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Cancer centre study

just an election
stunt, claims MP
By ALEX SINNOTT

Rebecca Hintum admits her breath was taken away when she entered Images Restaurant last night. I knew
I was loved by others, but not this much. Rebecca and her husband Jeff were guests of honour at the fundraising dinner to help the family as Rebecca battles cancer. STORY PAGE 2.
Picture: LEANNE PICKETT

A FEASIBILITY study for a southwest integrated cancer care

centre has been used to pacify
the regions voters, according
to South West Coast MP Denis
Napthine.
He claimed the state government feasibility study had stalled
and lacked transparency given
that a terms of reference, a timeline or expected release date had
not been publicised.
The study conducted by the
states chief cancer adviser Bob
Thomas was announced by
Health Minister Daniel Andrews
last month in response to the
Peters Project campaign an
initiative endorsed by The
Standard.
Peters Project members met
with Professor Thomas earlier this
month to discuss the study and
stated in a press release that they
were pleased with the outcome of
the meeting.
Dr Napthine said there was
growing cynicism in the southwest over the study as many considered it to be a political stunt in
the lead-up to the November state
election.
There was this big announcement more than a month ago and
it has been followed by absolute
silence, he said.
We still dont know the terms
of reference, we still dont have
timelines, the people involved in
the study, whether Bob Thomas
will be part of the research process or merely oversee it.
All of these questions have
been left unanswered and have
shown this study to be politically
motivated and timed to keep pressure off John Brumby heading
into a state election.

A spokesman for Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the state

government was still finalising
details of the study announced on
May 7. The governments decision to conduct an investigation
into south-west cancer care came
after the federal government rejected a $200,000 bid for a similar
study in April.
I understand that Professor
Bob Thomas has conducted early
consultations with interested
parties, he said. That work will
inform the scope and the timeline
for the feasibility study.
The Standard understands the
study could be put on hold until
early next year with its deadline
yet to be determined.
South West Healthcare and St
John of God Hospital are expected to be involved in the study as
well as consultation with hospitals in Portland, Hamilton, Mount
Gambier and smaller regional
healthcare providers.
Peters Project founder Vicki
Jellie reiterated her view that
the feasibility study should be
conducted before the November
27 state election. She said it was
important that the cancer care
centre issue remained apolitical.
We have full confidence in
Professor Bob Thomas because
he isnt a politician and hes an
expert in his field, Mrs Jellie said.
Its the view of Peters Project
that the study is conducted and
its findings released before the
state election is held.
Mrs Jellie said the meeting with
Professor Thomas was productive but no specific dates were
discussed.
asinnott@standard.fairfax.com.au

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