NUTRITION will be the theme for this year’s Veterans’ Health week with funding for applications to support events highlighting the week now open for Ex-Service organisations (ESOs) and community groups across McMillan.

Member for McMillan, Russell Broadbent said Veterans’ Health Week in September was a fantastic opportunity for Ex-Service organisations and community groups to positively engage with veterans in their communities and promote the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle.

“We know that nutrition leads to improved health and better lifestyle outcomes.

“This year’s Veterans’ Health Week will highlight the importance of improving and maintaining good nutritional health. I encourage everyone to get behind Veterans’ Health Week events to make it a great success.

“Our local ex-service organisations and community groups provide fantastic ongoing support, engagement and information to the veteran and ex-service community. We recognise their efforts and commend their ongoing contributions to our community,” Mr Broadbent said.

Veterans’ Health Week focuses on providing ongoing support, engagement and information to the veteran and ex-service communities in a positive and enjoyable environment.

“Any ESO or community group with a link to the broader veteran community is eligible to apply and are encouraged to partner with other organisations that promote healthy, active and engaged lifestyles.

“Think outside the square and get creative, activities like cooking and sharing a meal is also a great way to learn new skills, meet people, share recipes and try fresh and healthy food options," Mr Broadbent said.

Veterans’ Health Week will run from Saturday 22 September to Sunday 30 September 2018. Applications for funding close on 29 June 2018.

The Veterans’ Health Week funding application form, resource guide and other documentation to assist event organisers are now available at dva.gov.au/veterans-health-week.

Interested parties are also welcome to contact DVA on 1800 555 254 for further information.

The Turnbull Government has announced in the 2018-19 Budget the listing of a life-changing breast cancer medicine on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme that would otherwise cost patients around $71,820 per year.

Member for McMillan, Russell Broadbent said this investment of $703.6 million, will mean that more than 3,000 Australian patients with inoperable or metastatic hormone receptor positive breast cancer will benefit from the 1 July listing of ribociclib (Kisqali®).

“Hormone receptor positive tumours are the most common form of breast cancer and account for most of the deaths from the disease” Mr Broadbent said.

By inhibiting the two proteins that drive the growth of tumour cells, ribociclib — used in combination with other drugs — will slow the progression of inoperable and metastatic breast cancers in some patients.

The independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended the listing of Kisqali.

The Committee is by law and in practice, independent of Government in its deliberations. By law the Federal Government cannot list a new medicine without a positive recommendation from this committee.

Mr Broadbent said since coming into Government, the Coalition has helped improve the health of Australians by subsidising approximately $9 billion worth of new medicines.

Mr Broadbent said the Turnbull Government’s commitment to the PBS is rock solid.

“Together with Medicare, it is a foundation of our world-class health care system,” Mr Broadbent said.

Member for McMillan, Russell Broadbent’s continued focus on aged care is reaping rewards for older people in McMillan.

The Turnbull Government’s 2018-19 Budget will support older Australians to live longer and be better prepared, healthier, more independent and connected to their communities through the More Choices For a Longer Life package.

The Package gives older Australians more choices and greater flexibility, including:

“Since the last Budget, the Turnbull Government has delivered an extra 20,000 high-level home care packages, to support people to live at home longer.

“We’re providing 13,500 new residential aged care places and 775 short-term restorative places to be made available where they are most needed, plus $60 million for capital investment.

“We will also invest $40 million to support aged care providers in regional, rural and remote Australia for urgent building and maintenance works,” Mr Broadbent said.

MyAged Care will be improved with an investment of $61.7 million to make it easier to use, along with simplifying the forms required to apply for aged care services, and $7.4 million to trial navigators to assist people to choose the aged care services that suit their needs.

There will also be $32.8 million towards improving palliative care for older Australians living in residential aged care, filling current gaps in support services, $5.3 million for innovations in managing dementia, and $102.5 million for mental health programs for older Australians.

Mr Broadbent said that people over 65 will be assisted to undertake more physical activity, with locally-based sporting organisations receiving grants totalling $22.9 million to deliver new programs for older Australians.

“The Turnbull Government’s Budget delivers measures to boost living standards and expand retirement income options to give retirees confidence in their financial security,” Mr Broadbent said.

Families from across the electorate of McMillan will benefit from the Turnbull Government’s significant infrastructure investment with an additional $7.8 billion delivered in the 2018-19 Budget.

Member for McMillan, Russell Broadbent said that the Budget set a clear plan for creating jobs and opportunities while growing our regional economies, and giving families the opportunity to keep living and working in regional communities.

“Residents of McMillan will benefit from the Commonwealth Government’s significant investment in infrastructure projects across Victoria including the upgrades to the Gippsland rail line, the Monash Freeway, duplication of the Princes Highway between Sale and Traralgon, $5 Billion allocated to the Melbourne Airport Rail Link and an additional $140 million for the Victorian Congestion Package.

“Across McMillan, local shires will also benefit from funding through the Roads to Recovery Program that will see nearly $5 million in funding towards maintaining and upgrading local roads.

“These projects are critical to ensuring people in regional areas like McMillan can access their capital city for jobs and essential services.

“The Coalition is also strengthening our local towns in McMillan with communities able to apply to the third round of the Building Better Regions Fund that the Commonwealth Government has allocated an additional $200 million through this year’s budget.

“This fund aims to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities.

“We’ve also extended the Stronger Communities Programme to a fourth round with an additional $22.5 million, this programme has already made a really positive contribution to communities across McMillan.

“The Budget shows the Government’s commitment to regional Australia through the extension of vital community grants programs that invest in economic and social infrastructure in our community.

“McMillan will also benefit from the Bridges Renewal Program which will fund $1.3 million towards upgrading and improving access and safety at bridges on Allambee Estate Road and Bena Kongwak Road.

“The successful schools Chaplaincy Program has received ongoing funding of nearly $250 million over four years with an additional focus on anti-bullying.

“This budget guarantees the funding of the National Disability and Insurance Scheme. Australians with a permanent and significant disability deserve the best care we can provide,” Mr Broadbent said.

For more information on the 2018-19 Budget visit https://www.budget.gov.au/.

Russell Broadbent MP
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