A TAMWORTH family caught in the throes of cancer have welcomed signals from NSW Premier Mike Baird that unfair chemotherapy costs will be dropped if the Coalition is re-elected.
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Mr Baird’s comments came on Wednesday in response to Opposition Leader Luke Foley’s commitment to end chemotherapy copayments for NSW cancer sufferers.
Unlike other states, patients in NSW and the ACT can be charged up to $180 in fees for their initial chemotherapy treatment and Mr Baird said Labor’s position on the issue “makes sense”.
Tamworth man Luke Hannaford earlier this week revealed he was lumped with chemotherapy costs at some public hospitals but not at others.
Mr Hannaford and his family have called on the next state government to end the disparity and injustice.
The Hannafords said Mr Baird’s hint at cutting the unfair costs would be a step towards “making everyone equal” and would help to ease the financial stress of cancer.
“That will make it a little easier on the pocket,” Mr Hannaford said.
“Hopefully now we can work on legalising cannabis oil.”
This week Mr Hannaford attended the memorial for Tamworth medical cannabis campaigner Dan Haslam after his tragic death to bowel cancer.
The Premier also spoke at the service.
Mr Baird told the ABC the Coalition had “been in strong discussions with the Cancer Council” about the need to end chemotherapy costs that did not affect other Australian cancer patients.
“It is something that we are considering, I give you that assurance,” Mr Baird said.
“Obviously, we want to do everything we can to provide less pain to those undertaking chemotherapy in the battle of their lives.
“It’s a proposal that has been put forward that makes sense from the Opposition.
“You won’t hear that often from me, but on this one you do, and we are considering it seriously.”
Tamworth Cancer Council NSW community programs co-ordinator Shaen Fraser said she was grateful the Premier had acknowledged the strain this was causing to cancer sufferers, but was looking forward to a more concrete announcement ahead of the March 28 election.
“We definitely hope something more substantial is promised and whoever is power after election does something about it,” Ms Fraser said.
