Ross Vasta Federal Member for Bonner says not-for-profit organisations in the area can now apply for $5 million worth of grants to help migrants better integrate into Australian life.

The Commonwealth Government’s Fostering Integration Grant Program will support the delivery of one-off projects and new or expanded initiatives that encourage economic and social participation of new arrivals, including activities that promote employment and participation in the broader community.

Ross Vasta said the grants will help not-for-profit organisations deliver programs and activities that give migrants the best chance of succeeding in Australia.

“One of the things that make us uniquely Australian is the support we provide to one another. Our comradery and desire to ‘help our mates’ is something I see demonstrated by community groups and organisations not only in my electorate of Bonner but right across Australia.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman said the Government’s grants acknowledge the important role of community and not for profit groups.

“Activities may include anything from helping migrants to undertake valuable work experience in order to succeed in the workforce or opportunities to practice English in their local community to helping migrants better understand Australian values and civics.”

Not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of between $10,000 and $50,000 for activities lasting up to 12 months. Applications close on 9 November 2018.

For more information and to apply for the Fostering Integration Grant Program,

The Coalition Government has re-opened the Mobile Black Spot Program’s Database of Reported Black Spot Locations for new nominations from state and local governments, and Federal Members of Parliament.

Residents in Bonner are strongly encouraged to nominate mobile phone black spot locations in their area to help inform the rollout of the next round of the Coalition’s $220 million Mobile Black Spot Program.

Minister for Regional Services, Senator Bridget McKenzie, today invited Federal Members of Parliament and local councils to make submissions on behalf of their constituents to the national mobile black spot database.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the database is open for four weeks and called for all residents to contact their office today to nominate any mobile black spot areas.

“I strongly encourage residents in Bonner to contact my office as soon as possible to nominate any mobile phone black spots in our community,” Federal Member for Bonner said.

“Earlier this year in Round Three of the Mobile Black Spot Program I was pleased to have been able to advocate on behalf of the community and secure upgrades for Belmont, Burbank, Gumdale, and Moreton Island.”

“This presents a real opportunity for locals to have their say on problem mobile black spots and encourage mobile operators to invest in our area through the Program.”

“The nominations will support round 4 of the program which will look to provide new or improved mobile coverage in areas where there are clear economic and social benefits,”

“Round 4 will also look to target medical, educational and emergency services facilities, as well as along key transport routes and in towns that experience seasonal demand due to tourism.”

The Coalition will invest $25 million to deliver round 4 of the program and will soon call for applications from carriers to be selected through a competitive process. The Coalition is also calling for nominations from state and territory governments.

For more information on the program visit: www.communications.gov.au/mbsp

Small businesses in Bonner are set to benefit from additional opportunities to invest in their business and replace or upgrade their assets, with legislation to extend the $20,000 instant asset write-off passing the Parliament.

The legislation delivers on the Coalition Government’s 2018-19 Budget announcement to extend the $20,000 write-off for a further 12 months to 30 June 2019.

Across Australia, there are more than three million small businesses with an annual turnover of less than $10 million that are eligible to access the write-off.

“Whether you’re a gardener purchasing a ride-on lawn mower, a café owner purchasing an industrial dishwasher or a courier purchasing a vehicle, I encourage small businesses in Bonner to take advantage of the $20,000 instant asset write-off – if they’re not already,” Mr Vasta said.

“By growing the ability of Bonner small businesses to invest, we grow their ability to employ more locals.”

In the 2015-16 Budget, the Coalition Government increased the immediate deductibility threshold from $1,000 to $20,000.

Backing small business – the engine room of our economy – is part of the Coalition Government’s plan for a stronger economy and more jobs.

The Morrison Government will significantly boost support for older Australians with an injection of $106 million to support better facilities, better care and better standards in aged care.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said, Australia’s tough new aged care cop – the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission – will receive a further $16 million to police quality, boost specialist response teams for complaints, audits and compliance and support consumers when failures occur.

“And we are taking action to introduce legislation into Parliament to establish the new Commission to address known failures in quality regulation for Australia’s aged care system.” Mr Vasta said.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said older Australians deserve our respect and they should receive the very best care available.

“The Morrison Government is committed to keeping Australians safe and this includes as they age.” Minister Hunt said.

Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Ken Wyatt said the overwhelming majority of aged care providers do the right thing but we recognise some have not been up to scratch.

“This funding boost builds on the $32.6 million we announced in May for the new Commission and means issues can be highlighted and dealt with quickly under one agency which reports directly to Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care.” Minister Wyatt said.

“Our message is clear – any organisation or person doing the wrong thing will be found. Sub-standard care will not be tolerated, including the option to shut down an operator doing the wrong thing.”

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said we will also bring forward $90 million to support aged care providers, with significant funding rolling out this financial year.

“$40 million will be available from today to support aged care services in regional, rural and remote locations to improve, maintain and expand their infrastructure – ensuring older Australians in these locations receive the same support as people in the cities.” Mr Vasta said.

