Australian gov't invests $143m to recruit 100 cancer nurses

The government will raise supported cancer nursing positions to 350 by 2032.

The Australian government will invest $143m (A$213m) to fund the recruitment of an additional 100 cancer nurses through the McGrath Foundation over five years from 2027–28.

The funding under the ‘Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program’ is expected to increase Commonwealth-supported cancer nursing positions to 350 by 2032, said Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing.

The investment comes amidst rising demand for specialist cancer nursing services, with cancer incidence projected to affect one in two Australians over their lifetime.

The funding will also place nurses across various healthcare settings to extend services to rural and remote areas.

A$1 = $0.67