SENATOR THE HON ANNE RUSTON

Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care

Shadow Minister for Sport

Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate

ROSS VASTA MP

Federal Member for Bonner

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

Bulk Billing has Collapsed in Bonner under Labor

It has never been harder or more expensive for the people of Bonner to see a doctor than under the Albanese Labor Government. Data from the Department of Health continues to confirm the severity of this primary care crisis.

According to new data released by the Department, access to GP bulk billing has fallen in Bonner by 14.2% to 67.5% in 2023-24 under Labor, in comparison to 81.8% in 2021-22 under the Coalition.

This has resulted in 288,320 less bulk billed GP visits across Bonner under Labor in 2023-24, compared to the Coalition’s last year in government.

Shadow Minister for Health, Senator Anne Ruston said that despite all of Labor’s promises, grandstanding and lies, the data makes it clear that Medicare has only been weakened under the Albanese Government’s watch.

“It is seriously concerning that Australians living in Bonner have had their access to free GP appointments sent backwards, particularly in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis,” Shadow Minister Ruston said.

“Less Australians are getting access to bulk billing under Labor, which means they are having to pay record high out-of-pocket costs to see a doctor because of this government’s mismanagement.

“We know that this is forcing more and more Australians to avoid seeing a doctor because they just cannot afford it. This is a choice no one should have to make.

“Instead of addressing this crisis, Labor’s focus is on lying to Australians about Medicare. On the other hand, the Coalition is focused on how to restore bulk billing and get our healthcare system back on track.”

Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said that it is incredibly disappointing to know our Bonner community isn’t receiving the access to healthcare needed.

“The health of locals will always be a top priority.”

“There is nothing more important than ensuring we are a healthy and active society, which is why I will continue to fight for access to quality healthcare for all Australians.”

Only a Dutton Coalition Government will fix Labor’s primary care crisis to ensure the people of Bonner have timely and affordable access to a GP.

ENDS

Media Contacts:

Ruston: Sophia Marsh-Corbin | 0408 350 117
Vasta: Sarah Crawford | 0431 435 362

 Ross Vasta MP, Federal Member for Bonner, has committed $1,330,000 to encourage more young people, especially women and girls, to participate in football at AC Carina.

The Fursden Road club is a safe and enjoyable second home for many young and old footballers, in the local area.

AC Carina FC are currently turning away keen players, as they do not have the appropriate facilities to keep up with the high demand.

In the aftermath of the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup, AC Carina experienced significant growth in female participation, however unfortunately the club does not have appropriate change room facilities to cater for all participants.

The upgrade will also include better lighting, complete concrete pavements, covered seating and perimeter fencing.

Ross Vasta MP said everyone in our local community should have an opportunity to safely participate in community sports.

“Sadly, clubs in Bonner are having to turn away players as they simply don’t have enough facilities to accommodate greater participation.

“That’s why I am fighting for these upgrades for AC Carina Football Club, so they can meet the demand, and more people can play sports in a safe and supportive environment,” he said.

AC Carina Club President Josh McKee said the upgrade will be life-changing for the club.

“It will allow us to create a much safer and up to date facility and be something for the local community to be proud of,” he said.

The upgrades will enable AC Carina to focus on their growth, and catering for all prospective players in the local community.

Media Contact – Sarah Crawford 0431 325 362               

THE HON SUSSAN LEY MP

DEPUTY LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDUSTRY, SKILLS AND TRAINING
SHADOW MINISTER FOR SMALL AND FAMILY BUSINESS

SHADOW MINISTER FOR WOMEN

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR FARRER

ROSS VASTA MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BONNER 

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

Labor’s Disappointing “National Small Business Strategy”

The Albanese Government has released a “National Small Business Strategy” claiming it as a “national first”.

However, despite Labor’s spin, what Labor has produced amounts to an insult to millions of small businesses across Australia.

There is not a single new policy or measure in Labor’s new so-called “National Small Business Strategy”.

A third of the strategy is made up of cover pages, artwork and photos, with another third taken up by small business statistics and case studies of existing policies already being delivered by state governments.

