Thank you so much and it is great to see so many people here, early, on a Parliamentary sitting day to demonstrate their concern and to do their bit for awareness of ovarian cancer.
This is a very, very serious disease. It is a very serious killer of women. Let’s not mince our words – this is a cancer that afflicts many, many people.
In any one day about four women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Tragically, far too many of them lose that fight.
All of us must do what we can to try to ensure that we do better in the battle against ovarian cancer.
Government must do more. I am pleased to say that the Government is investing some $80 million in infusions for people with ovarian cancer.
So many Australians have been at ovarian cancer awareness events over this month.
It is great that the month was kicked off with a teal coloured Old Parliament House. It is great that so many people right around our country have been at ovarian cancer awareness breakfasts, morning teas and other events.
My own daughters will be doing something for ovarian cancer this week.
And of course, we are all here today in very significant numbers.
It is good to have the Leader of the Opposition here, Bill Shorten. It’s good to see so many other Parliamentary colleagues here this morning.
Some years ago, Pat Farmer and I walked up and down a very, very tall building to raise money for ovarian cancer. Pat did 100,000 steps up and down Centrepoint Tower. I was only able to manage 50,000 steps myself but every time any one of us does something like attending an event such as this; we are taking a step towards greater awareness, better care and ultimately a cure.
So, I am very pleased to be here this morning, but I am particularly pleased to see so many people from all sides of the Parliament here.
The struggle against disease, the struggle for a healthier society is a bipartisan effort. It unites all of us.
Cancer is no respecter of persons. Cancer doesn’t acknowledge an ideology. Cancer is a killer and we must do everything we can to raise awareness, to help those with it and to find a cure.
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