Deputy Speaker, I rise today to speak about one of the nation’s greatest health challenges.

Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia, and the number one cause of death for women.

Almost half a million people are currently living with dementia in Australia, with this number expected to reach around 1.1 million in less than 30 years.

Deputy Speaker, I am proud of the funding our Government is investing into dementia services to support those living with this condition and their carers.

We have a range of Government funded dementia services including Dementia Australia which delivers the National Dementia Support Program and National Dementia Helpline.

These services offer lifechanging support, most notably aiding carers when behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia are affecting a person’s care or quality of life.

Deputy Speaker, carers can go through many emotions, from joy to grief and financial pressure.

It is of the upmost importance to our Government that carers know they are not alone.

The National Dementia Helpline provides free support and advice for carers on how they can look after themselves and the services available to them.

Deputy Speaker, as part of this year’s Budget we made an extraordinary commitment to dementia, investing over $229 million.

Some of the key measures of this investment include enhanced support for people living with dementia, additional outreach capability for the National Dementia Helpline and dementia training throughout the sector.

Deputy Speaker, in my electorate of Bonner I am seeing the benefits of our ongoing investments firsthand.

As part of our Government’s $185 million Ageing and Dementia Mission from 2018 to 2029, the first recipient of the mission with $10 million for dementia research was The Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research at the Queensland Brain Institute.

I had the privilege of being invited to the centre with the Minister for Health Greg Hunt to see the ground-breaking research being undertaken and congratulate the team on being awarded the single largest boost in health and medical research funding in Australia’s history.

Deputy Speaker, the researchers couldn’t have been more grateful for our Government’s continued funding.

I invited local dementia advocates from Bonner to join me on a tour of the research facility and attend a presentation at the QBI world-class research facility.

The tour examined the different technologies and new methods being used to ensure all Australians have a better quality of life.

Deputy Speaker, I also want to take this opportunity to shine a light on two amazing dementia advocates in my electorate, John Quinn and his partner Glenys Petrie.

In 2014, John and Glenys started the Brisbane South-East Dementia Alliance.

And from here, their work has extended across our community and beyond.

John lives with dementia and shares his personal testimony to raise awareness.

To say they have both been heavily involved in our community is an understatement Deputy Speaker.

Glenys had a vision for John to live well and be supported in the community and has dedicated her time to breaking the stigma and changing the mindsets about people living with this condition.

She has organised regular community forums and even an international dementia conference in Bonner.

Glenys has also maintained a ‘Remember Me’ friendship group which meets monthly to enable people with dementia, their carers and family members to get together socially.

It goes to show, providing safe and inclusive spaces, where connections can be made really does make all the difference.

Most recently, Glenys and John have been working with the year 12 students at Bonner’s Iona College to deliver a dementia awareness program.

Students Glenys and John refer to as being the ‘change agents of future’.

Iona College is the first school in Australia to work towards becoming a dementia friendly school and this month the Brisbane South-East Dementia Alliance launched the ‘Creating Change: Activating a Dementia-Friendly Brisbane Forum’ which took place at the college.

It saw Brisbane residents and businesses come together to support and empower people with dementia to live well.

Deputy Speaker, Glenys is well and truly making strides towards her vision that by the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, we will be recognised as a dementia inclusive city.

Currently, Brisbane is the only capital city in Australia that has committed to this recognition and it would not have been possible without the efforts and change driven by Glenys and John.

How fantastic it is to see this level of awareness in the community.

Because Deputy Speaker, a dementia friendly community, is like any other community.

The difference is, everyone feels that they belong.

The Independent Brisbane Airport Post Implementation Review Advisory Forum wants to hear from members of the Bonner community who are impacted by Brisbane’s airspace changes on what they would like to see as outcomes of the Airservices Australia Post Implementation Review.

The Australian Government established the Brisbane Airport Post Implementation Review Advisory Forum as a key stakeholder group to advise Airservices Australia’s Brisbane Airport Flight Path Changes Post Implementation Review with input about the impacts of aircraft noise related to the new runway operations from a community perspective.

At key points during the Post Implementation Review process, the Forum will directly consult with Airservices Australia and will provide an independent view on whether community concerns have been adequately considered.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he encourages the Bonner community to take part in this Forum to best tackle flight noise from Brisbane Airport.

“The Morrison Government recognises residents across a number of Brisbane suburbs have been impacted by noise pollution since Brisbane Airport’s second runway opened last year,” Mr Vasta said.

