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Darren Chester demands guarantee of continued regional prostate cancer nursing care after commonwealth funding cuts in 2027

Federal Member Darren Chester is urging the Albanese government to guarantee regional men retain specialist prostate cancer nursing care after Commonwealth funding ends in June 2027.

By news@gippsland - 6th November 2026 - Back to News

The Albanese Government must guarantee regional men will not lose access to specialist prostate cancer care when Commonwealth funding for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s nursing service ends in June 2027, according to Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester. The Government will cease funding PCFA’s Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Service from June 30, 2027, with funding redirected to the McGrath Foundation under a new national cancer nursing model.

Darren Chester joined parliamentarians, prostate cancer nurses, survivors and families at Parliament House to raise awareness and highlight the importance of patient support

Protecting regional patients

Mr Chester said the McGrath Foundation did outstanding work, but the Government needed to explain why it was defunding an established prostate-specific service and how it would protect continuity of care. "This shouldn’t be about pitting two highly respected cancer organisations against each other. The McGrath Foundation does tremendous work, but PCFA has spent years building specialist expertise and trusted relationships with men and families dealing specifically with prostate cancer."

"For regional men, where access to specialists can already mean hours on the road, continuity of care is critically important. The Government needs to guarantee no regional patient will be worse off because of this decision," Mr Chester said.

Specialist nurses at risk

PCFA says the decision affects 96 Commonwealth-funded nurses within its national network of 131 Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses. Mr Chester recently met specialist nurses, survivors and families at PCFA’s Big Aussie Barbie and Day of Action at Parliament House.

"These nurses support men through diagnosis, treatment, side effects, recovery and some incredibly personal and difficult conversations. For many patients, particularly in regional Australia, their specialist nurse is the constant throughout their cancer journey," Mr Chester said.

PCFA’s October workforce consultation received 70 responses from specialist nurses, with 96 per cent opposing the decision or raising serious concerns. Sixty per cent warned about potential impacts on continuity of care, while seven nurses said they were already looking for other roles, considering leaving or would not continue under the proposed arrangements.

Reversal calls grow

A separate PCFA report drawing on around 500 messages from patients, survivors and families found one-third directly calling for the decision to be reversed or reconsidered. Regional contributors highlighted long distances, limited local services and the important role specialist nurses play in filling those gaps.

"When 96 percent of the specialist nurses who responded are opposed or seriously concerned, the Government should be listening. PCFA has also raised concerns about the lack of consultation and called for the evidence behind the decision to be released. This is ultimately about patients and their families. They deserve confidence that the specialist support they rely on will still be there when they need it," Mr Chester said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• The Nationals promise apprenticeship training cost cuts, new technical colleges and toll relief to support Gippsland tradies and businesses
  The Nationals propose a $115 million apprenticeship fund, 10 new technical colleges for 5,000 students, and a $50 weekly toll cap to reduce costs, support Gippsland tradies and strengthen regional businesses
• Mobile Service Centres bringing government support across South Gippsland communities an August and September
  Australian government Mobile Service Centres will visit 12 South Gippsland communities, offering Medicare, Centrelink, myGov and Veterans’ Affairs assistance, with accessible facilities and Wi-Fi.
• Labor government invests $750,000 to support young Gippslanders into education, training and employment opportunities
  The Victorian Labor government is investing $750,000 in Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley, supporting 120 young people facing barriers to education, training and employment through 2028.
• Westdale Kindergarten flood update on repairs, temporary arrangements and term one 2027 reopening plans for families
  Westdale Kindergarten was severely flooded on 3 October 2026. Council and the Department of Education are coordinating repairs, temporary learning arrangements and a safe reopening, prioritising Term One 2027.
• Melina Bath calls on Labor to protect locally raised foreshore funds and community priorities across Eastern Victoria
  Nationals MP Melina Bath has urged Labor to guarantee $500,000 raised by San Remo residents remains dedicated to local foreshore projects following committee merger concerns.