In short:
The Coalition has promised $24.4 million for a public radiation therapy facility in Werribee if elected in November. The commitment follows calls for improved cancer treatment access in Wyndham, where patients currently travel outside the municipality for care.
No Local Public Radiation Therapy
Werribee has been promised a $24.4 million public radiation therapy facility for cancer care if the Coalition wins the state election in four weeks.
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson made the announcement outside Werribee Mercy Hospital on 31 October, joined by local candidate Reece Clark, Shadow Ministers Georgie Crozier and Evan Mulholland, and Liberal upper house candidate Roshena Campbell.
The commitment follows calls from the Better Cancer Care campaign, led by the Western Public Radiation Therapy Network, to establish public radiation therapy services in Werribee.
Long Commutes For Treatment
As it stands, cancer patients in Wyndham must travel to Parkville, Sunshine or Geelong for lifesaving radiation treatment.
Wilson accused the Labor government of neglecting Melbourne’s west, saying residents were missing out on essential healthcare services.
“Too many people in this growing part of Melbourne do not have access to the health services they need and deserve.”
“Tough enough getting a cancer diagnosis and then have to travel for hours to get the treatment you need, the lifesaving treatment you need.”
“The Labor government has been missing in action.”
Wilson said the $24.4 million commitment would cover capital costs associated with establishing a public radiation therapy facility at Werribee Mercy Hospital, with ongoing operational costs also to be funded.
Wilson Takes Aim At Premier
Wilson also criticised the government’s record on infrastructure and crime across Melbourne’s west.
“We don’t just hear it about the healthcare services here. We hear it about the infrastructure services. The crime rates in this area with police stations closing their doors and reducing their hours, not enough police on the beat.”
Wilson then turned her attention to Premier Ben Carroll, following his public claims that she had been avoiding a debate with him ahead of the state election.
“I know that Ben Carroll has refused to debate me one-on-one.”
“He needs his comfort blankets in the Greens and One Nation in order to stand next to me and take questions from the people.”
Growing Demand For Cancer Treatment
According to Better Cancer Care, more than 1,400 Wyndham residents are diagnosed with cancer each year, with approximately half of all cancer patients requiring radiation therapy at some stage.
The campaign estimates Wyndham alone could generate demand for up to 800 courses of radiation therapy annually.
Patients travelling from Werribee can spend more than 30 hours commuting during a typical treatment course, with transport costs potentially reaching $850.
The campaign is seeking commitments from political parties to establish a public radiation therapy facility in Werribee within the next term of government.
The West Party, Legalise Cannabis Victoria and the Victorian Greens have committed to the proposal, with the Liberal-National Coalition now joining them following Wilson’s announcement.
Labor and One Nation are yet to make commitments.
