I am pleased to update the House that we are keeping up the momentum with my plan to deliver more mental health services on the bayside of my electorate of Bonner. The last time I spoke on this subject was in July after convening the Bayside Mental Health Working Group, which was attended by local mental health and community providers. My aim was to bring these important voices together and start a conversation around the services that locals are calling for.

Since then, meaningful progress has been made, and I’ve met with the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, the Hon. David Coleman, who has provided his support. I have also been meeting regularly with Brisbane South PHN to determine how we can fill the gaps. After being made aware of a mental health plan, they have been working alongside Feros Care.

With the intention for it to be tailored to the youth of the bayside, last week I reconvened the working group. Over 20 local mental health experts and community providers heard from Brisbane South PHN and Feros Care, who presented this early intervention and prevention approach.

Young people are the largest cohort of Australians experiencing problematic loneliness. Social connections are the greatest protection against depression and are proven to reduce suicidal behaviour. That’s why responding to it by delivering accessible support services is of great urgency. The mental health of our community cannot be underestimated. I look forward to continuing to work with Brisbane South PHN and Brisbane’s Bayside Mental Health Working Group.

Deputy Speaker, we’ve officially entered the festive season.

This is a time of celebration and joy, but for some it can be isolating, stressful and costly, especially during this time.

Today I rise to encourage locals in my electorate of Bonner to give the gift of giving by donating to our annual Bonner Christmas Appeal.

This year, I will be collecting donations of non-perishable food items until Wednesday the 15^th of December.

I’ve already heard from local not for profit groups that there is an immense need for donations in the lead up to Christmas.

Donations to the Bonner Christmas Appeal will be spread across these not-for-profit groups which include Mt Gravatt Community Centre, Access Street Van’s in Mansfield, Rosie’s, Beyond DV as well as church groups like St Peters Anglican Church in Wynnum and Citipointe Church in Carindale.

These organisations go above and beyond to provide a helping hand to those who need it most, making an invaluable difference to our community.

It is a privilege to be involving our entire community and supporting them once again this year.

While we’re out shopping for our loved ones this year, making a difference to someone’s Christmas is as simple as adding a few items like canned goods to our trolley’s.

Together, let’s spread the Christmas spirit right across Bonner.

Deputy Speaker, the childcare sector is fundamental to nurturing the potential of our children and that is why I rise today, to move a motion which recognises the support our Government has provided to this sector.

Our Government is making a real difference to the lives of families across the country.

Even during the pandemic, our support to has continued to be unwavering.

Our Government has remained committed to keeping the childcare sector open and staff employed.

200,000 early childhood educators and teachers in Australia have been able to keep their job.

And around 6,200 services in New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT have received $234 million in payments to date.

This is on top of our Government’s continued flow of the Child Care Subsidy.

And just last month, we announced our increased Child Care Subsidy for multiple children has been brought forward four months earlier than first expected.

It’s certainly been a challenging time, but it couldn’t be clearer how important this sector is to Australian families, parent workforce participation and our economy.

And Deputy Speaker, I am seeing our Government deliver for this sector across my electorate of Bonner.

I am regularly visiting our local childcare centres and kindergartens, spending time with the staff and children and learning about what we can do to support them.

These are always heart-warming visits as not only am I able to see the widespread benefits of our Government’s funding in this space, but I am also able to recognise the dedicated staff who do an incredible job at supporting our children’s passion for learning.

During these visits, a guaranteed crowd pleaser is reading to the children and my book of choice is ‘If I Was Prime Minister’ by Beck and Robin Feiner.

Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces is priceless and makes it especially worthwhile to also donate the book to these centres.

Last month, I donated this book to the vibrant Kindergarten class at C&K St Catherine’s Community Kindergarten in Wishart.

Deputy Speaker, the children loved the book so much that they created and sent me their own version which told the story of what they would do if they were Prime Minister.

Some said they would save the animals, help people and take care of our environment.

At a very young age, these children already have amazing hearts for making a difference and it is their family members and educators who are playing key roles in this.

Pulling this book together was a truly tremendous effort by the kindergarten class and staff at C&K St Catherine’s.

It’s a book I’ve now shared with my family and even with other members of the house deputy speaker.

And Deputy Speaker, this is just one example of many.

Time and time again I hear the overwhelming support from local centres for our Governments funding.

During this year’s Federal Budget, we announced the investment of a further $1.7 billion into childcare to increase its affordability and give parents the choice to take on extra work.

