry.gov.au/pmscienceprizes

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the Morrison Government’s reforms to child care were driving down out-of-pocket costs for parents in Bonner.

Mr Vasta said since our Government’s Child Care Subsidy was introduced on 2 July 2018, out-of-pocket child care costs for families had reduced by 10.4 per cent.

“The Morrison Government is providing record funding and greater support to families in Bonner as part of its new Child Care Package, including the Child Care Subsidy,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our Government’s Child Care Subsidy ensures families in Bonner earning the least and working the most are supported to access the child care they need.

“Since the introduction of our Government’s new Child Care Subsidy on 2 July 2018, we have seen the largest quarterly fall in child care prices in a decade.

“The Morrison Government’s child care reforms are leaving more dollars in the pockets of Bonner’s families, which we can afford to do because we’re keeping our economy strong.

“Labor cannot be trusted with child care. When they were in Government, Labor allowed child care fees to skyrocket by more than 50 per cent.”

The Liberal National Government is making a significant investment of $36.8 million for Parkinson’s medical research through the Garvan Institute’s Australian Parkinson Mission and in Parkinson’s nurses to improve the life of people living with the disease and ultimately to find a cure for this devastating condition.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said Parkinson’s disease is recognised as the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in Australia.

“More than 100,000 Australians endure its progressive and debilitating symptoms – and without a medical breakthrough, this number is expected to double in 15 years,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our Government is providing $30 million over five years to the Garvan Institute of Medical Research to trial promising drugs to reduce the progression of the disease and allow people in Bonner to live in their homes longer.”

Up to 1,000 Australians from Victoria, NSW and Queensland living with Parkinson’s will test the effectiveness of four repurposed drugs, revolutionising our understanding of Parkinson’s, identifying new treatment targets and discovering new drugs.

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the $30 million in funding comes from our landmark Medical Research Future Fund, which is giving unprecedented support to the best and brightest minds from our research community.

“The MRFF is an endowment fund, which will mature at $20 billion, providing a sustainable source of funding for vital medical research.”

“It is the single largest boost in health and medical research funding in Australia’s history.”

“The fund will double Australia’s investment in health and medical research and further enhance our global reputation for research excellence.”

A further $6.8 million over four years will be provided to Primary Health Networks to improve access to specialised nursing care in the community for people living with movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease.

Minister Hunt said nurses play a critical role in preventing and managing chronic disease and in improving timely access to health care for Australian communities.

“The specialist nurses would fulfil a range of roles including providing clinical care to patients, coordinating timely access to community based care to manage acute and chronic health problems and delivery of education and information.”

The Australian Parkinson’s Mission is an international research collaboration between the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Shake it Up Australia Foundation, The Cure Parkinson’s Trust, Michael J Fox Foundation and Parkinson’s Australia.

A successful Australian Parkinson’s Mission will mean that Australian patients and their families will be the first to benefit from the future of precision medicine for Parkinson’s.

The mission will be rolled out nationally through leading capital city centres and extended into regional Australia, where possible, via a hub and spoke model.