Cancer Council—Australia's Biggest Morning Tea
Brief ministerial statement
Ms Meredith Hammat (Girrawheen—Minister for Health) (1:25 pm): I rise today to speak on the Cancer Council's Australia's Biggest Morning Tea. I was so proud to support the Cancer Council WA last week through hosting at Parliament House the event for Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, the Cancer Council's largest and most successful fundraising campaign. This event had bipartisan support, with some of my cabinet and parliamentary colleagues in attendance.
I would like to also acknowledge Ashley Reid, the Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Council WA, for his wonderful work. This was one of many morning tea events across WA. The event is Cancer Council Australia's most popular fundraising event, taking place across Australia for more than 30 years. Funds raised through this event are invested in research, information and support services and prevention campaigns. The ongoing advocacy and shared commitment to improving cancer outcomes in WA creates real change for those living with and those impacted by the illness. Last year alone, more than 170,000 Australians were diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, we know that there are many factors that will drive these figures higher, but thanks to investment in research, today's survival rates for the most common cancers are more than 90%. Our world-class cancer support is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of so many across government, non-government and private sector organisations—researchers, clinicians, health services and consumers and carers. To all of them, I say thank you.
I also especially want to acknowledge the Western Australians who are currently dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. We know that it is tough, but our government is committed to making sure that the journey is as easy for you as it can be. The well-established partnership between the Department of Health and the Cancer Council WA has been supported by successive governments to benefit thousands of Western Australians. Although we can be proud of our overall achievement on the cancer front, we must continue to do more to support those impacted, including our most vulnerable populations. We must all continue to work together to get us closer to our goal of a cancer-free future. I thank the Cancer Council WA for its tireless work over the decades and being part of our efforts to ensure that WA has a world-class cancer support system.