“We will fund $50 million to support residential aged care providers and their staff to improve quality and standards of care across the sector. Funding will begin to flow next week.”

“This will support 2,700 aged care homes and 366,000 staff in new training as they transition to the new, strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards – to be enforced from 1 July 2019.”

Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Ken Wyatt said this will be the first upgrade of aged care standards in more than 20 years.

“Today we also release a new strategy to attract and retain more workers for the aged care sector, while also improving the quality of the care given. This will not only support the creation of new jobs but also ensure older Australians are better supported as the population ages.” Minister Wyatt said.

“We will also bring forward the appointment of a new Chief Clinical Adviser under the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner.”

“The Chief Clinical Adviser position will strengthen medical governance across the sector, providing advice to the Commission and education to the sector while improving the link between doctors and aged care professionals.”

“Already we have had extensive reviews in the aged care sector from the Tune and Carnell Review, and today we are pleased to again strengthen the sector and importantly improve support for Older Australians.”

The new Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will bring together the functions of the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency and the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner. From 1 January 2020, the Commission will take over the aged care regulatory functions of the Department of Health including provider approvals, quality and prudential compliance,
and compulsory reporting.

There will be no more silos – there will be instant and constant communication on compliance, risks and complaints. The Commission will further ensure there is nowhere to hide on quality care, building on the Government’s introduction of unannounced reaccreditation audits of aged care homes from 1 July 2018.

There are expected to be more than 500 unannounced reaccreditation audits this financial year, along with an additional 2,700 unannounced site visits by assessment teams.

Working with Australian families and aged care providers, we are absolutely committed to giving senior Australians the protection, support, care and respect they deserve.

This builds on our support in 2018-19 Budget where we boosted support of older Australians with a $5 billion package.

The Package gives older Australians more choices and greater flexibility, including:
• Boosting home care funding by $1.6 billion.
• Growing home care packages from around 87,000 now to 151,000 by 2021-22 – including a 34,000 increase in high-level packages.
• Allowing pensioners to earn more without reducing their pension;
• Greater flexibility to use home equity to increase retirement incomes.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that under the Coalition the pension age will remain at 67.

Federal Member Ross Vasta says this is great news for older people living in is electorate of Bonner.

“I’ve spoken to many of my constituents about this policy and every one of them has told me that they agree this is a good idea.”

Tingalpa resident Charles Bill says that he is very pleased that the Coalition has made this decision.

“As much as I would love to keep working into my older years, as a 65-year-old it’s challenging and often difficult to secure work.

“I would like to personally thank Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Ross Vasta for reducing the pension age back to 67,” Mr Bill says.

This decision builds on the Coalition Government’s measures to support older Australians including the decision to retain the energy supplement.
“In this year’s budget we announced a package of measures to help Australians to live longer, healthy and more active lives including the Pension Work Bonus and supporting older Australians to get access to the pension when they are running a business.

Ross Vasta says the Coalition is dedicated to doing the right thing by senior Australians.

“The Morrison Government believes in a fair go for those that have a go, and that’s why we’ve made a promise to protect older Australians from Bill Shorten’s tax grab, predicted to impact more than 800,000 people.”
Since the Coalition was elected, pensions have increased by $99.20 per fortnight for singles and by $149.40 per fortnight for couples combined.

Other measures include the Pension Loans Scheme, opened to all older Australians, including full rate pensioners and self-funded retirees, so they can boost their retirement income by up to $17,800 for a couple, without impacting on their eligibility for the pension or other benefits.

Seniors in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs will be able to lead more independent lives thanks to a project to fit out and equip a modern commercial kitchen for the local Meals on Wheels branch.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals’ Government has committed $300,000 to make the project a reality.

“By investing in community infrastructure projects such as this one, we’re helping to support those in our community who are most in need, while also giving the local economy a welcome boost with this project expected to create dozens of construction jobs,” Mr McCormack said.
“Supporting vital community services like Meals on Wheels is just one example of how our regional development grants invest in the wellbeing of regional Australians.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta, who turned the first sod on the project today, said the new kitchen will be a game changer for Wynnum and Manly locals, who have raised $2.8 million towards the project.
“By providing a fully-equipped commercial kitchen we’re enabling the local Meals on Wheels chapter to prepare meals to their usual high standards,” Mr Vasta said.

“This investment will also support a wide range of community events and activities, as it includes a community meeting room, available on a user pays basis for a range of local groups and associations.”

The Liberal and Nationals’ Government is investing $300,000 in the project in addition to community contributions totalling $2.8 million.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta was greeted to a warm welcome at the Airforce Cadets Squadron 215 this week.

Through the Federal Government’s Community Development Grants Program Mr Vasta secured $14,000 funding for the local group to help further develop the cadet’s skills.

Mr Vasta said this funding will enable the club to purchase two state of the art flight simulators for the growing number of cadets to use.