The document does not even use images of Australian small businesses.

It includes multiple images sourced from stock files of a New Jersey bakery in the United States of America, two carpenters that featured in a Bank of America innovation campaign and a stock image of chef featured on Pew’s Demographic Overview of Illinois Secure Choice Program Population.

The Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP, called on Labor to tell how much this strategy will cost taxpayers and why it is filled with stock photos of American businesses.

“My advice to Bonner small businesses is don’t bother printing off this strategy because it’s not worth the paper it’s printed on.”

“I think it is pretty disappointing that Labor would try to peddle this strategy as containing anything to help small businesses.

The Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Small and Family Business, Sussan Ley, called on Labor to come clean on how much this “strategy” cost the taxpayer and why it is filled with stock photos of Americans.

“Calling something a strategy does not make it a strategy, there is not a single new policy measure or intervention that will help Australia’s small business sector which is being smashed by Labor’s failures.”

“Anthony Albanese needs to fess up about why this’ ‘National Small Business Strategy’ has clearly been pulled together using stock images of foreign businesses, is this the sort of effort and attention Labor thinks our small businesses deserve?”

Just one page out of 62 describes anything close to new commitments from the Albanese Government to Australia’s struggling small businesses.

The only commitments in the strategy amount to: “Continuing the biannual Small Business Ministers’ Meetings”; “working together”; and “Regularly examining our focus areas”.

Labor’s so-called “National Small Business Strategy” is a waste of Australia’s taxpayer funds.

It contains more space on images of stock photos of American business owners than it does on making commitments and setting out concrete actions to help Australian businesses.

This is yet another example of the widespread waste across the public service under the Albanese Government and underscores that Labor does not understand small business.

It also comes as Australian small businesses remain in crisis because of Labor’s economic failures.

This comes as business failures accelerate under Anthony Albanese, 76 per cent of small and medium sized businesses say their costs will go up in 2025 and 71 per cent expect energy prices to keep rising.

Official ASIC insolvency data shows there have been more than 27,000 business insolvencies since the Albanese Government was elected and confirmed the December 2024 quarter was the worst quarter for business insolvencies on record with 3,852 businesses going to the wall.

[ENDS]

Media contacts:

Deputy Leader’s Office: Liam Jones 0431 000 583

Ross Vasta MP: Sarah Crawford 0431 435 362

Last week I was joined by the Shadow Minister for Defence, the Honourable Andrew Hastie, the Member for Bowman Henry Pike and 150 locals for the Bonner Bowman Defence Forum.

The forum was an opportunity to hear from our Shadow Defence Minister, who shared his clear vision for our Defence Industry.

Travelling across country from Western Australia to the Manly Lota RSL, it was wonderful to hear from such an experienced, educated and decisive leader.

Australia is a strong and mighty country.

We have bright minds and plentiful natural resources.

We are a hopeful, fierce and ready people, so it is incredibly disappointing to see defence recruiting in such a poor state.
On top of needing cheaper groceries, affordable rent and lower bills, Australians expect to feel safe, in their homes, communities and as a nation.

Our strategic environment is the most challenging and complex it has been since the Second World War, and we desperately need to fix the recruiting, retention, and the readiness crisis’ in our defence force.

We need a message that appeals to young hearts and minds, reminding the next generation of the timeless values of service, duty, honour and country.

As the Shadow Defence Minister Says, “A strong and capable sovereign defence industry means a stronger and more capable Defence Force, and, therefore, a stronger and more capable Australia.”

Finally, I wanted to make a special acknowledgement of those who have already joined the service.

Ross Vasta MP, Federal Member for Bonner, has committed $114,000 for vital sun-safety upgrades at Nursery Road State Special School.

Nursery Road State Special School has many areas that are frequently used for students to play, meet, and engage in outdoor learning.

Unfortunately, several of these locations are currently in direct sun for most of the school day.

The construction and installation of adequate shade cloths over these areas will ensure that students and staff at Nursery Road State Special School are protected from the sun, as the school continues to develop into an effective SunSmart school.