“We are aware that this can have an impact on the living standards of our community. That’s why we are want to address concerns and make sure the entire community can have their voices heard.”

Have your say on the Airservices Australia Post Implementation Review by providing a submission online or by emailing BAPAF@infrastructure.gov.au. Submissions close at 5pm AEST, Friday 26 November 2021.

Deputy Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to Bonner’s amazing school communities.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been dropping off the graduation certificates for our year sixes and year 12 students and visiting classrooms, staff and P&C’s.

I recently caught up with Mt Gravatt East State School P&C who are undertaking some terrific upgrades at the school including a new mural for their community garden.

This term, I brought Parliament House to the year 6 students at Belmont State School.

The students debated whether junk food should be served in the school cafeteria.

The two debating sides really came together to deliver some impactful arguments and I’m sure you can guess what the outcome was…

Our Junior Bonner Youth Advisory council jumped into a Zoom meeting with Founder of Vuly Trampolines and Bonner local, Joe Andon.

Jessie, a year 6 student from Moreton Bay College, contacted me after the meeting and said she was so inspired by Joe’s story that she had started brainstorming business ideas with her two sisters!

This month, alongside Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge, I hosted the Bonner School’s Forum.

We were joined by parents, teachers, school staff and local psychologists to discuss the future of our schools.

And Deputy Speaker, this week our year 12’s started their external exams.

I want to take this opportunity to wish them the best of luck as they prepare to finish up this chapter and embark on their next journey. I am very proud of all their hard work.

Thank you Deputy Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of the little legend that is Richie Walsh.

The most inspiring boy I have ever met.

My first introduction to the Walsh family was in October of last year, when I helped them seek permanent residency here in Australia and in my electorate of Bonner, so Richie could receive treatment for a rare form of cancer that he was battling.

What started as an initial request for support, very quickly evolved into a special bond.

Richie fought incredibly hard. He loved life and lived it to the fullest; that I will never forget.

A few weeks ago, I attended Richie’s celebration of life, where all guests were asked to wear the colours of the rainbow in his memory.

It was a beautiful ceremony, where precious family moments and cherished memories were shared by those nearest and dearest to him.

Deputy Speaker, the Walsh family are truly remarkable.

During this time, their enormous hearts for helping others hasn’t been diminished.

Everywhere Richie went, he took his headphones and his iPad. He was famous for them.

Even Richie’s nurse said she had never seen him without them!

With the Bonner community as well as many Australians across the country touched by Richie’s story and legacy, the family asked that condolences for Richie were in the form of donations so they could send iPads engraved in his name to every bed on the oncology ward at Queensland Children’s Hospital.

In just under one week, the Walsh family smashed their fundraising target for the Queensland Children’s Hospital and 27 engraved iPads are now on their way to children on the oncology ward.

But the family isn’t stopping here.

They are now fundraising to not only send another batch of iPads to the Brisbane Children’s Hospital, but also to every bed on the oncology ward at Perth Children’s Hospital.

They aren’t limiting themselves to Australia either and are planning to send iPads to the children battling cancer in Richie’s hometown of Manchester in the UK.

A beautiful full circle act of generosity, which will touch the lives of so many children and their families around the world.

The Walsh family are currently in the process of registering Little Legends for Richie as a charity, to raise funds for children battling cancer and their families.

They already have a dedicated team onboard to help with all the work and planning involved with registering this charity and making sure it honours Richie’s life.

I will keep sharing Richie’s legacy. He can always count on me to be in his corner.

Rest easy little legend.

Thank you Deputy Speaker.

Before I flew out of Brisbane over the weekend, I was spending time with my boys and filled them in on what I would be getting up to at work this week.

“I’m going to be talking about space,” I said.

Now, having two sons who are both diehard Star Wars fans, their interpretation of what I would be speaking about versus what I am actually speaking about is worlds apart.

But nonetheless, in a galaxy not so far away…

Or should I say, in our galaxy Deputy Speaker…

Our Government is recognising the great value of Australia’s space sector.

Recently the Morrison Government announced the recipients of the Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement Grants.

I was proud to see local Tingalpa business Crystalaid awarded over $538,000 in funding.

This is on top of $461,000 awarded to them earlier this year as part of the second round of this grants program.

Skyrocketing the total funding for this local business to $1 million.

Funding which allows Crystalaid to bring more employees onboard and deliver more opportunities for their skilled workers.

It will enhance their ability to supply cutting edge electronics to the international space industry.

And will see Crystalaid used in satellite electronics systems across the globe.

