Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Robertson for his question. He is just one of the people who have brought their professional skills in the area of health care into this parliament, and the parliament is better for it. Today I was very honoured to once again meet with the 2024 Australian of the Year, Professor Richard Scolyer. We announced $5.9 million to establish the Richard Scolyer Chair in Brain Cancer Research at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse in Sydney, together with Gail O'Brien, Chris O'Brien's widow. This investment will support a number of research positions, including a professorial chair as well as postdoctoral fellows, research assistants and PhD scholarships, along with research costs. That will be rolled out in conjunction with the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the University of Sydney.

Professor Richard Scolyer is an extraordinary Australian, a humble man who has achieved so much, and, for so many Australians, his story has resonated so deeply. He is a renowned pathologist, a melanoma researcher who's made remarkable contributions to Australian medical research. He is the first in the world to receive an experimental treatment approach adapted from his own melanoma immunotherapy research, becoming both a patient and a research subject. Together with the other Australian of the Year recipient, his research partner Professor Georgina Long, he represents the very best of this country—someone who has brought skill, tenacity and courage, someone who always thinks of others. Indeed, even today he was suggesting that the chair in brain cancer research shouldn't be named after him. It says so much about his character and the fact he is just always thinking of others. Even after being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2023, he continues to think about how he can make a difference while going through what is a very difficult period. He continues to be an advocate and continues to show leadership, and the courage that he has shown is an inspiration for all Australians, including every member of this House.

This announcement means that we can continue to stay at the forefront of the fight against cancer, we can continue to train the world's best researchers, and we can continue Professor Scolyer's vital work.

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