STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms COFFEY (Griffith) (13:34): For people living with rare cancers, access to affordable treatment can bring genuine hope during a frightening and uncertain time. I first met Angela from West End when out doorknocking before the last election. She welcomed me with incredible warmth and openness as we stood in the sunshine in her front yard, where she shared her own journey with a rare cancer.

That conversation has stayed with me and, since my election, Angela has continued to advocate for better access to treatments for rare cancers, particularly rare brain cancers. I am pleased to share that, from 1 September, our government expanded access to Keytruda, an immunotherapy treatment now on the PBS for eligible patients with more advanced high risk cancers.

These include advanced bile duct cancer, ovarian cancer and Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare skin cancer. Around 700 Australians each year are expected to benefit, paying no more than $25 per prescription, or $7.70 for concession card holders. Without the PBS subsidy, a prescription can cost around $14,800.

These listings put treatment within reach for more patients and ease the financial pressure on families. Following the announcement of its expanded PBS listing, Angela wrote to me. She said: Thank you from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of all people diagnosed with rare cancers.

It really matters to the lives of so many and their families and carers. There is absolutely more to be done to help Australians facing a rare cancer diagnosis. I'm proud our Labor government is investing a record amount in the PBS and in health and medical research, including $210 million in this budget year's for national research priorities.

I'll keep advocating for people with rare cancers, and our government will keep delivering for them.