It’s been a privilege to witness Crystalaid’s rapid growth over the years and I couldn’t be prouder of their ongoing success.

Deputy Speaker, we’ve got lift off in Bonner!

The Morrison Government is providing a further $150,000 in funding for small-scale upgrades and new equipment that community groups in Bonner need and deserve.

Expressions of interest are now open for Round 7 of the Stronger Communities Programme, giving local governing bodies and community groups an opportunity to nominate projects for grants of up to $20,000.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said more funding for the area would deliver the infrastructure and equipment our communities need to be successful and grow.

“This latest funding injection will support up to 20 projects across our communities, benefitting jobs and delivering an economic boost to drive our recovery on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mr Vasta.

“This type of investment brings people together by strengthening social connections, building community participation and delivering a brighter and more vibrant future for communities.

“Round 6 of Stronger Communities delivered for many of our community groups. I was pleased to award funding to Belmont State School P&C, Brisbane Coast Guard, Manly Lota Scouts, Ocean Crusaders, Junior Bayside Jets Basketball, C&K Mt Gravatt West Community Childcare, EACH, Mt Gravatt Youth and Rec Club, Safer by the Bay, HELP, Rochedale Scout Group and Hemmant Community Hall.

“Having now had the opportunity to visit these organisations and see firsthand the incredible benefits and upgrades this funding has enabled, I strongly encourage interested organisations to contact my office regarding projects important to them and our community.

“Grants from $2,500 up to $20,000 are available to cover up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs, or up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs for local governing bodies.”

Through the Stronger Communities Program, the Government has provided more than $135 million for projects for community-building and job-creating projects across Australia.

More information is available at business.gov.au/scp

Veterans’ Health Week runs from the 16^th to 24^th of October and with more than 720 events that focus on veteran wellbeing taking place across the country until the end of November, this year is set to be the biggest Veterans’ Health Week yet.

The Morrison Government has provided a record $540,000 in funding for Veterans’ Health Week 2021, which will deliver a range of activities that focus on the overall health of veterans and their families.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said veterans in Bonner can get involved in local events happening for Veterans’ Health Week.

“This year’s focus on physical activity offers a fantastic opportunity for veterans to make new connections with other veterans and their families while having some fun in the process,” Mr Vasta said.

“Over the weekend, I had a stand at the Veterans Health Expo at Wynnum RSL and it was great to see the community turn out and the important conversations that took place. The Morrison Government is driving awareness with record funding for this year’s Veteran’s Health Week, with some fantastic events happening in our area during October.”

Local events happening during Veterans Health Week include:

• Bayside Veterans Community Physical Therapy Activity hosted by Manly-Lota RSL Sub Branch: Wednesday 20 October 2pm to 5pm, 184 Melville Terrace, Manly
• Barefoot bowls hosted by Naval Association of Australia-Bayside Sub Section: Friday 23 October 12pm-5pm, Manly Bowls Club, 26 Faine Street, Manly
• Visit to Camp Hill Antiques Centre and Tart Café hosted by North Gold Coast RSL Sub Branch Inc.: Wednesday 27 October 10am to 1:30pm, 545 Old Cleveland Road, Camp Hill

“I encourage all our local veterans, current serving personnel, and their families in Bonner to check out what events are happening in the area, or online, and put your hand up to participate.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said this year’s theme, Get Moving, will promote physical health and encourage veterans and their families to stay active.

“I’m delighted that this year’s Veterans’ Health Week is the biggest yet, with ex-service organisations and community groups coming together to host more than 720 events around the country,” Minister Gee said.

“Veterans and their families and friends can take part in as many activities as they like and there are plenty of options on offer, so I encourage everyone to check out what’s on and get moving!”

For more information on attending a Veterans’ Health Week event, including a list of activities near you, visit the DVA website dva.gov.au/vhw, call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or email vhw@dva.gov.au.

Deputy Speaker, today I rise to move a motion for a matter that is very close to my heart.

I rise to be the voice of every newborn and family currently on their own journey with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

And for those who will embark on this journey in the future.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy, also known as SMA sadly affects one in 10,000 births in Australia.

And Deputy Speaker, with no cure this disease is the number one genetic cause of death for babies under two in Australia.

I first became aware of SMA through the story of Baby Mackenzie in 2018.

Since then, I have taken every opportunity to raise awareness around SMA and speak on this matter in the house.

Because fighting for the lives of newborns and the lives of Australians is a matter of urgency, especially when there are treatments available.