I caught up with Tingalpa’s Lead Childcare centre manager Krissy who was very pleased with this announcement.

As someone with extensive experience in this sector, it was especially meaningful to hear her positive feedback.

Because Deputy Speaker, supporting our children to engage in early education are the fundamental building blocks to ensuring they are best prepared to start school.

During Early Learning Matters Week which fell a couple of months ago, I visited Green Eggs Early Childhood Centre in Mansfield and Mother Duck Child Care Centre in Manly.

Two fantastic local centres that are fostering inclusive spaces for children to grow into confident and enthusiastic learners.

These visits were an opportunity for me to personally thank the staff for the high-quality early education and care they provide.

When I asked Mother Duck Child Care Centre Nominated Supervisor Kate why being an early educator matters to her, she said that children need strong role models both at home and in their everyday lives.

And educators play a special role in guiding them on the value of early education right from the very start.

So, Deputy Speaker, today I am shining a light on how our Government continues to reach new heights in our support of the childcare sector.

But most importantly, I am taking this opportunity to recognise the hardworking early educators who make a real difference to the lives of our children across the country, helping them to see the fun in learning.

To all our early educators, I say thank you.

I rise today to bust the myths of this motion and to speak on the infrastructure investment commitments our government has made and is making right across our country. Our government hears the needs of Australians, and we respond. That is why, during this year’s budget, we made it clear that we were building the infrastructure our country needs for the future, with our 10-year, $110 billion investment pipeline for better roads, faster commutes and, most importantly, making sure Australians can get home sooner and more safely. We’ve also invested a further $1 billion in road safety upgrades to save lives and a further $1 billion in local road infrastructure projects.

In my electorate of Bonner, our government is delivering for locals. In September I went to see the upgrades to the M1 between Sports Drive and the Gateway Motorway, thanks to the $110 billion investment pipeline. This is a 3.5-kilometre upgrade which is part of the broader $750 million, eight-kilometre M1 Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill project. By alleviating congestion along critical sections of roads like this one, we’re helping freight more and more between our cities and we’re generating jobs across the country.

I’m especially proud of my ongoing partnership with the Brisbane City Council and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. Working together for our community, we have a strong track record of upgrading local roads and building a better Brisbane. Last month the lord mayor and I visited some of the works currently underway. My electorate is home to Newnham Road and Wecker Road, whose intersection is rated by the RACQ as the fifth most dangerous in Queensland.

There is great urgency within the community to fix this problem area, and I was proud to secure $12 million in funding for this project, which will be delivered by the Brisbane City Council. It will involve the construction of new turning lanes, signalised pedestrian crossings, improved footpaths and the coordination of traffic lights.

Our government, with the Brisbane City Council, is also contributing to the Brisbane Metro project. This is a major project, and one that is strongly aligned with our plan to reduce emissions. We are contributing $300 million to this vital project, with construction of a new depot facility currently underway at School Road in Rochedale in my electorate. The depot will provide storage for the new battery electric Brisbane Metro fleet, advanced charging infrastructure, maintenance and staff facilities. Brisbane Metro will have four stops in Bonner.

With transport being one of the major sources of carbon emissions, this project demonstrates the importance of working with all levels of government to reduce our footprint across the country. It is fantastic to see our government leading these initiatives and forging the way for a cleaner and greener public transport system.

The last time I spoke on the Lindum crossing in this House, I was pleased to share the long-awaited upgrades that were getting underway. I’ve been fighting for this upgrade since 2017, when over 7,000 locals in Bonner signed my petition to fix the Lindum crossing. We were successful in 2019, with the federal government committing $85 million to this worthy project. Brisbane City Council have also come to the table, with $40 million to fix the Lindum crossing.

This month we commenced the first stages of the immediate safety upgrades to the crossing, thanks to $1 million from our federal funds. These works will include the installation of new and extended median islands, as well as new on-road line markings and resurfacing. This weekend there are scheduled upgrades to the rail corridor. This first stage is critical to ensuring the crossing is safe for all our community while more extensive planning can be undertaken for the long-term grade separation of Lindum crossing. We are monitoring this vital project and we’re fixing Lindum once and for all.

What is more important is working alongside Brisbane City Council, because we’ve also started construction on the Chelsea Road and Rickertt Road intersection upgrade and the Wakerley bikeway project in Ransome. I was very pleased to secure $6 million in funding for this vital project. Our government has also allocated $14 million towards fixing the notorious Rochedale roundabout, which will improve the intersection safety for all commuters and cater for future traffic demands in this fast-growing suburb.

