Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin has announced that the Limestone Coast will be one of 13 sites across the country to receive new radiation therapy services.

In addition to the $6 billion a year the Morrison Government provides for cancer treatments and services, the Government is investing $63.4 million to expand cancer treatment capacity through new radiation therapy services in 13 regional locations.

The federally funded initiative will provide greater access, help and support for people fighting cancer.

The $63.4 million was included in the Federal Budget and Tony Pasin has been advocating for the Limestone Coast to be included as one of the 13. 

The new centres will deliver high quality, comprehensive radiation oncology services.

“Our Government is addressing the very real difficulty patients in regional and rural communities face in accessing radiation therapy – therapy that could change their lives. It is vital that we do all we can to provide cancer care for patients living in Australia,” Mr Pasin said.

“We know that radiation therapy can open up options for people’s cancer treatment mix. It is a proven, life-saving used in 48 per cent of successful cancer treatments.

“Too many Australians – especially people in regional and rural communities – cannot access radiation therapy because they live too far from their nearest radiation therapy centre.

“Having to travel long distances for therapy means time, money and inconvenience for patients at this stressful time in their lives.

“Through this funding, we can help patients to overcome these issues, so they and their families can focus on what matters – fighting and beating cancer,” Mr Pasin said.

The Morrison Government is committed to supporting regional Australia, and is working with key stakeholders to ensure that the investment is well targeted to support regional population centres that can service their surrounding areas.

This investment builds on the $606 million investment for diagnostic imaging benefiting cancer and other patients in the budget.

The Government continues to invest in cancer medicines, with $1.4 billion listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in the past year such as for lung, skin, and breast cancers.

The Morrison Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued investment of record funding into vital health initiatives including drug and alcohol treatment, mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.

Media Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8531 2466