Deputy Speaker, Little Mackenzie was diagnosed with SMA at just 10 weeks old and sadly passed away at just seven months old.

Mackenzie’s parents Rachael and Jonathan Casella have made it their mission to shine a light on this disease.

Learning of their story, I had the privilege of working with Rachael and Jonathan to bring SMA to the attention of Minister Hunt.

Their hard work resulted in the delivery of a $20 million study into reproductive genetic carrier screening called Mackenzie’s Mission in the 2018 Budget. It was a core project as part of the $500 million Australian Genomics Health Futures Mission.

Next Friday, the 22^nd of October marks the anniversary of little Mackenzie’s life.

Her story and legacy will forever leave a mark on the fight for more lifesaving SMA testing.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the Casella family, for the little girl they miss dearly.

Deputy Speaker, our Government has remained committed to supporting babies with this horrible disease by introducing lifesaving measures.

During SMA awareness month, which fell during August, our Government listed Evrysdi on the PBS.

This medication has meant families living with SMA now have access to less invasive treatment options.

It has also meant these families may experience a reduction in visits to specialists’ hospitals.

Deputy Speaker, as a parent, all you want is protect your child from pain and suffering.

Treatment options just like Evrysdi are making sure new families can enjoy one of the happiest times of their lives as they welcome their little one into the world.

It means they can make precious family moments that aren’t tarnished by days, weeks or even months of sleepless nights at the hospital.

It is giving and will give so many families hope at a time when it is needed most.

I thank our government for this listing.

Deputy Speaker, I am a strong advocate for bringing awareness to SMA.

There are families in my electorate of Bonner currently battling this disease, just like locals Kate and Grant Gough and their beautiful baby, Oakley.

Just last week, Oakley celebrated her 1^st birthday.

I first met with the Gough family last year and have been working with them to bring awareness to SMA in Queensland.

It has been a long and challenging journey for Oakley, after being diagnosed at just 8 weeks old.

But to see how Oakley has grown and remained resilient during her first 12 months of life has truly been a privilege. She is one of the most precious and inspiring little fighters I have ever met.

Kate and Grant Gough have shown Oakley the strongest and purest form of love.

Oakley has recently been able to access Zolgensma, a lifechanging gene therapy drug to treat babies with SMA.

After just two weeks of accessing this drug, Oakley rolled over the for first time, lifted her head and scored 100% in her physio assessment.

She is now even able to enjoy sitting upright!

I’m happy to report she is improving every day. But that doesn’t mean life will be easy.

Had Oakley been screened for SMA as part of the Newborn Bloodspot Screen Program, her quality of life may be completely different to today.

And Deputy Speaker, it is incompressible that had Oakey been born in a different state, that too may have meant her quality of life would be completely different to today.

A disadvantage which should not be happening in this country.

Today I also rise to bring attention to the lack of action from the Queensland State Government in including a screening for SMA as part of the NBS Program.

Newborns in New South Wales and ACT are already being screened for SMA as part of a pilot NBS program.

And just last month Western Australia signed on.

Queensland is now one of the few remaining states left to include SMA as part of this program.

To provide some context around why this is so alarming, when a condition is nominated for inclusion in the screening programs and if the Standing Committee on Screening agrees with a recommendation for further assessment, an initial review is conducted.

At the completion of the initial review, the standing committee determines whether the condition should be reviewed in more detail.

In this case, the Standing Committee on Screening conducted an initial review of the inclusion of SMA prior to their disbanding and determined that no further action was necessary.

In fact, they stated that in light of the successful pilots on New South Wales and the ACT, states Australia wide are encouraged to implement this screening.

Deputy Speaker, I’ve asked the Queensland State Government on multiple occasions why they haven’t moved based on this guidance.

They have stated that because the Standing Committee has since been disbanded, it has created ‘a grey area for them to progress.’

But Deputy Speaker, this response leaves me dumbfounded because the advice of the Standing Committee to every state couldn’t be clearer.

They recognise the value in the testing and the ability for it to save the lives of Australian families and are encouraging states to implement screening.

It’s that simple.

Early detection of SMA can slow the rapid decline in the health of the child and give them the best chance at a healthy life.

Deputy Speaker, we cannot stand by and risk the health and lives of newborns for generations to come when there are effective screening options available.

Family is everything and I hear the overwhelming calls of Queensland families for the State Government to take urgent action, but it just feels like they are making excuse after excuse as to why they can’t move forward.

These families aren’t just fighting for this testing for themselves, they are doing it for the next family so they don’t have to endure the same suffering.

