Dear Mr Murphy

Thank you for your letter of 16 March 2011 regarding the petition to return mobile breast screen services to New South Wales. In accordance with Standing Order 209 (b), I am providing a written response to you on the matter raised in the petition.

The Australian Government recognises that breast cancer is a serious public health concern for all Australians. Accordingly, in partnership with the state and territory governments, it supports efforts through BreastScreen Australia to achieve significant reductions in breast cancer mortality.

BreastScreen Australia is co-funded by the Australian and state and territory governments. The Australian Government provides policy formulation, national data collection, quality control, monitoring and evaluation of BreastScreen Australia. Funding for BreastScreen Australia is provided to states and territories through the National Healthcare Agreements, under which jurisdictions plan and implement service delivery at the local level.

Currently, breast screening services across New South Wales are provided through a combination of fixed sites and mobile screening units. The location and mode of service delivery for breast screening services in New South Wales are decisions of BreastScreen NSW and the New South Wales Government. Therefore, the citizens of this petition may wish to raise their concerns formally with the New South Wales Minister for Health, the

Hon Jillian Skinner MP. Minister Skinner's details are as follows, the Hon Jillian Skinner MP, Minister for Health, Level 31, Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney NSW 2000.

from the Minister for Health and Ageing, Ms Roxon