World-leading treatment, care and support for young Australians battling cancer is now a step closer, with the sod turned on the Sydney Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre site in Randwick.
Funded in part by the Morrison Government, the $658 million redevelopment will house a state-of-the-art paediatric hospital and research facility, transforming child and adolescent health by physically co-locating clinicians, researchers and educators to accelerate learnings and further improve bedside care.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the Centre provided hope for all Australian families who have loved ones fighting cancer.
“Every week in Australia, approximately 20 children are diagnosed with cancer,” Minister Hunt said.
“This Centre, as well as the medical partnerships it brings together, will provide the depth, breadth and excellence of research, clinical and education-focused child cancer activities that will position this Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre amongst the leading paediatric cancer centres in the world.”
“The Morrison Government is committed to delivering world-leading care for Australian children battling cancer and this facility has the potential to help save lives and protect lives.”
Today as part of the official sod turning, the Morrison Government is pleased to acknowledge the Minderoo Foundation’s $15 million donation towards the project, allowing for a further expansion and investment into cutting-edge technology, research and services, offering the best of possible care for sick children.
Member for Wentworth, Dave Sharma, said the Centre would help revolutionise cancer care for children in New South Wales.
“Cancer is a disease which touches so many families each year, including some of our youngest Australians,” Mr Sharma said.
“If your child or grandchild is battling cancer, you want to know that the latest research is translating into effective treatment as fast as possible.”
“This Centre will ensure kids have that next level care with many experts working together on the same campus and I’m proud to be part of a Government which is helping to make this a reality.
Member for Reid, Dr Fiona Martin said the Centre would help drive medical discoveries and care for young Australians.
“Through advances and medical breakthroughs, the medical community continues to take great strides in combating cancer,” Dr Martin said.
“The Sydney Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre will help to provide the next step for researchers and clinicians alike, working side by side to help protect our youngest Australians.”
“This will not just support young Australians in Reid, but those across New South Wales and Australia.”
The $658 million investment in the Sydney Children’s Hospital and Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre at Randwick includes: $478 million from the NSW Government; $100 million from the Morrison Government; $50 million from philanthropists; with the University of NSW is providing a $30 million in-kind contribution for the Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre within the adjacent UNSW Health Translation Hub.
The Centre is expected to open in 2025.
The Morrison Government continues to invest into improving health outcomes for Australians, with record funding of $537 billion to be delivered into our healthcare system over the next four years. In contrast, the last time Labor was in Government they stopped listing essential medicines on the PBS and slashed funding for mental health services.