Today I am speaking up for all these families.

I’ve recently had two more precious babies in my local area brought to my attention who are battling SMA.

And at just a couple of months old.

How many more children, grandchildren, siblings and loved ones must endure this unforgiving disease when it could have been prevented Deputy Speaker.

How many more babies will fall victim to the lack of life saving testing in the state of Queensland.

We’ve heard some of the testimonies today, of families who have put their heart and soul into spreading awareness of SMA and are dealing with the heartache of the Queensland State Government sitting idle for this long.

Sitting idle when testing exists Deputy Speaker!

Now, I understand rolling out testing like this can’t be done overnight.

But at approximately $10 per test there is no reason it shouldn’t be added.

No family should have to endure the pain of losing a child to this disease and no child should be disadvantaged based on where they are born in this country.

It simply isn’t the Australian way.

Last week, the Junior Bonner Youth Advisory Council (BYAC) met with Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP and CEO and Founder of Vuly Trampolines and Bonner local Joe Andon to have their say on issues important to them.

The meeting saw three students from Moreton Bay College and Gumdale State School join a Zoom call with Mr Vasta and Mr Andon to find out more about how the Vuly Trampolines business started.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this year the BYAC was extended to junior students, providing students between years 5 and 6 with the opportunity to meet with Mr Vasta and other community leaders.

“Meeting with the Junior BYAC is always a special highlight for me, as it is a chance to meet with the inquisitive young minds and natural born leaders from schools across Bonner. I am always learning from these students,” said Mr Vasta.

“I wanted to involve Joe in this term’s Junior BYAC as he inspires me greatly with his work ethic and creative mind. I knew he would be a hit with the students and encourage them that no idea or dream is ever too big to pursue.

“The students were engaged with Joe’s story, particularly how he started working on the business venture that is now the Bonner based and internationally renowned Vuly Trampolines whilst he was still at school!

“I was very impressed with the students who took part. They asked insightful questions around how Joe started his business, what inspires him and how he handles moments when things in his business don’t go to plan.”

CEO and Founder of Vuly Trampolines Joe Andon said, “It was so good to talk to these students.”

“I really loved the questions, the train of thought they had and to be honest; it just reminded me of being a kid again. I got to relive that part of my journey and fill them in on everything that’s happened ever since.”

Moreton Bay College year 6 student Jessie Hawkins said, “I had a fabulous time during the Junior BYAC meeting and am really inspired by Mr Andon’s story. I even went home and brainstormed ideas for a business with my 2 sisters!”

“Junior BYAC participants can be chosen by their school or they can self-nominate for the chance to be the youth voice of their peers,” said Mr Vasta.

“This was a fantastic final Junior BYAC meeting for 2021 and I am looking forward to the exciting plans I have for next year.”

If you would like to be part of the 2022 Junior BYAC, contact your school and email your nomination to ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au.

Families in Bonner will benefit from greater child care support sooner, with increased Child Care Subsidy (CCS) for multiple children brought forward from 7 March 2022, four months earlier than first expected.

The increased subsidies were due to come into effect on 11 July 2022, but the Government has been able to work with Commonwealth agencies and service providers to make necessary technical changes sooner.

From 7 March 2022, families with two or more children aged five years and under in care will have their CCS rate increased by 30 percentage points for their second child and younger children, up to a maximum rate of 95 per cent.

A family earning $11,000 a year with two kids in care, four days a week will be better off by $100 a week.

The $10,655 annual cap will also be scrapped on 10 December 2021 and applied retrospectively for the whole 2021-22 financial year, meaning families who hit the cap before the date will receive a refund on any excess fees paid.

There are around 1,700 families in Bonner that have two or more children in care and could benefit from the increased subsidy. More than half of eligible Australian families will receive the maximum 95 per cent subsidy.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the support would be targeted at those that need it most.

“We know child care costs can really add up when you have two, three or more children in care and this package will help those families by significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs for the second child and younger children,” Mr Vasta said.

“This will make a real difference in the lives of families in Bonner.

“The changes will also see this government’s total investment in child care grow to $11 billion a year they build on the Child Care Package we introduced in 2018 that is still keeping out-of-pocket costs low.”

Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said the changes would ease pressure on working families in Bonner and encourage more parents into work.

“These changes are good for families and great for the economy, and it’s significant that we are able to deliver them sooner,” Minister Tudge said.

“Removing the cap and increasing subsidies will allow more parents, particularly mothers, to return to work or take on more hours if they choose to.”