Andrew Wilkie (Clark, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I recently met with Justine, the mother of Abbey, who was a bright, adventurous 10-year-old from Tasmania who was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain tumour. Abbey was in grade 4. She loved animals, had a wide circle of friends and dreamed of finding good homes for rescue dogs. That became her wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. But, despite two brain surgeries and countless procedures, Abbey passed away at just 11 years old, at home in her parents' bed, in June last year. Abbey's story is obviously devastating, and her parents, sisters, family and friends grieve daily.

I also met with advocates and the Chair of the Australian Brain Tumour Collaborative, and in this meeting I heard that, while Abbey's story is devastating, it is far from unique. In fact, each year around 2,000 Australians are diagnosed with brain cancer, and fewer than one in four will survive five years, making brain cancer one of the deadliest diseases in Australia. Indeed, it claims more lives than our roads and kills more children than any other illness and more adults under 40 than any other cancer.

But, while research into immunotherapy and precision treatments is advancing, still too many Australians miss out. Unfathomably, brain cancer receives less than five per cent of total cancer research funding and consistently misses out on adequate federal funding for dedicated brain tumour nurse specialists nationally. Perhaps this is because the burden of the disease is not well understood and the marked level of disability associated with these tumours flies under the radar.

Well, it hasn't flown under my radar, thanks to the passionate efforts of Janine and other advocates, and the fact is that, in regional areas like Tasmania, the burden is even heavier. For instance, families are often forced to travel interstate for care or clinical trials. Many navigate fragmented systems, disconnected records and inconsistent financial support. They fight battles on every front, whilst always being aware of how precious each remaining day is with their loved ones.

Brain cancer may be rare, but its impact is not. We should honour those like Abbey and her family, and to that end I implore all parliamentarians to attend the annual Brain Tumour Alliance Australia event, Head to the Hill, on the lawns of parliament on 28 October and to meet with those people directly impacted.

In closing, I call on the government to increase brain cancer research funding and to commit to sustainable investment in the sector. They must also prioritise dedicated clinical care and support services, and they should expand access to clinical trials. Thousands of families like Abbey's are relying on the government to do better. We must not let them down.

Colin Boyce (Flynn, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I call the honourable Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Cities, and, Honourable Minister, you may begin your speech again.