I’ve spoken about many projects today that are underway in Bonner, and with this funding delivered by the Morrison government to benefit our local roads and address the needs of commuters our commitment to infrastructure funding could not be stronger.

In recognition of World Diabetes Day which falls this month, the Morrison Government has released a new 10-year plan to better support Australians in Bonner living with all forms of diabetes.

The Australian National Diabetes Strategy 2021–2030 will drive real improvements in the prevention, early detection, management, and care of people with diabetes.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said with approximately one in 20 Australians affected by diabetes, the new strategy will bring together the latest research and evidence to ensure our health response continues to adapt to the changing health environment.

“The Strategy will help support all Australians living with diabetes, including those in Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“It has been updated to include information relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as guidance and support to help Australian’s diabetes self-management.”

“In the last 12 months, the Morrison Government has prioritised the health and wellbeing of Australians, delivering more than 5.9 million diabetes products worth more than $186 million and dispensing more than $709 million in medicines under the PBS.

“Significant investments have been made and will continue to be made by our government into diabetes research.”

The Strategy also features specific details and actions for priority population groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and expectant mothers.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt, said with this year’s World Diabetes Day theme being Access to Diabetes Care: If Not Now, When? it highlights the ongoing care and support people with diabetes require to manage their condition and avoid complications.

“This year also marks 100 years since the discovery of insulin, a medical breakthrough that has saved the lives of millions over the last century,” Minister Hunt said.

“The Morrison Government is committed to ensuring Australians with diabetes can continue to access the treatments and support they need, when they need it.”

In just 12 months, the number of Australians with diabetes registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme increased by more than 120,000 people, climbing to around 1.4 million in June 2021.

The Morrison Government provides funding to support people with diabetes through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) which includes programs such as KeepSight, Diabetes in Schools, FootForward and MyDesmond; the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), the Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) initiative, and research funding.

The Australian National Diabetes Strategy 2021–2030 is available online – https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/australian-national-diabetes-strategy-2021-2030

The festive season has officially begun! This is a time of celebration and joy, but for some it can be stressful, isolating, and costly – especially during the ongoing pandemic.

Every year, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP encourages locals to give the gift of giving by donating non-perishable food items to the Bonner Christmas Appeal. This year’s appeal has now launched and will be running until Wednesday 15^th December.

Mr Vasta said the goods will be spread across Bonner’s not for profit groups where they are needed most including Mt Gravatt Community Centre, Access Street Van’s in Mansfield, Rosie’s, Beyond DV as well as church groups like St Peters in Wynnum and Citipointe Church in Carindale.

“This has been another challenging year for many individuals and families in our community. The Bonner Christmas Appeal is an opportunity for locals to spread joy and comfort to those who need it most by donating the simple food items most of us take for granted.

“I’ve already heard from local not for profit groups that there is an immense need for donations in the lead up to Christmas. That is why it is a privilege to be partnering with them and involving our entire community to provide a helping hand.

“While you’re shopping for your loved ones this year, I encourage you to think about adding a few items to your trolley which can make a real difference to someone’s Christmas.

“Together, let’s make sure our community can enjoy Christmas.”

St Pete’s Pantry volunteer Marilyne Jacob said, “This is such a generous appeal; there is a definite need in this community.

“People’s money is not stretching, and Christmas is that time where most of the community wants to help,” said Mrs Jacob.

Donations can be dropped into the below locations any weekday between now and Wednesday 15^th December between the office hours at each location:

• Ross Vasta MP at 69 Clara Street Wynnum (open 8:30am to 4:30pm)
• State Member for Chatsworth Steve Minnikin MP at Unit 1, Millennium Business Centre, Millennium Boulevard Carindale (open between 9am to 5pm)
• Councillor Steven Huang at MacGregor Ward Office 2072 Logan Road Upper Mt Gravatt (open between 9am to 5pm)
• Councillor Ryan Murphy at Chandler Ward Office Shop 8 Millennium Centre, 14 Millennium Boulevard Carindale (open between 9am to 5pm)
• Councillor Lisa Atwood at Doboy Ward Office Shop 5, 1181 Wynnum Road Cannon Hill (open between 9am to 5pm)

As part of Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP’s ongoing plan to deliver more mental health services on the Bayside, this week he reconvened the Bayside Mental Health Working Group.

The over 20 attendees heard from Brisbane South PHN Senior HR Business Partner Melissa Binks and Head of Be Someone for Someone (Initiative of Feros Care) Joanne Winwood who presented social prescribing as an early intervention and prevention approach for youth mental health; a plan tailored to the Bayside.