Mr Vasta said “Queensland’s sun can be unforgiving, particularly during school hours when children are most active outdoors.

“SunSmart schools play a crucial role in promoting sun safety among students and staff and help to foster healthy habits from a young age.

“When I caught up with the staff and students at Nursery Road State Special School, at just 10 am, temperatures had already hit the high 20s.

“I know first-hand how unforgiving Queensland’s sun can be, having been on my own skin cancer journey.”

“Investing in shade infrastructure isn’t just about comfort, it’s about long-term health protection,” he said.

Shade Cloths at Nursery Road State Special School, are to necessary to prioritise safety and ensure that all students can enjoy the outdoor spaces without compromising their safety in the Australian Sun.

Media contact: Sarah Crawford 0431 435 362

Back to school costs hitting Bonner families hard under Labor

Charity groups are ringing the alarm bell over the spike in young families burdened by the cost of getting their kids back to school.

Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, and Shadow Minister for Education, Sarah Henderson, said the Albanese government’s failure to address the cost-of-living crisis was leaving too many Australian families unable to afford basic school supplies, uniforms or digital devices.

“In Bonner, so many families are struggling to meet the basic costs of going back to school,” Mr Vasta said.

“This year parents will be forced to pay on average $5,043 for secondary students and $2,671 for primary students, with almost one in three parents unable to afford back-to-school expenses,” Mr Vasta said.

“Under Labor, education costs have risen an alarming 11 per cent and parents are being forced to make impossible choices,” Senator Henderson said.

Senator Henderson said charities are being inundated by families desperate for help.

At a visit to the Les Twentyman Foundation’s Back to School program in Footscray, Melbourne, Senator Henderson saw first-hand the difference the charity is making to the lives of hundreds of students being supported with textbooks, stationery, scientific calculators and refurbished laptops.

“I was delighted to meet Year 7 student Indiana who received a new laptop which will be life changing,” Senator Henderson said.

“Last year, the Les Twentyman Foundation’s Back to School program supported 778 students, an increase of 40 per cent, and demand is growing again this year.

The Smith Family’s recent Pulse survey also paints a grim picture, with 87 per cent of parents worried about affording back-to-school costs.

The findings reveal more than half of parents fear their children will miss out on essential digital devices, and nearly 60 per cent said 2024 was harder than ever to cover school costs due to skyrocketing everyday expenses like groceries, rent, and petrol.

“Education is a fundamental right; yet under Labor, it is becoming increasingly out of reach for many Australian families,” Senator Henderson said.

“Children cannot reach their best potential if they cannot access the basics to succeed in the classroom.

“Only a Coalition government will fight cost-of-living pressures, build a stronger economy and get Australia back on track,” Senator Henderson said.

Media contacts:

Henderson: Aaron Langmaid 0405 400 191

Vasta: Sarah Crawford 0431 345 362

The Mount Gravatt Men’s Shed is set to receive a $720,000 upgrade if the Coalition wins the next election, thanks to current Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP.

This significant investment, announced by Mr Vasta, demonstrates his strong commitment to supporting local groups that foster connection, inclusivity, and mental well-being.

Boasting over 360 financial members, there is no doubt the men’s shed has grown substantially in recent years.

While this rapid membership growth is a testament to the organisation’s value, it has caused space constraints, hindering the group’s ability to expand its activities and meet the needs of current and future members.

Mr Vasta said he is proud to support an organisation that makes such a large impact and contribution to both its members and the community.

“The Mount Gravatt Men’s Shed is not just a community group, but a vital resource for the mental health and well-being of men in Bonner.

“This funding will ensure the Shed has the capacity to continue its invaluable work and expand its reach to even more members of the community.

“With more space, the Mount Gravatt Men’s Shed will continue to grow and provide an even better experience for its members, their families and our community,” he said.

President of the Mount Gravatt Men’s Shed, Peter Tyley, said that the $720,000 will really put the icing on the cake.

“It will allow us to do more with the new construction and also help the community with more public toilets for the showgrounds,” he said.

Howard Groffman, member of the Mount Gravatt Men’s Shed, said he enjoys the camaraderie and interesting people he meets at the Shed.

