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.

From 1 November 2021, Australians in Bonner with a respiratory illness, early onset puberty and blood cancer will have improved access to subsidised medicines through new and amended listings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP welcomed the November PBS listings and said many Australians and their families in our local community will be able to access these treatments, reducing their out of pocket costs.

“Our Government has always been committed to ensuring Australians can access the medicines and treatments and our track record with the PBS is reducing medical bills for families across Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable lung disease, which causes the airways in the lungs to narrow, making it difficult to breathe.

About 1 in 20 Australians aged 45 years and over have COPD, tragically, in 2018 it was the fifth leading cause of death^.

Breztri Aerosphere^® (budesonide + glycopyrronium + formoterol) will be available from November 1, 2021 on the PBS to treat COPD. Without PBS subsidy, around 68,000 Australians per year might pay more than $1,000 per year for treatment.

Also from 1 November 2021, Diphereline^® (triptorelin) will be expanded to include the treatment of central precocious puberty (CCP).

In Australia, the average age for the onset of puberty is around 10 years for girls and 12 years for boys. In central precocious puberty, this onset occurs earlier – before 8 years of age in girls and before 9 years in boys.

Diphereline^® works by lowering the levels of the hormone oestrogen for females and testosterone in males that lead to puberty-related changes to the body. Without PBS subsidy, around 800 Australians per year might pay more than $3,600 per year for treatment.

Earlier this year, Darzalex^® (daratumumab) was listed on the PBS for the first time for use in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone, as a second-line treatment for around Australians with multiple myeloma.

Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow and it is estimated that around 2,423 Australians will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2021. Darzalex® is a ground-breaking treatment mobilises the patient’s own immune system to fight the disease. This treatment will bring improved clinical outcomes and quality of life for those affected by this disease.

From 1 November 2021, these patients will now have access to a new subcutaneous form of Darzalex®, which means it can be given as an injection under the skin.

This additional treatment option for patients will provide a more convenient alternative, delivered as a 5‑minute injection that can be administered at home compared with the intravenous infusion which is given over several hours in a healthcare facility.

Without PBS subsidy, around 1,165 Australians per year might pay more than $136,000 per course of treatment with this new subcutaneous form.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said thousands of Australians and their families will benefit from these new and expanded listings.

“Since 2013, the Coalition Government had approved more than 2,700 new or amended listings on the PBS. This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month – or one each day – at an overall investment by the Government of $13.9 billion,” Minister Hunt said.

“Without PBS subsidies many Australians would be thousands of dollars out of pocket, instead they’ll only pay $41.30 per script or $6.60 with a concession card for these medicines.

Also available from November 1, 2021, Verzenio® (abemaciclib) will be expanded for use in combination with fulvestrant through the PBS. A new treatment option for Australians battling advanced forms of breast cancer.

These PBS listings have been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.

From 1 November 2021, Australian men with prostate cancer will have access to a new medication at an affordable price, thanks to the Morrison Government.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the announcement was a further sign that the Morrison Government’s commitment to ensuring Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.

“Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in men in Australia and the third most common cause of cancer death,” Mr Vasta said.

“One in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85. It is more common in older men, with more than 63 per cent of cases diagnosed in men over 65 years of age.”

“From November 1, as we mark the start of Movember, Nubeqa^® (darolutamide) will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the first time for patients with non-metastatic castration resistant carcinoma of the prostate.”

“Without PBS subsidy, around 1,000 patients may pay more than $40,000 per year for treatment. Instead, they will pay a maximum of $41.30 per script or $6.60 with a concession card.”

Prostate cancer that is no longer stopped by low testosterone levels is known as castration resistant. Castration-resistant prostate cancer is defined by a rising prostate specific antigen level, worsening symptoms and/or growing cancer verified by scans.

This PBS listing has been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt, echoed Mr Vasta, saying medication, alongside early detection can save lives and protect lives.

“It is estimated that around 18,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in Australia this year alone,” Minister Hunt said.

“Early detection and treatment can significantly improve prostate cancer survival. I encourage men over 50 to learn the symptoms of prostate cancer and if they have any concerns, talk to their GP.”

“Since 2013, the Coalition Government had approved more than 2,700 new or amended listings on the PBS. This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month – or one each day – at an overall investment by the Government of $13.9 billion.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has visited Bayside Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) in Lota to see the benefits of a previous election commitment representing $558,000 in funding for upgrades of their facilities and equipment which currently service the local community.

