The VCCC Alliance welcomes the $7.5 million in funding for its organisation announced as part of the Victorian Government’s 2024-25 budget on Tuesday, 7 May, but acknowledges it is a very disappointing budget for the state’s cancer and medical research sectors.
Support for medical research has declined for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, VCCC Alliance funding reduced from $9.5 million each year from 2020-21 ($4.5 million in the year 2020/21) to $7.5 million over four years.
VCCC Alliance CEO Prof Grant McArthur AO said: “Medical research is a major jewel in Victoria’s crown and the reduction in funding from previous levels is concerning, as is the limited amount of funds in this budget for the cancer sector.
“At a time when the incidence of cancer continues to increase, the VCCC Alliance model of collaboration between major health, academic and research institutions is more important than ever to achieve the best possible outcomes for Victorians affected by cancer.
“Cancer remains a significant health problem and burden in our community and incidence continues to increase,” he said. “Crucially, care needs to be delivered more equitably across regional and rural areas, in culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities – and this is recognised in the Australian Cancer Plan and Draft Victorian Cancer Plan,” he said.
“We look forward to working with government, our members and partners, to ensure Victorians, no matter who or where they are, benefit from improved cancer care and new treatments – improving survival, and quality of life.
“Additional funding will be required to ensure the full potential of the alliance’s five-year strategy can be realised.
“Adequate funding for cancer research, treatment and care across the sector is absolutely critical at a time when we are seeing the incidence of cancer increase in Victoria from 35,656 cases a year in 2022 to more than 50,000 cases a year expected by 2033 – a huge increase mostly related to both population growth and the aging population,” Prof McArthur said.
The VCCC Alliance is Australia’s first and most ambitious comprehensive cancer centre: a joint venture of 10 member institutions, integrating cancer research, education and clinical care.
The alliance members are academic, clinical and medical research institutions, all leaders in their respective fields. The alliance brings the strengths of these organisations together, generating a critical mass of expertise, patient numbers and resources, underpinned by a pledge to work collaboratively towards shared goals in cancer control.
The VCCC Alliance is underpinned by a dynamic, inclusive, system-level approach. Innovative programs, world-class cancer education, consumer involvement embedded in its work, and a state-wide network of members and partnerships—including eight regional program partners—combine to accelerate the translation of scientific evidence into better outcomes for all Victorians affected by cancer.
Michelle Henderson
Acting Head, Communications and Community
E: [email protected]
P: 0417 765 311
