Radiotherapy for our region is essential, regardless of who forms government after the May 3, federal election.

That is the key message from Limestone Coast Radiation Therapy Working Group chairman, Naracoorte’s Lachlan Haynes.

“South Australia still remains an outlier as one of the only Australian states without the provision of radiation cancer treatment outside of its capital city, being Adelaide,” Mr Haynes said.

“The calling of the federal election opens up the usual wish list and promises.

“Voters will need to decide to vote on their priorities and direction for themselves and those of the nation.”

Mr Haynes said he believed the three key issues for voters at the highest level would be the enormous cost of living, high energy prices and our national security.

“The Australian economy and who is best to manage in these uncertain times will also be paramount in determining the election,” he said.

“However, there is an old saying that always holds true and that is: ‘Without your health you have nothing’.

“The Radiotherapy Working Group stands with the 16,000 people, plus 4,000 online, who signed our petition, continuing to advocate for the treatment service to be provided in our region.

“Currently cancer sufferers numbering hundreds every year in the Limestone Coast must – at great personal and financial inconvenience and cost – travel and (find accommodation) in Warrnambool, Victoria, or Adelaide, for weeks or months for daily cancer treatment.

“This lack of parity sadly leads to much poorer outcomes for the residents of this region.

“Federal funding under previous coalition governments from local member Tony Pasin (MP) has already been allocated for such a service. However, the former and current state governments continue to fail us on this issue.

“Let us hope the national election again ignites the opportunity of the federal and state governments to work together and respect the wishes of Limestone Coast residents.

“The health of our community is paramount and we as a working group wish to find a solution to the current unacceptable access inequity of a service currently enjoyed readily by metropolitan South Australians.”

Mr Haynes believed that for the region to prosper and continue to be a strong driver and economic powerhouse for the state “we must provide services to maintain and attract our population who expect a level of parity in many areas, but particularly health care”.

“Radiotherapy cancer treatment provision in large regional areas should be a minimum expectation,” he said.

“The stark factual reality is the further from a metropolitan centre a cancer patient lives, the more likely they are to die within five years of having their diagnosis.

“The election outcome will provide us with a renewed advocacy to fight for the region to have this vital service.”

This article appeared in The Naracoorte News, 9 April 2025.