National Media Releases

Territorians still waiting for oncology unit - Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion

22nd January 2010

Senator Scullion today welcomed the opening of the Northern Territory’s oncology unit but said it was unacceptable people would have to wait until April to receive treatment.

“This is a publicity stunt of the worst kind. Simply because it fits into Kevin Rudd’s schedule to nip up to the Territory today, cancer patients had to watch on while he cut the ribbon on a facility they still don’t have access to,” Senator Scullion said.

“By her own admission Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon said she could understand the frustration of Territorians in having to wait so long. They’ve had to wait more than eight years since the Territory Labor Government’s failed election commitment in 2001, so why open it now?

“People don’t care which political party delivers crucial health services as long as they are delivered on time, but it’s a bit rich of the Rudd Government to take credit for this major achievement when the money has been available since the Coalition announced $31.5m for the project in 2006.

“Let us be under no delusions: the Territory Government under-estimated the project’s cost and mismanaged its construction from day one, so it’s a miracle the money set aside by the Coalition escaped Territory Labor’s growing black hole of Federal funds.

“Since Kevin Rudd cannot give credit where it’s due, I would particularly like to acknowledge the hard work of former member for Solomon David Tollner in obtaining the Federal funds to deliver this facility for Territorians.”