SA GOVERNMENT BIPARTISAN SUPPORT CONFIRMED

Yesterday was a big day for proton therapy in Australia, but perhaps not for the reason people might assume.

Four consumers stood together at South Australian Parliament House, each bringing a very different connection to this issue.

Hamish, a cancer patient himself.

Roger, an advocate who understands the devastating impact of cancer and loss.

Elise, co-creator of our petition and aunty to Flynn, who received proton therapy overseas, flew from Sydney to ensure this issue received the attention it deserves.

And Billie, Evelyn’s mum, who knows firsthand what it means to be told the best treatment for your child exists, just not in your own country.

Together, we formally handed our petition to Opposition Leader Ashton Hurn and Shadow Health Minister Jack Batty. We then sat in Question Time as proton therapy was raised in Parliament.

Later, we met with Premier Peter Malinauskas, Health Minister Blair Boyer and Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis.

What mattered most about today was not that we suddenly brought people on board. It was the confidence we walked away with that a significant amount of work has already been happening behind the scenes.

During our discussions, we were given a much clearer understanding of the work underway, the conversations taking place and the complexities being actively worked through.

That was incredibly important for us to hear.

Both sides of South Australian politics understand why this matters. They understand the clinical need, the history of the project and, importantly, the technical distinction between simply having a proton therapy centre and having a comprehensive service capable of treating patients regardless of their age or the complexity of their cancer.

There was a clear understanding of why rotating gantry and supine treatment capability matter, particularly for children, patients requiring general anaesthetic and complex cases.

And after many months of advocacy, correspondence and conversations occurring at different levels, today gave us greater confidence that South Australia is genuinely working to remain best positioned to become home to Australia’s first comprehensive proton therapy service.

It also reinforced something equally important:

There is bipartisan support in South Australia for making this happen.

That means our focus now turns firmly back to the Australian Government.

Prime Minister. Health Minister. Treasurer.

Australia needs national leadership.

The national review needs to be progressed with urgency. It has now been three years since Australia’s national proton therapy strategy set a pathway towards domestic proton therapy capability, and Australians are still waiting for the first service.

Not every future centre needs to be resolved at once.

Approve one.

Get the first comprehensive Australian service operating. Continue working through the pathway for additional centres as demand grows. Get the national plan back on track.

South Australia is doing the work.

Now we need the Commonwealth to match that commitment and bring this national review to an outcome.

For the patients who need proton therapy today, and for every Australian who may need it tomorrow.

It is time to move from planning to delivery.