“These flight simulators will give the cadets real experience behind the joystick; I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces when they get to test them out in the next few months.”

215 Squadron Commanding Officer David Bentley said that the funding will equip the cadets with so many great skills including learning how to fly.

“The cadets will be able to help build the simulators, and they will also be taught how to program the simulators, use them and assist with maintenance and upkeep which will teach them valuable skills that they can then use in the program but also out in the real world as young adults.”

The Squadron will officially open the new simulators for use at their closing parade on the 1^st December 2018

More students, teachers and locals in Mt Gravatt can get set to get on the courts thanks to the opening today of brand new federally funded sports courts at St Agnes Primary School.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta who officially opened the courts today said the new set of flexible, multi-use courts would benefit the community for years to come.

“I’m pleased to have been able to secure $211,000 worth of funding for St Agnes and the community.”

“These courts are going to give local children and families better access to recreational activities and will encourage locals to lead an active lifestyle.”

“The courts will be used by both the school and the community for after school and weekend sports such as tennis, netball, basketball and volleyball games,” Mr Vasta said.

St Agnes Principal Bernadette Judd said thanks to Mr Vasta for the funding the school has been able to complete this project and provide the students with multi-sport courts, additional seating, bubblers and equipment lock up shed.

“This money has given us this wonderful facility to be able to share with our school and parish.”

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the facility is ideal as they enable a wide range of teams and sporting groups to get involved, and it’s expected that there will be around 1,000 different users of these courts each year.

“We are committed to investing in local communities to ensure everyone can access places like this where they can exercise and enjoy sport,” Mr McCormack said.

“Our investment in these new courts will be a boost for sports teams in the area and will make a significant difference for this community, with this project already having supported five jobs during construction in addition to providing fantastic new sports facilities for ongoing use.”

The project was funded by the Australian Government investing $211,000 and St Agnes Primary School contributing $14,180.

The Morrison Government will subsidise a life-changing cystic fibrosis medicine which significantly extends the lives of patients while saving families up to a quarter of a million dollars a year.

Orkambi® will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 October 2018 for all patients over the age of 6 years who have the most the most common form of cystic fibrosis – two copies of the f508del mutation in the CFTR gene.

Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said this will provide over 1,200 Australian patients, and their families, with a longer and better life.
“The Morrison Government’s plan to keep our economy strong means we can guarantee the essential services Australians rely on, including subsidising such life-saving medicines.” Mr Vasta said.

Health Minister Greg Hunt also announced, that from the start of September all eligible patients can access the medicine immediately with Vertex agreeing to our request to provide compassionate free access until the medicine is listed on the on the PBS on 1 October.

“Patients would otherwise pay up to $250,000 a year for Orkambi but with the Morrison Government’s investment they will now only pay a maximum of $39.50 per script, with concessional patients paying just $6.40.” Minister Hunt said.

“This is a landmark listing and we know how much it means to the entire cystic fibrosis community.”

“This medicine has been out of reach for many Australian families until now. It is truly life-changing for so many families and it will deliver joy, happiness and the hope of a better life.”

“We moved as quickly as possible to fund Orkambi following a positive recommendation from the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).”

Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. A defective gene causes a thick, sticky build- up of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. Orkambi has been shown to slow the rate of decline in lung function and reduce the number of infections in people with cystic fibrosis.

The PBAC is independent of Government by law and in practice. By law the Federal Government cannot list a new medicine without a positive recommendation from PBAC.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said since coming into Government, the Coalition has helped improve the health of Australians by subsidising more than $9 billion worth of new medicines.

“Unlike Labor, we are subsidising all drugs recommended by the independent medical experts. We are now listing a new or amended medicine on the PBS on average every day of the year.” <MP name> said.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said in the recent Budget we announced our commitment to invest $2.4 billion in new medicines to build on our commitment to guarantee the essential services that all Australians rely on.

“Our commitment to the PBS is rock solid. Together with Medicare, it is a foundation of our world-class health care system.” Minister Hunt said.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta today encouraged people across Bonner to celebrate with pride the anniversary of the Australian National Flag.

“This year we celebrate 117 years since our flag was first flown above the Melbourne Exhibition Building on 3 September 1901. We are reminded of its importance every day as it flies outside our schools, our homes, our institutions and prominently atop Parliament House,” Mr Vasta said.

“I encourage Australians across Bonner and the nation to unite and celebrate all that Australia represents for them this Australian National Flag Day.”

Mr Vasta visited students at Gumdale State School to present them with a new Australian flag they could proudly fly on their grounds.

“Australian National Flag Day gives individuals, community organisations, businesses and schools the opportunity to come together and celebrate our nation’s rich history, to re-pledge our loyalty to our great nation and reaffirm our commitment to an even stronger future for all Australians,” Mr Vasta said.

“Local organisations that need a new Australian flag can contact my office at any time and I’ll be happy to post one out or personally deliver it myself.”

For more information and resources for Australian National Flag Day, visit the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s website: www.pmc.gov.au/flag