LABOR AXES TRUSTED PCFA PROSTATE CANCER NURSE PROGRAM

LABOR AXES TRUSTED PCFA PROSTATE CANCER NURSE PROGRAM

Member for Barker Tony Pasin has condemned the Albanese Government’s decision to strip Commonwealth funding from the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s trusted Specialist Nursing Program effective 1 July 2027.

“The Government is tearing down a proven, tumour-specific nursing program that has been built over more than a decade, without any credible explanation and before its own independent evaluation has even been completed,” Mr Pasin said.

PCFA’s established program delivers nearly 150,000 consultations each year and supports more than 22,000 new patients, in addition to existing patients. Despite this proven record, the Albanese Government has chosen to dismantle the program and gamble with the continuity of specialist care relied upon by men and families across Australia.

“I have immense respect for PCFA and the work it has done to support men with prostate cancer and their families,” Mr Pasin said.

“PCFA’s specialist nurses understand the particular challenges involved in engaging men about their health. They support men through difficult conversations and complex treatment decisions, while also encouraging early testing and helping break down the reluctance many men have about seeking help,” Mr Pasin said.

“If the focus on prostate cancer, the most common cancer diagnosis amongst men, is diluted we risk diminishing years of progress in raising awareness, encouraging early detection and providing support.”

In 2023, the Riverland, Murray Lands, Mallee and Coorong regions celebrated the commencement of a federally funded specialist prostate cancer nurse, administered through PCFA, providing men and their families across the region with a consistent point of contact and specialist support closer to home.

“The Government should not dismantle a proven specialist program before its own independent evaluation is complete,” Mr Pasin said.

“Minister Butler must meet urgently with PCFA, release the evidence behind this decision and guarantee men will not lose access to specialist prostate cancer nursing care.”