With a growing membership base, the clubs’ facilities were in urgent need of repair and this funding has enabled the upgrade of its gym kitchen, electrical, front entrance, fans and roofing to deliver the best possible experience.

Being taken on a tour of the clubs’ new facilities, Mr Vasta said it was fantastic to see how the club has utilised the funding to completely transform the space so it can continue to meet the needs of the community for years to come.

“Bayside PCYC has been helping both young people and seniors in the Bayside area for 49 years. They make an invaluable difference to our community and it has been a privilege to work with them from the very start of their vision for these upgrades,” said Mr Vasta.

“The upgrades will not only benefit Bayside PCYC’s membership base but cater to external community groups as well as the many locals and their families who use the space by ensuring they have access to quality equipment and resources.”

PCYC Queensland Chief Financial Officer Phillip Jessup said, “The facility itself looks fantastic, but it’s also about the extra members that we get coming through now, including over 300 children taking part in gymnastics.”

“The funding has made a huge difference,” said Mr Jessup.

Schools, ex-service organisations and community groups across Australia will soon receive resources to help them plan Remembrance Day commemorative services and activities.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP encouraged all schools and community groups in the Bonner to use these resources to expand the knowledge of future generations to ensure Remembrance Day continues to be acknowledged with pride and respect.

“The Remembrance Day ‘kitbag’ contains the resources required to conduct a commemorative service including an Order of Service, the Ode of Remembrance, the Australian National Anthem, suggested speeches, and commemorative music,” Mr Vasta said.

“In the lead up to Remembrance Day, assisting students in Bonner to learn more about the service and sacrifice of all Australians who have served our nation, contributes to honouring and preserving the Anzac legacy.

“The Remembrance Day ‘kitbag’ will provide everything a family, a neighbourhood or a community group needs to hold their own service this year on Remembrance Day.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the Department of Veterans’ Affairs has prepared a Remembrance Day educational resources pack to highlight the history and importance of honouring Australia’s veterans and servicemen and women.

“Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of guns falling silent on the Western Front in the First World War: the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Our nation stands in silent reflection for one minute each year to commemorate and honour the more than 102,000 Australians who have suffered and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” Minister Gee said.

“It is important that their service and sacrifice is never forgotten. As a nation, we can ensure generations of Australians continue to mark Remembrance Day and preserve the memory of our veterans by providing relevant and engaging educational resources to our schools and community groups.

“The Australian Government’s resources pack contains a video series focusing on the roles of Australians in war time, as well as a range of online and hardcopy resources, and an interactive lesson.”

Schools, community groups and ex-service organisations will start receiving the educational resources in the coming weeks. Resources are also available online at the Anzac Portal: anzacportal.dva.gov.au

The Morrison Government will act in a practical, responsible way to deliver net zero emissions by 2050 while preserving Australian jobs and generating new opportunities for industries and regional Australia.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor today released Australia’s Long Term Emissions Reduction Plan (the Plan), to deliver net zero emissions by 2050.

The technology-driven plan sets out a credible pathway to net zero by 2050, while preserving our existing industries, establishing Australia as a leader in low emissions technologies, and positioning our regions to prosper.

The Plan is based on our existing policies and will be guided by five principles that will ensure Australia’s shift to a net zero economy will not put industries, regions or jobs at risk.

The principles are: technology not taxes; expand choices not mandates; drive down the cost of a range of new technologies; keep energy prices down with affordable and reliable power; and, be accountable for progress.

The Plan focuses on driving down technology costs and accelerating their deployment at scale across the economy.

Over the next decade, our existing $20 billion investment in low emissions technology is expected to unlock at least $80 billion of total private and public investment, including in clean hydrogen, carbon capture and storage and energy storage.

The Plan also identifies the potential for continued technology advances and breakthroughs to unlock ultra low‑cost solar. As part of the annual update to the Technology Investment Roadmap, we have set a stretch goal of solar electricity generation at $15 per megawatt hour (MWh). Australia is a world leader in renewable energy, and cheap, clean electricity is integral to lowering emissions in the electricity sector and other industries in Australia.

The Plan shows how our priority technologies will deliver 85 per cent of the emissions reductions necessary to achieve net zero by 2050. This is achieved through our strong track record, with emissions already more than 20 per cent lower than 2005 levels, the Technology Investment Roadmap which will reduce emissions by around 40 per cent, global technology trends that will reduce emissions by 15 per cent, and high-integrity offsets that will achieve at least a further 10 per cent reduction.

