Albanese government to follow McGrath Foundation’s model of care for Aussie cancer patients
Following the McGrath Foundation’s annual high tea, Albanese has show his support for cancer patients across the country.
As the SCG turns pink for the third day of test cricket, Anthony Albanese and Mark Butler have shown their support for the McGrath Foundation on this year’s Jane McGrath Day.
Following the foundation’s annual high tea, the Prime Minister praised the charity who raises money to place breast care nurses in communities across Australia.
“This is an extraordinary legacy that has assisted more than 120,000 families that are dealing with breast cancer,” Mr Albanese said.
“The nurses provide that support so that no one feels as though they’re alone during what can be a difficult time for cancer sufferers but also for family members.”
In November last year, the Albanese government announced a $166m package that will provide Australians with different types of cancer greater access to specialist cancer nurses across the country.
The investment into at least 100 nurses will build on the model established by the McGrath Foundation which currently sees breast care nurses accessible all over the country.
Mr Albanese said 90 per cent of Australians live within 75km of a McGrath Foundation breast cancer nurse and the funding will expand that model by providing Australians access to nurses specialising in different types of cancers.
“We also have announced an increase in support using the McGrath Foundation model because we know that it works,” Mr Albanese said.
“We want to see all cancer nurses, dealing with different forms of cancer providing that support to cancer sufferers and their families when they need it and where they need it.”
The program will be known as the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program and will help to deliver improved cancer outcomes across the nation.
The additional nurses will join the 148 commonwealth funded melanoma, breast and lung cancer nurses currently supporting patients in Australia.
Health Minister Mark Butler said the million dollar investment will see the number of commonwealth funded nurses increase by more than two thirds.
“What that plan reminded us all of is that in some areas, with some cancer types, Australians receive the best survival rates in the world. Breast cancer in Australia has about the best survival rate anywhere in the planet,” Mr Butler said.
“Because of the program set up by the Jane McGrath Foundation, the journey that patients have is about the best supported journey anywhere in the world.
“But the cancer plan reminded us that that’s not true for all Australians in all parts of the country and it’s not true for all cancer types.
“That’s why in November, Glen McGrath and I were here at the SCG announcing a $166m comprehensive nursing and navigation program, not just for breast cancer but for every single cancer type.”
The McGrath Foundation was launched by cricketer Glenn McGrath and his wife Jane McGrath in 2005 after Ms McGrath’s battle with breast cancer.
More Coverage
Block children or face $50m fines, social media giants told
Instagram, Facebook and X will face fines of up to $50m for breaching Labor’s proposed social media ban for under-16s, with the government telling the platforms to protect young Australians.
ALP sets out pre-poll stall: let’s keep spending
Jim Chalmers has paved the way for additional government spending in the lead-up to the election, as he warned the mid-year fiscal update would show tepid economic growth figures.