Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey MP has raised concerns in Parliament about the Albanese Government’s decision to withdraw funding from a specialist prostate nursing program that provides critical services in the electorate of Parkes.
The Government will end Commonwealth funding for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s (PCFA) specialist nursing program in June 2027, redirecting $46.5 million over five years to the McGrath Foundation for 60.5 full-time-equivalent prostate cancer nursing positions.
PCFA says the decision affects 96 Commonwealth-funded nurses in its national network of 131 specialist practitioners.
“I’ve already had approaches from people who are deeply concerned about the impact this is going to have on specialist prostate cancer care in regional areas including Broken Hill,” Mr Chaffey said
“I’m advised the decision will put hundreds of men in Broken Hill, Tibooburra, White Cliffs, Wilcannia, Ivanhoe and the entire region at risk. They will no longer have access to specialist care. It is likely to mean the end of the very successful Cancer Community Support Group and an end to tailored specialist care.
“I do not have concerns with the McGrath Foundation. They do an amazing job, But the PCFA also provide important care and deserve funding for existing services.
“Men in regional and remote Australia have a 24 per cent higher risk of dying from prostate cancer than men in metropolitan areas, according to the PCFA, and yet this is where funding is being cut. We need more specialist care in regional and remote areas, not less. We are talking about men who are living hundreds of kilometres from a major hospital and often from specialist care.”
PCFA has released consultation findings showing 96 per cent of participating affected nurses opposed the Government’s decision, with many expressing concerns about the potential loss of prostate-specific expertise and continuity of care.
Mr Chaffey joined Shadow Minister for Regional Health Dr Anne Webster in calling for the Government to release the evidence supporting its decision and explain how regional patients would benefit.
“We are seeking a guarantee that no regional community will be left with less access to specialist prostate cancer nursing care because of this decision.”
Mr Chaffey spoke in Parliament against the decision at the last parliamentary sitting. His speech is available here: https://www.jamiechaffey.com.au/speeches/regional-australians-face-unacceptable-health-challenges/
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Caption: Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey MP in Broken Hill.
Media contact: Marie Low | 0491 940 108 | marie.low@aph.gov.au