Governments committed to working together on radiation oncology
The Australian Government and the Northern Territory Government are strongly committed to working together to provide a radiation oncology service for the people of Darwin and the Northern Territory, the federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, and the NT Minister for Health, Chris Burns, said on 10 January.
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Joint Release
The Hon Nicola Roxon MP
Australian Government
Minister for Health and Ageing
The Hon Dr Christopher Burns MLA
Northern Territory Government
Minister for Health
10 January 2008NR08/04
The Australian Government and the Northern Territory Government are strongly committed to working together to provide a radiation oncology service for the people of Darwin and the Northern Territory, the federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, and the NT Minister for Health, Chris Burns, said today.
“I understand how important this issue is for the people of Darwin and the Northern Territory,” Ms Roxon said.
“I want to assure Territorians the new Commonwealth Government is completely committed to working with Dr Burns, the NT Government and the Member for Solomon, Damian Hale, to try to get the radiation oncology project moving again.”
“Unfortunately the Howard Government had a record of over-promising and under-delivering in health, particularly in the area of cancer services.
“It’s now evident that there were problems with the public undertakings given by the previous Commonwealth Government, including the original timeline promised by the then health minister, Tony Abbott.
“The Rudd Government will do all it can to support a viable oncology service in the Territory.”
Ms Roxon said that she was still receiving departmental advice on the more recent tender process and other issues associated with the project. The outcome of this second tender process would be announced in the near future.
Dr Burns said he looked forward to working with the new Commonwealth Government to resolve outstanding issues and get the project delivered as fast as possible.
The Territory Government has committed to:
- providing the land on the RDH Campus on which the unit could be built
- providing funding for allied health and community nursing staff
- developing accommodation options for cancer patients and their families coming to Darwin.
“We welcome Minister Roxon’s commitment to this issue and look forward to working with the new Federal Government to ensure we get a high quality, safe and sustainable radiation oncology service in Darwin as soon as possible.”
Media contact: (Ms Roxon) Sean Kelly – 0417 108 362
(Dr Burns) Andrea Adlam - 0401 119 467
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