Throwing his support behind this plan, Mr Vasta said the meeting addressed problematic loneliness amongst young people and how to help them to reconnect with their community through the potential of social prescribing.

“Social connections are the greatest protection against depression and are proven to reduce suicidal behaviour. Young people are the largest cohort of Australian’s experiencing problematic loneliness, so it is critical to not only be recognising this need but responding to it by delivering accessible support services,” Mr Vasta said.

“Taking urgent action to combat loneliness and social isolation amongst youth has widespread social and economic benefits for communities. It supports individuals’ mental health and quality of life and makes these communities stronger.

“Brisbane South PHN and Feros have proposed a co-designed model, seeking feedback from local mental health experts and community providers whose work extends right across our area including (but not limited to) children, men, women, young people, adults, older people, First Nations and LGBTQI+.

“With a deep understanding of what is happening and what needs to be done in our area specifically around early intervention for youth, their feedback has already played a fundamental role in formulating this plan.

“The mental health of our community cannot be underestimated and I look forward to continuing to work with Brisbane South PHN and Feros on this plan for the Bayside.”

Supporting mental health is a key priority of the Morrison Government, who made a $2.3 billion commitment to the sector as part of the recent 2021-22 Federal Budget. The Bayside Mental Health Roundtable forms part of Mr Vasta’s plan to ensure the funding included as part of the Budget will benefit the Bayside.

Do not hesitate to reach out for mental health support. Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through headspace (https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), Lifeline (13 11 14), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).

Bonner residents are encouraged to observe a minute’s silence this Remembrance Day, to reflect on the service and sacrifice of all those Australians who have suffered and died in times of war.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said it was important to continue the tradition of pausing at the 11^th hour on the 11^th day of the 11^th month to commemorate our fallen.

“For more than a century, Australians have stood together on Remembrance Day to remember the more than 102,000 Australian service personnel who have served or lost their lives in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” Mr Vasta said.

“It is one of the most important days of the year for not only our veterans, but for all Australians.

“Across Bonner today, locals and communities are coming together at the various services taking place to observe a minute’s silence in honour of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.”

On Remembrance Day it is a tradition to honour the fallen by wearing a red poppy, the flower that grew in the battlefields of France and Belgium during the First World War.

“Bonner has a proud history of military service and I encourage all members of our community to buy and wear a poppy this Remembrance Day. Buying a poppy from your nearest RSL sub-branch makes a difference to their work supporting our local veterans.”

Australians are also able to access commemorative resources for Remembrance Day, including stories from those who served, from the Anzac Portal.

The Morrison Government has released the first national Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy backed by an expanded $250 million Future Fuels Fund investment.

The technology-led Strategy will see the Government work with industry to enhance consumer choice, create jobs and reduce emissions in Australia’s transport sector.

The expanded Future Fuels Fund, will focus on four key areas of investment, including:

• Public electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure
• Heavy and long-distance vehicle technologies
• Commercial fleets
• Household smart charging

The Government will deliver the Strategy with an expanded $250 million Future Fuels Fund, including $178 million in new funding. The Strategy is expected to result in more than $500 million of combined private and public co-investment directed into the uptake of future fuels in Australia and the creation of more than 2,600 new jobs.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy delivers on the Government’s recently released Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan, which provides an Australian way to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

“Our Plan promised technology not taxes, choices not mandates and driving down the cost of new technologies, and that’s exactly what this Strategy delivers to Australians,” the Prime Minister said.

“Australians love their family sedan, farmers rely on their trusted ute and our economy counts on trucks and trains to deliver goods from coast to coast.

“We will not be forcing Australians out of the car they want to drive or penalising those who can least afford it through bans or taxes. Instead, the Strategy will work to drive down the cost of low and zero emission vehicles, and enhance consumer choice.

“We will do this by creating the right environment for industry co-investment in technology development.

“Just as Australians have taken their own decision to embrace roof-top solar at the highest rate in the world, when new vehicle technologies are cost competitive Australians will embrace them too.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy continues to Morrison Government’s focus on technology not taxes as we reduce emissions.

“Our plan about ensuring that families and business across Bonner can continue to choose the car that is right for them, be that petrol, diesel, hydrogen, hybrid or electric powered,” Mr Vasta said.

“We are not going to tell Australians what car to drive. Our plan is focused on expanding consumer choice, partnering with industry to drive uptake and addressing barriers to the rollout.”

