Organisations representing cancer sufferers, public hospitals and medical specialists have applauded Labor’s $2.3 billion cancer treatment package. Here’s what these organisations had to say.

Healthcare and Hospitals Association

The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) hailed Labor’s $2.3 billion Medicare Cancer Plan as a “bold investment” and “a real game changer”.

AHHA is the national peak body for public and not-for-profit hospitals, primary health networks, and community and primary healthcare services.

AHHA chief executive Alison Verhoeven described Labor’s plan as a much-needed response to the significant costs that confront many cancer patients.

“While the Coalition’s review of the MBS and efforts to improve transparency about the costs of care have been welcome initiatives, the bold investment in cancer care pledged by the Opposition Leader is a real game changer that will potentially benefit the many Australians who are diagnosed with cancer,” she said.

Cancer Council

The Cancer Council of Australia said Labor’s plan had the potential to be the most significant reform in government subsidies for cancer treatment since Labor established Medicare.

Cancer Council CEO, Professor Sanchia Aranda, said Labor’s plan would not only reduce the financial burden, it could also lead to “significant improvements” in clinical outcomes.

She said cancer survival outcomes were significantly worse for Australia’s poorest people.

“The federal Opposition should be commended for such a strong, landmark commitment to reducing the impact and inequities related to cancer, which is likely to directly affect one in two Australians in their lifetime.”

College of Surgeons

Royal Australian College of Surgeons president John Batten said he would “strongly advocate” for all members to sign up to Labor’s new Medicare item number, under which patients would get rebates of up to $150 for consultations – provided the specialists did not charge an out-of-pocket cost.

Mr Shorten said this would raise the bulk-billing rate for cancer specialist consultations to 80 per cent from its current 40 per cent.

College of Radiologists

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) president Dr Lance Lawler said he “applauded” Bill Shorten’s announcement that Labor would significantly increase access to scans for cancer patients.

He said Labor’s investment could “position Australia as a global leader in the quality and appropriate use of imaging for cancer.”

“This is the first time a political party has recognised the unfair and restrictive MRI licensing system and has committed to levelling the playing field for cancer patients.

“Cancer patients will now have a choice of any MRI machine close to where they live.

“We thank the Opposition for listening to the concerns of patients and clinicians and acting to address barriers in Medicare.”