It has been a packed month for the VCCC Alliance as we continue to champion our three-pillar plan to strengthen the entire cancer system in the lead up to the 2026 State Election in November. We have also been preparing for a ‘change of guard’, as Professor David Ashley steps into the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on May 25. Learn more about our incoming CEO in this edition of Alliance.
We were pleased to receive a further two years of funding for our Data Connect+ platform as part of the recent state budget. The funding is welcome, but to ensure a stronger, fairer cancer system for every Victorian, we will continue to push for much needed investment across the cancer sector, to improve outcomes, reduce pressure on the health system and ensure that no Victorian is left behind.
With cancer being the leading cause of death in Victoria, claiming the lives of 33 people per day (and rising), we continue to advocate for more funding. Across two big days – Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 May – the alliance joined forces with our member and associate member organisations and Cancer Council Victoria at Queen’s Hall in Victoria’s Parliament House to showcase advancements in cancer treatment while highlighting the need for gaps in care to be addressed, with growing disparities between regional and disadvantaged Victorians.
During the two-day event, we experienced excellent engagement with Members of Parliament, including the Minister for Health, Harriet Shing, the Minister for Medical Research, Ben Carroll, the Opposition Leader, Jess Wilson, and the Opposition spokesperson for Health, Georgie Crozier.
The VCCC Alliance will continue to collaborate with both State and Federal parliamentarians, to drive future progress and push cancer care to the forefront of health policy. You can read more about our proposal, No one left behind, on our website. Many thanks to our member organisations who played a crucial role in helping us to raise awareness across the political spectrum during the exhibition.
Last month, Mary-Anne Thomas MP resigned as the Victorian Minister for Health. During her tenure, Minister Thomas was a valuable supporter of the alliance, championing collaborative, system-wide approaches to improve cancer outcomes.
We are sincerely grateful her commitment to cancer research, education and care during her term and look forward to continuing this strong partnership with the new Hon. Harriet Shing MP. Minister Shing delivered a very personal insight into her family’s own experience with cancer at our recent Queen’s Hall event. The alliance thanks the Minister for her courage and sincerity and looks forward to working closely with her.
Regards,
Craig Zanker
VCCC Alliance interim Chief Executive Officer