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Strategy is about helping motorists embrace the increasing range of technologies available to keep them moving in an informed and fair way.

“The Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy sets out the Government’s technology-led approach to reducing transport emissions while ensuring Australians can drive their preferred type of vehicle,”   Minister Taylor said.

“Our technology-led approach is already helping to enhance consumer and industry confidence.  In the last eight months there has been a 20 per cent increase in the number of low emissions vehicle models available in Australia.

“We are continuing to invest in the right infrastructure, while ensuring both those in the cities and regions can access this $250 million Fund.

“Like we saw with our world-leading rooftop solar uptake, we know that when new technologies reach price parity, Australians rapidly adopt them. We will take these lessons from solar integration into our reform work to ensure our grid is ‘EV ready’ to keep the lights on and bills affordable for everyone.

“Voluntary adoption of electric vehicles is the right pathway for reducing transport emissions over the long term. Stringent standards, bans or regressive taxes will limit choice and increase the upfront costs of cars for Australians.”

The Government will also take the lead on reforms through Energy Ministers to ensure the electricity grid is ready for an increase in electric vehicles. These reforms will help to keep the grid reliable and affordable, along with avoiding the estimated $224 million in electricity network upgrades needed by 2030. Without this action, these costs would be passed on to all electricity consumers, even those who do not choose to buy an electric vehicle.

In addition, the Government will continue to work closely with the states and territories to address barriers to low emission vehicle uptake in their jurisdictions. We will also ensure consumers have access to reliable, easy-to-understand information on low emission vehicles to enable informed choices.  Many Australians are already making the choice to switch to new technology vehicles, with the EV Council reporting that battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles hit a record 8,688 sales in the first half of 2021. This is compared to 6,900 in 2020.

The Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy contributes to Australia’s Long Term Emissions Reduction Plan by enabling the accelerated deployment of electric vehicles and other low emission transport technologies.

It also complements other government policies that will deliver strong economic and emissions reduction outcomes, including the Technology Investment Roadmap, Modern Manufacturing Strategy, National Hydrogen Strategy and the forthcoming Bioenergy Roadmap.

The additional investment in the Future Fuels Fund come off the back of a successful round one of funding, which leveraged $55 million in private sector co-investment to drive a seven-fold increase in the number of fast charging stations across urban and regional centres.

More information on the Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy is available here: https://industry.gov.au/FFVS

The Australian Government’s COVID-19 booster vaccination rollout program is officially under way, with the initial focus on residential aged care and disability facilities.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said as is the case for the primary course of vaccination, booster doses will be administered for free from a variety of locations across Bonner.

“As we have seen throughout the vaccine rollout, Brisbane residents have come forward to arm themselves and our community against COVID-19, with 83% having received at least one dose and 72% fully vaccinated,” Mr Vasta said.

“To provide further, additional protection, everyone living in Australia aged 18 and over who has completed their primary two-dose course of vaccination at least six months ago is now eligible to have an additional booster shot.”

“The booster rollout program will initially target population groups that were prioritised for early vaccination because the great majority of people within these cohorts are now ready for their booster vaccination, having had their second dose six or more months ago.”

“In relation to our local residential aged care facilities in Bonner, the booster program will start with in-reach clinics, delivered primarily by vaccine administration providers under contract arrangements with the Commonwealth.”

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has recommended the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine be preferred for the booster dose – irrespective of what vaccine a person received for their primary course of vaccination.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said Australia was well placed to deliver one of the world’s first booster programs.

“With over 151 million Pfizer, Novavax and Moderna vaccines already secured for supply into the future, Australia is well prepared to provide booster doses as approvals are provided by the medical experts,” Minister Hunt said.

“In the context of boosters, it is important people know that two doses of COVID-19 vaccine provide very good protection, especially against severe disease.”

“A booster dose, six or more months after the second dose, will make sure that the protection from the first doses is even stronger and longer lasting and should help prevent spread of the virus.”

Severely immunocompromised people who have had a third dose to complete their primary course of vaccination are not currently being recommended by ATAGI to have a booster dose.

While this is the formal start of the booster program, as of Saturday 6 November, over 173,000 boosters had already been completed.

November 8 also marks the start of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine being administered by community pharmacies.

This means that all primary care sites around the country will progressively be able to offer all three COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Australia, increasing choice and making it easier for whole families to get vaccinated at the same time.

People eligible for a booster vaccine can make an appointment by visiting www.australia.gov.au or through the Vaccine Clinic Finder at www.health.gov.au.