Sonya KILKENNY (Carrum – Attorney-General, Minister for Planning) (09:49): Last week I hosted my ninth annual pink brunch, bringing together community leaders to raise awareness about breast cancer, the importance of early detection and the support for those living with the disease. That same day marked an historic moment for people living with metastatic breast cancer and their families, a moment shaped by many but especially the late Peta Murphy, the former member for Dunkley. For the first time Australia now has an accurate record of how many people, mostly women, are living with metastatic breast cancer. For the first time they are finally visible in our national data, and the number, at 20,950, is significantly more than previously estimated. Peta, who lived with metastatic breast cancer herself, knew why this mattered. She knew that behind every number is a person whose care, treatment and future depend on being counted. And while there is no cure, being seen means better support, better services and better outcomes for those living with this disease.
I want to thank Breast Cancer Network Australia and all those with lived experience whose courage, strength and determination has made this possible, including those no longer with us, like my dear friend Peta. Their legacy is now part of our national data. This is an important step, but the work must continue and so must the data collection, because every person living with metastatic breast cancer deserves to be heard, seen and supported.