Smokers urged to quit on World No Tobacco Day

Australian smokers are being urged to put their health first and kick the habit on World No Tobacco Day. This year’s World No Tobacco Day is aimed at raising awareness of the link between smoking and heart and cardiovascular diseases, including stroke. Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen MP said smoking is one of…

Funding applications open for Veterans’ Health Week

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. Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen MP said Veterans’ Health Week in September was a fantastic opportunity for ex-service organisations and community groups to…

Budget delivers life-changing breast cancer medication

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. Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen MP said the investment of $703.6 million would mean more than 3000 Australian patients with inoperable or…

Building a more active Australia

The Coalition Government has delivered a $230 million package of sports and physical activity participation initiatives to encourage more Australians to be more active, more often. Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen MP said participation in sport and physical activity was vital for the health and wellbeing of those living in his electorate of…

Helping people with disability get a job

People with disability will be able to receive more support in their search for a job with the Turnbull Government increasing funding to new and existing Disability Employment Service (DES) providers from July 1, 2018. Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen MP said DES providers in Forde helped connect people with disability to the…

Free whooping cough vaccine for pregnant women

The Turnbull Government will provide the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine to every pregnant woman in the country, protecting both baby and mother from this life-threatening disease. Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen MP said the $39.5 million investment would add the vaccine to the National Immunisation Program, guaranteeing its access, safety and availability for…

Life-saving medicine added to PBS

The Turnbull Government will provide $241 million to list a vital and life-saving medicine which treats Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), cutting the cost to patients in Forde by hundreds of thousands of dollars. Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen MP said from June 1 this year, the Government would make Spinraza available on the…

Lifeline funding boost to support mental health

The Turnbull Government will provide $33.8 million to Lifeline to significantly boost their telephone crisis service and help those with mental health issues in Forde. Over one million Australians reach out to Lifeline each year and it receives the largest call volume of any crisis support service. Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen MP…