Senator David Fawcett

2 days ago

NEW PBS LISTINGSThe Morrison Government has recently added new Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings, reducing the costs of vital treatments for Australians with spinal muscular dystrophy, high cholesterol, colorectal cancer, or chronic migraines.These additions to the PBS include:✔️Pratulent – new treatment for Australians with hypercholesterolaemia, to reduce cholesterol and reduce risk of heart attack or stroke; ✔️Ajovy – treatment for 10,000 Australians who experience chronic migraines;✔️Evrysdi – less invasive treatment option for patients with spinal muscular dystrophy, compared to spinal injections. Health Minister Greg Hunt has also announced the extension of Keytruda®️ (pembrolizumab), through the PBS, to include the treatment of unresectable or metastatic mismatch repair deficient colorectal cancer. Keytruda®️ is the first immunotherapy treatment available to Australians with colorectal cancer and expected to benefit more than 580 Australians each year – enabling them to pay just $41.30 per script, or $6.60 with concession, instead of more than $150,000 per course of treatment.Since 2013, the Australian Government has approved more than 2,600 new or amended Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings, representing an average of 30 listings or amendments per month – at an overall Government investment in $13.2 billion. Delivering the essential health services Australians need, our Government is investing a record $121.4 billion in 2021/22 – $503 billion over the next 4 years – to provide Australians with world-class health care. More information on new PBS listings: bit.ly/2WBhwl4 ... See MoreSee Less

Senator David Fawcett

7 days ago

SUPPORTING ROAD SAFETY AND COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE IN ADELAIDE’S NORTHEAST The Morrison Government has approved funding to improve 20 dangerous crash sites on South Australian roads, as part of the $1.1 billion Black Spot Program. The Program funds safety measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts at locations where a comparatively high number of serious crashes are known to have occurred, or are at risk of occurring. Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs are set to benefit, with the Martins Road and Ryans Road intersection in Green Fields receiving $475,000 to modify existing approaches and circulating path of the 4-way roundabout. Additionally, the Morrison Government has also approved $1 billion in funding for Phase 3 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI) – supporting local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects. Through LRCI’s Phase 3, the following councils in Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs have been allocated funds to start construction projects, sustaining local jobs and economic growth:✔️City of Salisbury, SA, Australia – $3,367,692 ✔️City of Tea Tree Gully – $2,427,502 ✔️City of Port Adelaide Enfield – $2,904,530LRCI’s Phase 2 has supported 19 local road and community infrastructure projects across the 3 Council areas in Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs. These projects are now underway, and all expect to be completed by December 2021. Through increased funding and support for the Black Spot and LRCI programs, the Morrison Government is seeking to improve amenity, support jobs, construction businesses and economic growth across Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs, it will also fund projects to improve road safety on local roads, helping South Australians get home safer and sooner.More information on the Black Spot Program: bit.ly/3wXU2mSMore information on LRCI: bit.ly/3iCdLDu ... See MoreSee Less

Senator David Fawcett

1 week ago

FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR SA PEST ANIMAL AND WEED MANAGEMENT South Australia is receiving $740,000 in funding from the Morrison Government for 2 projects to improve the management of priority pest species for SA farmers, land managers and the environment, as part of the $30.3 million Established Pest Animals and Weeds Management Pipeline Program.This follows the Morrison Government’s recent announcement of the Threatened Species Strategy 2021-2031 – which, among other goals, calls for a more coordinated approach to feral pest animal and weed management. More information on this funding announcement: bit.ly/36VRrPLAs Chair of the Senate Legislation Committee on Environment and Communications, I welcome this funding in light of the References Committee’s recent inquiry into the impact of feral deer, pigs and goats in Australia. For the Committee’s final report: bit.ly/3hVv2Zb The inquiry found that feral pig management alone is estimated to have cost Australian landholders $47.7 million in 2019. In the context of feral deer, landholders have experienced water spoilage, erosion, an increased struggle to find good grazing pasture, as well as damage to fences, tree crops, vines and shelterbelts. Landholders should be empowered to manage feral animals on their land, because the impact of feral species is expensive and landholders bear much of this cost. Further, that feral species management is most effective when delivered through the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders including landholders and all three tiers of government. Among others, a key recommendation of the Committee is that the Australian Bureau of Agricultural & Resource Economics & Sciences (ABARES) conduct an updated Pest Animal and Weed Survey to provide current information on pest species impacts on agricultural values and control measures being undertaken by landholders. A greater body of data on the extent and scope of the impact helps governments deliver targeted support to better address the problem. ... See MoreSee Less

Senator David Fawcett

1 week ago

HAVE YOUR SAY ON AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL DAY OF COMMEMORATION FOR PERSONNEL WHO SERVED IN THE MIDDLE EASTIn April, Prime Minister Scott Morrison (ScoMo) announced Australian service personnel were withdrawing from Afghanistan, and drawdown had completed by late June.More than 39,000 ADF personnel have served in Afghanistan in the 20 years since initial deployment, and 41 Australians made the ultimate sacrifice – many more physically and mentally wounded. I honour the service and sacrifice of the Australians who fought to reduce the threat of Al-Qaeda terrorist basing in Afghanistan, bring hope and the opportunity for freedom to a generation of Afghanis. Defence Minister Peter Dutton has confirmed a National Day of Commemoration is to be established to ensure Australians formally recognise the service and sacrifice of ADF personnel and their families who helped to save Australian lives from terrorist attacks on our own soil. Noting the significance of this commemoration, consultation is now underway to collect the views of serving ADF personnel, veterans, their families, ex-service organisations and the Australian community on an appropriate day to commemorate those who have served in the Middle East. Consultation concludes on Sunday 1 August 2021. Have your say: bit.ly/3BFTrdbMore information: bit.ly/3i5m4sk ... See MoreSee Less