It recognises the role future technology breakthroughs will play in closing the gap, with new and emerging technologies to reduce emissions by a further 15 per cent by 2050.

The Plan rules out taxes or a legislated mechanism, because these regressive approaches would impose costs on households, businesses and regions least able to afford them.

It includes five-yearly reviews that will enable us to evaluate progress and adapt to advances in technology.

 The Prime Minister said the Plan would continue to reduce Australia’s emissions while keeping our economy growing, maintaining affordable, reliable energy, and ensuring our regions remain strong.

“Australia now has a target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and we have a clear plan for achieving it,” the Prime Minister said. “The Plan outlines responsible, practical action to achieve net zero that is in our national interest.

“The Plan will deliver results through technology, not taxes. It respects people’s choice, and will not force mandates on what people can do or buy. It guarantees that we keep downward pressure on energy prices and secures reliable power. It will ensure Australia continues to serve traditional markets, while taking advantage of new economic opportunities.

“Australia will continue to build on our record of reducing emissions and achieve our targets in the Australian way.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Plan outlines an Australian way to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

“Australia will continue to reduce emissions while growing our economy, maintaining affordable, reliable energy and ensuring our regions remain strong,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our Plan continues the policies that we have already put in place and that we know have worked.”
“Our technology-driven approach will continue our strong emissions reduction record while preserving traditional industries and establishing Australia as a leader in emerging low emissions technologies.”

Minister Taylor said Australia’s emissions reduction story had been one of consistent achievement, and the Plan had been designed for Australia.

“Our Plan continues the policies and initiatives that we have already put in place and that have proven to be successful, while preserving existing industries and jobs, and supporting regional Australia,” Minister Taylor said.  “It will not shut down coal or gas production, or require displacement of productive agricultural land.

“Between 2005 and 2021, Australia’s emissions fell by 20.8 per cent, outpacing the reductions of the United States, Canada and New Zealand, and every other major commodity exporting nation in the world. The most recent forecast shows we will cut our emissions by up to 35 per cent by 2030.

“Under our Plan, the Technology Investment Roadmap and global trends will see Australia reduce its emissions by 85 per cent by 2050. We are committed to closing the gap to net zero over the next three decades in a way that is consistent with Liberal Party and National Party values.

“Our Plan is built on a set of key principles; the most important being technology, not taxes. Unlike Labor, we won’t introduce a carbon tax that drives Australian jobs overseas and punishes the most vulnerable in our community through higher prices for electricity and other essentials.”

Latest official projections released today show Australia is on track to reduce emissions by up to 35 per cent by 2030, well above our target of 26-28 per cent.

The Plan will maintain this momentum.

More information at: positiveenergy.gov.au and industry.gov.au/AEP2021

The National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse (2021-2030) announced today will provide vital protection and support for Australia’s young people.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this whole-of-nation effort is welcome news for victim-survivors, children and families Bonner.

“The safety and wellbeing of our community has always been a top priority for me, and since the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse we’ve been working with our organisations on building child-safe cultures,” Mr Vasta said.

“This National Strategy is a significant development in Australia’s capacity to support survivors and to hold perpetrators to account.

“Through this strategy we are more united than ever in our approach towards law enforcement, community awareness, intervention, and support.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the landmark National Strategy was the first of its kind.

“This is a watershed day for Australia. Today we deliver the first ever long-term, truly national plan to protect our children from the scourge of sexual abuse,” Prime Minister Morrison said.

“We must stop the abuse, and we must better support those who have been abused. We are doing our bit with an initial $307.5 million commitment to implement the National Strategy.”

The National Strategy was developed in partnership with Commonwealth and state and territory governments and in consultation with hundreds of stakeholders, including victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and their advocates, children and young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disability and their advocates.

The first phase of the National Strategy will be driven by two, four-year action plans.

The First National Action Plan – delivered by Commonwealth, state and territory governments in a coordinated and consistent approach – includes a national awareness raising campaign, new ways for survivors to access support, and the implementation of a National Victim Identification Framework.

The First Commonwealth Action Plan – which will be primarily delivered by Commonwealth agencies – includes $59.9 million worth of initiatives to be delivered by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to combat child sexual abuse, and $13.1 million to fund an independent national service to provide free legal advice to all victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.

Each action plan also includes co-designed approaches and resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

For more information, visit: the National Office for Child Safety website at https://childsafety.pmc.gov.au

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.

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.