NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car breast cancer ‘a blow to the government’, Premier says

NSW Premier Chris Minns has admitted Prue Carr’s breast cancer diagnosis is “a blow to the government” in an emotional tribute.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has admitted Deputy Premier Prue Carr’s breast cancer diagnosis is “a blow to the government” in an emotional tribute.

Ms Car said in a statement on Tuesday she had informed Mr Minns she would be “taking personal leave for an undetermined period of time”.

“A recent screening has detected breast cancer, and I will now begin immediate treatment,” she said.

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

“I’ve faced this challenge before, and I’m determined to beat it again. Testing has confirmed this is unrelated to my previous diagnosis.”

Speaking in Parramatta on Tuesday, Mr Minns described his deputy’s achievements as “incredible”, and that her departure was a blow.

NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car will start ‘immediate treatment’ for breast cancer. Picture: Newswire / Gaye Gerard

“I have to say, her focus at the moment is to focus on recovery (and) get her health back and then get back to work,” he said.

“But, I do want to make the point: it’s a blow to the government too.

“Now, that’s not the priority. Obviously not.

“But, I wanted to make sure I mentioned it in recognition of her importance to the government.”

Mr Minns said Ms Carr had been a “rock for the administration”.

“She’s been so clear in her reforms. We need her back on deck, but obviously she’s got to go through the recovery first.”

Ms Car said she looked “forward to returning to the role I’ve cherished” and named Natural Resources Minister Courtney Houssos as steward her education and Western Sydney portfolios in her absence.

She also urged women to get breast cancer screenings, saying she was “extremely grateful for early detection”.

“Breast cancer screenings are vital for early detection and treatment, and I strongly encourage all women to stay up to date with their checks,” Ms Car said.

“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.”

Mr Minns responded with a statement describing Ms Car as a “fighter” and saying the “thoughts of the entire government are with our colleague and our friend Prue Car as she begins treatment following her breast cancer diagnosis”.

NSW Premier Chris Minns says Ms Car is a ‘fighter’. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Speaking to Sydney talkback a little later, Mr Minns also confirmed she would remain as the Premier State’s deputy.

“Very confronting news for Prue and her family and friends … she’s amazing teammate,

incredibly tough, very resilient person,” he told 2GB.

Referencing Ms Car’s kidney cancer diagnosis in 2022, he said she “never brings it up, just gets on with the job”.

“I think she’d be entitled to a bit of self pity, but there’s just none of it, she’s a very resilient person,” Mr Minns said.

“I didn’t give her any say on (remaining deputy premier).

“She’s gonna dip in and out depending on her treatment and as soon as she’s ready, we’ll have her back in a heartbeat.”

Originally published as NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car breast cancer ‘a blow to the government’, Premier says