Local advocacy win for cancer care
Cancer Council NSW celebrates NSW Government’s commitment to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for cancer treatment in Wagga Wagga
Cancer Council NSW commends the NSW Government for finalising their commitment to remove out-of-pocket expenses for radiotherapy and medical oncology treatment at the Riverina Cancer Care Centre in Wagga Wagga. The new agreement, set to commence on 1 July 2024, marks a significant milestone in ensuring equitable access to essential cancer care services for regional communities.
“We commend the NSW Government for listening to concerns and delivering on their commitment to provide affordable cancer care for people in regional NSW”” said Professor Sarah Hosking, CEO of Cancer Council NSW. “The implementation of bulkbilling at the Riverina Cancer Care Centre will not only alleviate financial burdens during what is already a challenging time but will also enable more individuals to receive timely and affordable cancer treatment closer to home.”
This initiative follows tireless advocacy efforts led by Dr. Joe McGirr, Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, and supported by Cancer Council NSW. Dr. McGirr’s leadership in mobilising community support, including a petition with over 12,000 signatures advocating for bulk-billed radiotherapy services in Wagga Wagga, has been instrumental in achieving this positive outcome.
Cancer Council NSW has actively supported Dr. McGirr’s advocacy efforts by raising the issue in various parliamentary inquiries, including the 2022 Legislative Council Inquiry and the recent 2024 Legislative Assembly Select Committee inquiry into remote, rural and regional health.
“We believe that everyone, regardless of their location, deserves access to affordable cancer treatments. This initiative is a huge win for people affected by cancer in the Riverina, who now will be able to access free cancer treatments and look forward to their financial burden being significantly eased.
“Cancer Council NSW has advocated for this issue since 2020, and through this we want to remind people that we’re standing by everyone living with cancer because real change takes all of us,” concluded Professor Hosking.
