Tuesday, 18 March 2025

 Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (00:35): (1519) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Health regarding proposed funding cuts to the TrialHub program, with funds for the existing program due to finish in June this year. The action that I seek is for the state government to guarantee that funding for this program will continue. For regional Victoria, TrialHub represents an opportunity to bridge the gap between urban and rural patients. TrialHub has developed an important clinical trial system in regional and rural areas that has been life changing for patients. The program provides access to life-saving clinical trials that were previously only available in Melbourne. It gives patients an opportunity to access new treatments, medicines, interventions and medical devices. This is especially important for rural and regional patients, giving them the chance to receive exceptional care without the added burden of travel and the emotional toll of managing serious illness far from home. TrialHub has supported Bendigo Health as one of the six Victorian hospitals included in the program, providing almost $1.5 million of funding so that the hospital has dedicated clinical trial staff as well as providing a range of supports such as workforce upskilling programs, mentoring, operational strategies and communications. These trial options have already shown impressive results. One local resident, John, was given six months to live three years ago after a dire cancer diagnosis. A clinical trial was his only hope of survival. Fortunately, he was able to access a trial through Bendigo Health and is now in remission. He said:

Had my only option been to go to Melbourne for a clinical trial, I would have rather died here in the country.

TrialHub also worked with Mildura Base Public Hospital in my electorate. It provides options for treatment to patients that otherwise would not be available. If these resources are lost it will be very hard to get them back. TrialHub has an impressive track record, including helping more than 1000 Victorians access a local clinical trial, creating a rare cancer alliance to tackle the limited access to regional and treatment options and an upskilling program which has led to the creation of new jobs in clinical trials and research outside of Melbourne. There is no doubt that TrialHub is life changing for patients and transformative for regional and rural health care, but it is at risk without continued funding. To sustain this vital service requires a commitment to funding to ensure that regional and rural Australians have access to the latest advancements in medical care. I look forward to the minister’s response ahead of the upcoming state budget.