Revamped Victorian Cancer Agency to boost cancer research

Source: Premier of Victoria -Denis Napthine Website

Minister for Health David Davis today announced the start of the new Victorian Cancer Agency (VCA) Consultative Council led by Professor Robert Thomas OAM.

Mr Davis said the Council is an exciting new phase in the revamp of the Victorian Cancer Agency and the expansion of world-class translational cancer research in Victoria over the next five years.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is working to reduce the burden of cancer on the community by supporting our world leading cancer researchers,” Mr Davis said.

“We have established a new Consultative Council to be led by cancer expert Professor Robert Thomas, to provide strategic leadership to the Victorian Cancer Agency and drive innovation in all areas of translational cancer research.”

The new VCA Consultative Council is made up of Victoria’s leading cancer clinicians and researchers, health service executives, members of the business and philanthropy communities as well as consumer advocates.

Professor Thomas has been long involved with cancer care and research in Victoria and has held the position of Chief Cancer Advisor to the Minister for Health and the Department of Health for several years.

Mr Davis said the new VCA Consultative Council will develop innovative and collaborative approaches to translating research findings into clinical practice, and ensuring that the experiences of cancer patients are incorporated into cancer research.

“This includes research into cancer prevention as well as translational research, health services research, and supportive and palliative care,” Mr Davis said.

“The new Council will set up a range of important discussion forums to link and integrate cancer research efforts across Victoria, including with funding bodies, major metropolitan and regional cancer centres, and consumer advocacy groups.

“These groups will work with the Council to drive the development of a new cancer research strategy.

“The Victorian Coalition Government in the last Budget delivered $60 million over four years through the Victorian cancer agency to fund groundbreaking new cancer research and made funding ongoing,” Mr Davis said.