The Albanese Government is delivering 350 Commonwealth-supported cancer nurses, the biggest investment in cancer nursing on record.
For patients confronted with a cancer diagnosis, the health care system can be overwhelming - that's why the Albanese Government is investing in more cancer nurses and additional care for patients throughout their journey.
An additional $213 million will be invested in the Cancer Nurse Service under the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program, enabling the McGrath Foundation to recruit an extra 100 cancer nurses over 5 years from 2027-28.
The new funding will enable the McGrath Foundation to support more people by boosting the number of Commonwealth-supported nursing places to 350 by 2032.
This investment builds on the significant number of cancer nurses already funded by the Albanese Government. The Federal Government has been a partner of the McGrath Foundation since 2009 and since the McGrath Foundation began it has supported more than 167,000 families through cancer.
The new funding will also improve access to cancer support for those living in rural and remote areas by funding nurses across a range of healthcare settings, helping to reduce barriers to quality care for those living outside major cities.
This aligns with the priorities of the Australian Cancer Plan, which aims to improve prevention, screening, treatment, and management of all cancers for all people in Australia regardless of their background or where they live.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"The McGrath Cancer Nurses are lifelines for so many Australians and their families.
"This investment will mean more patients, families, loved ones and carers are supported and get the compassionate and expert care they need through their cancer experience.
"Thank you to our skilled and compassionate network of cancer nurses, your work provides patients with much-needed care when it's needed most."
Quotes attributable to Glenn McGrath, President & Co-Founder McGrath Foundation:
"Thanks to the support of the Federal Government, alongside the incredible generosity of the community, more people across Australia facing cancer will have access to the free care and support of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse when they need it most."
Quotes attributable to Holly Masters, CEO McGrath Foundation:
"With 1 in 2 people in Australia expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, demand for specialist cancer care nurses continues to grow. Working closely with the Federal Government is critical in helping us ensure no one with cancer misses out on the care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse."
