Deputy Premier Prue Car announces leave to battle breast cancer diagnosis

Deputy Premier Prue Car has announced she will take immediate personal leave to battle breast cancer, saying “I have faced this challenge before and I am determined to beat it again.” Watch her statement.

NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car released a statement saying she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car has announced she will take leave for an “undetermined” amount of time to battle breast cancer.

In a statement released early Tuesday morning, Ms Car confirmed she would begin immediate treatment after a recent screening detected the illness.

“Thankfully, because the cancer was caught early, my doctors are optimistic about my recovery — and so am I,” she said.

“I’ve faced this challenge before, and I’m determined to beat it again.

Car clarified that the current diagnosis is unrelated to a previous battle with a tumour in her kidney, which she had overcome.

Ms Car, who also serves as Minister for Western Sydney, announced that her colleague Courtney Houssos will act in her place during her absence.

“The vital work of rebuilding our state’s education system will continue without pause,” Car said.

Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car during a visit to Camden South Public School. Picture: Rohan Kelly

“I look forward to returning to the role I’ve cherished since our government took office in March 2023 — a role I absolutely love.She used the statement to emphasise the importance of Breast cancer screenings, saying they are “vital for early detection and treatment,” she said.

“I strongly encourage all women to stay up to date with their checks. I am extremely grateful for early detection and to the incredible people who work in the NSW Health system. They are nothing short of extraordinary.”

Premier Chris Minns led a chorus of support for his colleague, expressing his support of Ms Car’s decision and praising her resilience in the face of the diagnosis.

“The thoughts of the entire Government are with our colleague and our friend Prue Car as she begins treatment,” Minns said.

“I know Prue well. She is a fighter, and I know she will face this challenge with the same determination and grace that she brings to everything she does.”

Minns reaffirmed that Car will remain Deputy Premier during her leave and said the government looks forward to her return.

“I fully support her decision to take the time she needs to focus on her health and recovery, and I know she will be supported by expert care and the love of her family, friends, and colleagues,” he said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns with his deputy Prue Car. Picture: Christian Gilles / NewsWire

On breakfast radio, Mr Minns has praised Ms Car as “incredibly tough” and “very resilient”.

Speaking on Ben Fordham at 6.30am, Mr Minns shared his admiration for Car’s strength of character, particularly in light of her previous cancer battle in 2022.

“She’s an amazing teammate, but she’s incredibly tough, very resilient person,” He said.

“And given the nature of the news, speaking to her over the weekend, I was just struck by how determined she is to take up this battle. Like everything she does in her life, she just doesn’t give up.”

Fordham reflected on Car’s 2022 diagnosis, noting he had “almost forgotten about the battle she went through.”

Minns echoed this, saying the Deputy Premier “just gets on with the job.”

“She never, never brings it up, just gets on with the job,” Minns said.

“I think she’d be entitled to a bit of self pity. I certainly would if I was in the same circumstance, but there’s just none of it from her. She’s just a very determined person.”

“Tough weekend, though, particularly when you consider, you know, your responsibility to your family and letting people know that you got another challenge ahead of her and them in the months ahead.”

Finance Minister Courtney Houssos will take on Ms Car’s portfolios. Picture: Monique Harmer

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning and Acting Minister for Western Sydney Courtney Houssos praised her colleague’s courage.

“Prue is one of the strongest people I know. She is a fearless and courageous leader – and I’ll be standing side-by-side with her to beat this. My love and best wishes go to her and her family.

“I look forward to her returning to work in full health. In the meantime, I am committed to continuing her work to deliver for students, teachers and parents across New South Wales, and everyone in Western Sydney.”

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