Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) Share this | Hansard source

It is indeed a significant issue, and I recognise the impact that the delay in establishing proton beam therapy in Australia is having on patients. I think you will know, Senator Ruston, that, in 2017, the former Commonwealth government—I think that you were a part of that government—announced $68 million to support the establishment of Australia's first proton beam therapy at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute in Adelaide. That funding was provided to the South Australian government under a federation funding agreement schedule. They, in turn, passed on the funds to the institute.

The Australian government isn't party to a contract or agreement for the specific project, and there have been delays in the project. The Commonwealth is working closely with the South Australian government around the future of the project. That includes the recent work that's been undertaken by the South Australian government to explore alternative technology suppliers. Patients who do wish to access proton beam therapy in the meantime can make an application through the Medical Treatment Overseas Program.

I conclude my answer by simply saying that we do recognise that this is an important therapy and we do also recognise the consequences that the delay in the project in South Australia is having for patients.