Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Bilyk for the question. I can confirm that today the Albanese government has announced the biggest investment in cancer nurses on record. I know this is a matter close to your heart, and I note the attention that you have placed on health services and cancer services through your work in the Senate.

Today's announcement builds on the government's combined investment of over $500 million to establish the National Lung Cancer Screening Program and improve cancer outcomes for First Nations people with cancer announced earlier this year. With the recent release of the Australian Cancer Plan developed by Cancer Australia and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan developed by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, it's timely that the government is announcing this funding today.

For people who are confronted with a cancer diagnosis, navigating their cancer treatment journey can be overwhelming. That's why we're investing in additional support for patients during this time. The government is committing $166 million for a first-of-its-kind Australian cancer nursing and navigation program. The program will improve cancer outcomes across Australia from cancer prevention and early detection through to recovery, treatment, survivorship and end-of-life care. It will ensure people have access to the resources and support they need to better navigate their cancer journey. I'm proud that this government is building on the McGrath Foundation's well-established cancer nursing model to recruit a hundred new cancer care nurses in health and hospital services across the country who will support all people with cancer, regardless of their cancer type. We have asked the McGrath Foundation to lead the cancer care nurse program in partnership with the cancer sector, including organisations like the Lung Foundation Australia, the Melanoma Institute Australia and Rare Cancers Australia.