Everyone should have access to affordable cancer care, no matter where they live.
With almost 1 in 2 Australian's expected to be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, we're working together to reduce the impact of cancer for all Australians.
And thanks to a petition with over 12,000 signatures, as of 1 July, cancer patients at the Riverina Cancer Care Centre no longer have to pay out-of-pocket expenses for radiotherapy and medical oncology treatments.
Change on a scale like this demonstrates the power of community action, advocacy, and a remarkable commitment to improving cancer outcomes.
Pushing for access to affordable cancer care
In regional areas like Wagga Wagga, accessing treatment can be challenging. Unlike people in big cities, they often have to travel long distances to receive the care they need, leading to significant travel and accommodation costs.
These expenses add up quickly, causing financial burden during an already difficult time.
Dr Joe McGirr, the Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, understood the need to highlight these challenges and rally support for a solution.
His leadership in mobilising community support led to a petition advocating for bulk-billed radiotherapy services in Wagga Wagga, eliminating out-of-pocket costs for patients.
The response was overwhelming, with more than 12,000 people signing in support, with each signature representing a voice demanding affordable cancer care.
The community's overwhelming support sent a clear message to policymakers - affordable cancer care is a priority.
From petition to policy
With the petition in hand, Dr McGirr and Cancer Council NSW took the issue to the NSW Parliament so policymakers could understand the challenges faced by people affected by cancer in regional areas and the importance of equitable access to care.
This included Cancer Council NSW 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.
Thanks to these collective efforts, the NSW Government announced a groundbreaking decision.
Starting 1 July 2024, radiotherapy and medical oncology treatments at the Riverina Cancer Care Centre will be bulk-billed, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
This policy change ensures that cancer patients in the region can receive timely and affordable treatment closer to home, significantly easing their financial burden.
Cancer Council NSW CEO Professor Sarah Hosking, praised the decision, saying "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."
The power of community advocacy
This success story highlights the incredible power of community action, because when people come together to support a cause, they can create real change.
The Riverina community's efforts have set an incredible example for others to follow, showing that advocacy works and that when voices speak with one voice, we can make a significant impact.
We'll continue to stand by everyone affected by cancer, pushing for better access to care, and supporting communities across NSW.
This victory in Riverina is a reminder that we can achieve great things when we come together.
Because together, it's all of us against cancer.
