Provide regional transport support for cancer patients
The issue
As a breast cancer survivor, I know journey through illness is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can face.
Cancer doesn’t wait. Every day matters when it comes to life-saving treatments like radiation, chemotherapy, scans, and specialist appointments. Yet for many residents of regional towns, simply getting to Adelaide (or other major cities) for these critical services has become an increasing struggle.
With the rising cost of fuel, the financial burden of travelling hundreds of kilometres each week can be overwhelming for patients and their families. As of March 31, 2026, Victoria and Tasmania have recognised this struggle by offering free public transport to help residents manage high fuel costs. Other states are likely to follow as fuel prices continue to rise.
South Australia
SA will receive a new PATS scheme for people travelling over 300kms on 1st July but only with an increase of 0.8c to the rate. The temporary halving of the Australian fuel excise—which cut the tax on petrol and diesel by 26.3 cents per litre—is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2026. When this relief ends, pump prices are tipped to immediately rise as the full excise is reintroduced. The PATS current rate is not feasible.
Australian Medical Association - SA is also wanting changes.
“AMA SA is calling for the PATS subsidy to be temporarily indexed to fuel prices, to ensure patients can continue to travel for care without suffering unacceptable financial stress.”
South Australia is the only mainland state without Radiotherapy services. We believe it is time for our government to step up and support our communities in regional areas.
South Australia - Murray Bridge unfortunately does not have a regional train service and no current plans to receive one in the future. It also does not have metro buses currently available. Labour did promise in the election. As of 4th June 2026 when the budget was released, we were advised metro buses will roll out within 12 months. This is great, but regional cancer patients need help now.
Australia Wide
We are calling for increased PATS / VPTAS or other similar schemes around Australia to be temporarily indexed to the current price of fuel.
Access to life-saving treatments should never be dependent on the price of petrol. Every patient deserves the opportunity to attend appointments on time, maintain their dignity, and focus on recovery — not on how to afford the trip.
We are also calling on all Australian State and Territory Governments to introduce free vehicle registration for people undergoing active cancer treatment.
We urge our government and councils to act with compassion and foresight. Together, we can make sure no cancer patient has to miss essential treatment simply because of the distance or the cost of getting there.
Sign here to support accessible, affordable, and timely transport for cancer patients in our region.
Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of countless cancer patients who need our help now more than ever.
983
The issue
As a breast cancer survivor, I know journey through illness is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can face.
Cancer doesn’t wait. Every day matters when it comes to life-saving treatments like radiation, chemotherapy, scans, and specialist appointments. Yet for many residents of regional towns, simply getting to Adelaide (or other major cities) for these critical services has become an increasing struggle.
With the rising cost of fuel, the financial burden of travelling hundreds of kilometres each week can be overwhelming for patients and their families. As of March 31, 2026, Victoria and Tasmania have recognised this struggle by offering free public transport to help residents manage high fuel costs. Other states are likely to follow as fuel prices continue to rise.
South Australia
SA will receive a new PATS scheme for people travelling over 300kms on 1st July but only with an increase of 0.8c to the rate. The temporary halving of the Australian fuel excise—which cut the tax on petrol and diesel by 26.3 cents per litre—is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2026. When this relief ends, pump prices are tipped to immediately rise as the full excise is reintroduced. The PATS current rate is not feasible.
Australian Medical Association - SA is also wanting changes.
“AMA SA is calling for the PATS subsidy to be temporarily indexed to fuel prices, to ensure patients can continue to travel for care without suffering unacceptable financial stress.”
South Australia is the only mainland state without Radiotherapy services. We believe it is time for our government to step up and support our communities in regional areas.
South Australia - Murray Bridge unfortunately does not have a regional train service and no current plans to receive one in the future. It also does not have metro buses currently available. Labour did promise in the election. As of 4th June 2026 when the budget was released, we were advised metro buses will roll out within 12 months. This is great, but regional cancer patients need help now.
Australia Wide
We are calling for increased PATS / VPTAS or other similar schemes around Australia to be temporarily indexed to the current price of fuel.
Access to life-saving treatments should never be dependent on the price of petrol. Every patient deserves the opportunity to attend appointments on time, maintain their dignity, and focus on recovery — not on how to afford the trip.
We are also calling on all Australian State and Territory Governments to introduce free vehicle registration for people undergoing active cancer treatment.
We urge our government and councils to act with compassion and foresight. Together, we can make sure no cancer patient has to miss essential treatment simply because of the distance or the cost of getting there.
Sign here to support accessible, affordable, and timely transport for cancer patients in our region.
Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of countless cancer patients who need our help now more than ever.
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Petition created on 31 March 2026