Jason Wood (La Trobe, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A number of colleagues here today had a great barbecue lunch at the Big Aussie Barbie. I thank the Prime Minister for his attendance and I congratulate the co-chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of Prostate Cancer Awareness Group, the member for Blaxland and the member for Leichhardt.

It is a chilling fact that prostate cancer is now Australia's No. 1 diagnosed cancer in Australia for men. Each year 20,000 men in all corners of the country are diagnosed with this condition, and, tragically, 3,300 do not make it. However, with early detection there is a survival rate of 92 per cent five years after diagnosis—so men, go and get your tests done.

Last weekend I was very pleased to support the efforts of the Prostate Cancer Foundation by hosting a Big Aussie Barbie in the electorate of La Trobe. I thank the various participants, including: John Strachan, the foundation's Victorian manager; Lindsay Harding, president of Akoonah Park Men's Shed; and the Commonwealth Bank.

On a personal note, my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer 15 years ago. He is still with us. But to all the wives out there, make sure hubby has his tests—and, daughters, tell your fathers to get tested—because it is also very tough on the carers who look after people who have prostate cancer.