Howard said “We welcome everyone, regardless of cultural background, religious or political beliefs.”

The expansion will provide the Mount Gravatt Men’s Shed with the space and facilities needed to sustain its growth, and offer a greater variety of activities for current and future members

Ross Vasta MP, Federal Member for Bonner, has committed four million dollars for Mansfield State High School to build a multipurpose facility, if the Coalition is elected next year.

For six years, Mansfield State High School has operated at full capacity, being one of the most sought-after catchments in Queensland.

The proposed hall would include two new court spaces, which would not only be used for sports such as basketball and futsal, but also for school performances and ceremonies.

Ross Vasta MP said he is again fighting for an expansion to a Multipurpose Hall for Mansfield State High School, to ensure all students have access to opportunities to excel in their passions.

“Every student in Bonner deserves an equal opportunity to participate in their chosen endeavours.

“As one of Queensland’s largest high schools, Mansfield is a local landmark and the new facility will be a valued resource amongst the Southern Brisbane community,” said Mr Vasta.

Principal Karen Tanks said the Mansfield community grows by the day, and so does the school.

“This will mean more facilities for our students, and also for our community,” she said.

A Multipurpose Hall at Mansfield State High School will enable greater participation in various sports and activities, ensuring the school is fully equipped to serve and support students for many years to come.

Ross Vasta MP, Federal Member for Bonner, has secured $500,000 for a vital expansion of the Wynnum Manly District Men’s Shed, if the Coalition is elected next year.

Since 2011, the Wynnum Manly District Men’s Shed has provided a safe and busy environment for gents, from all walks of life, to find community, connection, support and
mateship.

Since opening, the membership base at Wynnum Manly District Men’s Shed has quadrupled and continues to grow at about 20% per year.

Due to the significant growth in participants, the Men’s Shed is out of space, which is inhibiting the experiences of existing members, and potential future members alike.

The construction and installation of the ‘Lionel Morgan Shed’ is paramount in ensuring that this important community group can continue to grow and support men in Wynnum, Manly and its surrounds.

Mr Vasta said social norms continue to discourage men from discussing their emotions, and that many men face mental health challenges and suffer from isolation and depression.

“The Wynnum Manly District Men’s Shed is an incredible community group that promotes mental well-being for men through mateship and connection to the community.

“Unfortunately, they are currently unable to support and cater for more members in Wynnum-Manly due to insufficient shed space,” he said.

President of Wynnum Manly and Districts Men’s Shed, David Westlake, said the Lionel Morgan shed will be wheelchair accessible and store the Shed’s pool table, 3D printers, and battery and handheld tools.

“The upgrade will be great for the community,” he said.

Mr Vasta is committed to fighting for the construction of the ‘Lionel Morgan Shed’ to ensure that men from all walks of life have the space to connect and grow.

Ross Vasta MP, Federal Member for Bonner, recently drew a crowd of over 300 at the 2024 Bonner Seniors’ Expo at Waterloo Bay Leisure Centre.

The annual Bonner Seniors’ Expo is an opportunity for older members of the community tolearn about the valuable resources they have access to.

From government services, to innovative business and dedicated not for profits there’s a lot to take advantage of!

Mr Vasta said, “my electorate of Bonner is home to many wonderful organisations, dedicated to improving the lives of our seniors.

“Bonner really does have a lot to offer those who are part of, care for, or work with senior Australians. 

“That’s why I host the annual Bonner Senior’s Expo, to bring together those who provide with those who can benefit from these resources!”

“The 2024 Bonner Seniors’ Expo wouldn’t have been possible without Piccardi Fry Lawyers who kindly sponsored the event,” Mr Vasta said.

From government representatives to local sporting clubs, the 2024 Bonner Seniors’ Expo had over 50 vendors in attendance! 

There were also expert speakers, delicious refreshments, but the event wouldn’t have been the same without live entertainment from Bayside Dance and Darling Point Special School.

It was a fantastic morning, and the turnout of vendors and seniors’ is a testament to the vibrant elderly community we have in Southern Brisbane.