News

Health Community facilities | February 08, 2016

Time is up for Labor to fund the Wimmera Cancer Centre

Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy again calls on the Andrews Labor Government to commit the desperately needed $1 million to fund the Wimmera Cancer Centre, as the Premier plans to visit Horsham this week.

“We know the Premier is going to be in Horsham this Friday to officially open the town hall, and it would be great to see him bring the cheque book,” Ms Kealy said.

The Andrews Labor Government has continued to refuse to commit to funding the Wimmera Cancer Centre, putting $1 million in Federal Liberal National Coalition funding at risk.

“I find it absolutely astonishing that after almost a year of dithering the Andrews Labor Government refuses to listen to our locals and make a funding commitment to the Wimmera Cancer Centre project,” Ms Kealy said.

“Every day that the Andrews Labor Government stalls is another day that locals do not have access to the cancer care facilities that they deserve.

“I am sick of reading reports that we have the worst five-year cancer survival rate. We must do all we can to reverse this statistic. We are all entitled to quality healthcare services, whether we live in the city or the country. It is important that our country communities and health care professionals have access to the facilities that they need to give people diagnosed with cancer the best possible treatment and care,” she said.

This week the Rachael’s Wish - Wimmera Cancer Project Fundraising Appeal has reached over $600,000 towards the communities’ contribution goal of $1 million.

“It is inspiring to read regular reports in the local media of another community event that has raised money for the Wimmera Cancer Centre. It is truly a credit to our local communities, who have demonstrated through their actions and generosity their strong support for this vital local project,” Ms Kealy said.

“It is the responsibility of every Member of Parliament to listen to the local community and stand up for them. I will continue to stand up for the people of the Wimmera who deserve local access to a purpose built cancer care facility. I urge the Andrews Labor Government to do the same; to listen to the locals and immediately fund the Wimmera Cancer Centre,” she said.

Photo Caption – Emma Kealy MP with Dr Don Johns OAM, Chairman of the Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation. The Foundation initiated the Wimmera Cancer Centre project in 2014.