$7.5 million grant for new Prostate Cancer Research Centre welcomed by Health Minister

Health Minister Stephen Robertson today welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to create a new $7.5 million Prostate Cancer Research Centre at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Mr Robertson said the new centre, announced today by Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan in Brisbane today, would be hosted by Queensland University of Technology.

“Prostate cancer is one of our biggest killers, claiming the lives of 3,000 Australian men each year,” Mr Robertson said.

“This new centre will conduct research that will play a vital role in improving cancer research and care in Queensland and across the country.

“In addition to better screening and diagnosis, the centre will develop new treatments to tackle prostate cancer.

“It will help to keep Queensland at the forefront of medical research and innovation, building on our successful Smart State strategy.”

Mr Robertson said the new centre was one of two dedicated Prostate Cancer Research Centres being created as part of the Rudd Government’s $249 million National Cancer Plan.

In November Mr Swan announced the creation of a Prostate Cancer Research Centre at the Epworth Hospital in Richmond, Victoria.

“This heralds a new era in Federal-State co-operation, and it will put an end the blame game between the states and the Commonwealth,” he said.

“The Howard Government starved Queensland and the other states of much-needed health funds over the past decade, but this new cash grant will help us to redress some of this shortfall.

“This is about getting on with the job of delivering better health outcomes for Queenslanders.”

Media: Martin Philip 3225 2680