At the next state election, cast a vote as though your life and health may depend upon it.

That’s the message from Lachlan Haynes, the chair of Limestone Coast Radiation Working Group—a group that has been fighting tooth and nail for the establishment of a radiation therapy service for the region.

Last week, the Liberal Opposition announced that a Liberal government will deliver critical care closer to home for cancer patients in the Limestone Coast if it forms government.

Speaking to this newspaper [Naracoorte Community News], Mr Haynes said this was the news people were wanting to hear.

“This (announcement) marks a very serious political difference and absolutely crystal-clear choice at the coming state election,” he claimed.

“If you value your health services and strongly believe the people of the Limestone Coast region deserve radiation treatment and improved cancer outcomes, you now have only one voting option to ensure that outcome.

“At the next state election, you really will have a choice and be casting a vote as though your life may depend upon it.”

Mr Haynes said the group welcomed the announcement by Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia that they would provide the necessary funding for four years to ensure radiation treatment was available equitably for cancer sufferers in the Limestone Coast as current metropolitan South Australians currently enjoy.

“We are overjoyed at the announcement and thank Vincent for listening to our Working Group advocacy and the 16,000+ signatures of the Limestone Coast in providing the certainty of funding, ensuring that sufferers of cancer in this region have the provision of service in their local area.

“If elected, this will allow cancer sufferers treatment options close to their home, family, and support network. This will lead to markedly improved cancer treatment outcomes and will not only improve but save lives.”

He said the announcement supported the working group’s position and those of Federal Member of Barker Tony Pasin, Member of the Legislative Council Ben Hood, and Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell, along with the industry body, Radiation Oncology Access Coalition (ROAC).

“It is sadly evident that against all our advocacy and the voice of 16,000+ who have signed the petition, Minister Chris Picton (Health Minister) and the Malinauskas Government are not listening and have no intention of attempting to offer the people of this region radiation services when we have an overwhelming need.

“This announcement from Mr Tarzia affirms that people of this region absolutely deserve to have access to regional radiation services and not be made to feel second class.

“The current government has us residing in the only state not to offer such regional treatment options, thereby forcing people in the Limestone Coast to travel to Warrnambool and Adelaide at huge personal cost both emotionally and financially.”

“We congratulate Vincent in his announcement setting to prove that the government he leads if elected will ensure that for South Australians, their postcode should not determine their health outcomes.”

Speaking during the announcement, Mr Tarzia said a Liberal government would ensure equitable access to health care in our regions, starting with radiation therapy services for cancer sufferers in the Limestone Coast.

“As the party for the regions, we want to reduce the barriers to health care for regional South Australians,” he said.

Mr Hood acknowledged the crucial advocacy of the Radiation Treatment Limestone Coast Working Group that helped secure this outcome.

“I want to thank the tens of thousands of South Australians, and the hardworking grassroots working party, who have fought long and hard to get a commitment from government to establish radiotherapy services in the regions,” said Mr Hood.

Responding to The [Naracoorte Commununity] News, Shadow Minister for Regional South Australia Nicola Centofanti said that research has shown that rural and regional Australians are twice as likely to die from preventable illnesses.

“This crucial local victory will ensure South Australians are treated closer to home and alongside their support networks,” Dr Centofanti said.

She said one would be hard pressed to find a South Australian who hasn’t been affected by cancer in some way or who doesn’t know someone that has been affected by cancer.

“It affects all of us, and regional people are not immune, so it is critical that we work to deliver equity of access to services across the regions.

“Today (last week’s announcement) we start by ensuring that, if a Liberal government is elected in 2026, South Australia is no longer the lone state when it comes to radiation therapy in the regions.”

This article appeared in the  Naracoorte Community News.