Today in the NSW Parliament, Shadow Minister for Youth Justice and Member for the Country North Province, The Hon. Aileen MacDonald OAM MLC, moved a Notice of Motion recognising the pioneering work of the Children’s Cancer Institute. Australia’s only independent medical research institute solely dedicated to curing childhood cancer.
“Each year, more than 1,000 Australian children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer, and tragically, around 200 do not survive,” Ms MacDonald said. “We owe it to them and to the families who walk this painful road to support the cutting-edge research that is changing lives.”
The motion commended the Institute’s leadership in co-delivering the ZERO Childhood Cancer Program, a precision medicine initiative providing every child diagnosed with cancer regardless of cancer type, stage, or where they live with access to advanced genomic profiling and tailored treatment recommendations.
“Children from regional and rural NSW are included in this world-class program, with over 2,000 participants enrolled nationally,” Ms MacDonald said. “I’ve seen the impact of childhood cancer on local families in my electorate. I also know firsthand the strength and courage they show.”
The motion also acknowledged the vital role of philanthropic support alongside Federal Government funding, including the recent $112.6 million commitment to continue and expand the ZERO Program.
“I commend the researchers, clinicians, donors, and families working through the Children’s Cancer Institute. Their work is saving lives and restoring hope, and we stand with them,” Ms MacDonald concluded.
