Julia Banks (Chisholm, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As the Chair of Parliamentary Friends of Women's Health, I'd like to acknowledge the wonderful work of Breast Cancer Network Australia, BCNA, the peak national organisation for Australians affected by breast cancer. It consists of a network of more than 100,000 individual members and 300 member groups. Its CEO, Kirsten Pilatti, leads a wonderful team who work every day to raise awareness of breast cancer. Their work includes the iconic Field of Women at the MCG. Their work, no matter how large or small, in some way will help make a difference to women's lives and support women through treatment to wellness.

With Kirsten's leadership, BCNA's State of the nation report for 2018 was launched last week here in Parliament House to mark BCNA's 20th anniversary. This was a wonderful occasion. The report is a testament recognising the importance of the 18 months of work and consultation that continues under the superb leadership of Kirsten and the team at BCNA, but, importantly, it's also a testament to the thousands of women who contributed to this report and shared their experiences. I thank you. It's your courage and resilience in talking about your experience that will undoubtedly help other women as they journey through the confronting and frightening journey that a cancer diagnosis brings. I am proud to be part of the Turnbull government, which has implemented pragmatic policies and resources that will directly help to save lives and improve women's health.