General Debate

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

House of Representatives · Monday 1 September 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Members debated a motion recognising September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the disease as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men. Speakers emphasised the importance of early detection through PSA testing and acknowledged barriers faced by rural, First Nations, and high-risk men. The discussion included government investments in cancer nursing, navigation programs, and specific treatments, alongside community initiatives to reduce stigma. All speakers supported the motion, which aimed to encourage men to seek medical advice and improve health outcomes.

Outcome

The motion was agreed to without division.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Dan Repacholi (Hunter) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Repacholi moved the motion to note that prostate cancer significantly impacts men and their communities, urging early action. Repacholi highlighted that modern screening involves simple blood tests rather than invasive procedures, aiming to reduce hesitation among men. Repacholi pointed out that rural residents, First Nations men, and those with family histories face greater barriers to care. Repacholi commended government initiatives for specialist nurses and mental health support, while recognising the role of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Repacholi encouraged men aged 50 to 69, and younger men with risk factors, to consult their general practitioners.

Opposition response

Andrew Willcox (Dawson) (Liberal National Party) LNP

Willcox, co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Prostate Cancer Awareness group, supported the motion and provided statistical context on diagnosis rates. Willcox noted that approximately 26,000 men are diagnosed annually, with survival rates improving significantly since 1982 due to better imaging and testing. Willcox highlighted disparities in screening rates between rural and metropolitan areas, calling for evidence-based guidelines to address these gaps. Willcox referenced the case of a young councillor diagnosed at 36 to underscore the need for risk-based screening discussions. Willcox recommended the motion to the House, advocating for zero deaths from prostate cancer.

Matt Burnell (Spence) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Burnell highlighted government investments, including $166 million for the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program and $32 million for men's health initiatives. Burnell cited research indicating that gender stereotypes prevent many men from seeking health support, contributing to avoidable deaths. Burnell detailed funding for men's sheds, the Movember Ahead of the Game program, and other community resilience projects. Burnell commended Repacholi's role as Special Envoy for Men's Health and urged men to overcome stigma by visiting their doctors.
Tom Venning (Grey) (Liberal Party) Liberal support

Venning acknowledged the profound impact of prostate cancer on families and communities, recognising the vital role of healthcare professionals. Venning emphasised the significant barriers faced by regional and rural men, including travel costs and long wait times for specialist care. Venning argued that telehealth is insufficient without local skilled professionals and called for equitable access to treatment regardless of location. Venning urged men, particularly in farming communities, to break down barriers to discussing health and to prioritise early screening.
Zhi Soon (Banks) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Soon supported the motion, noting that over 10 men die daily from prostate cancer and that rural barriers delay timely care. Soon detailed government funding for prostate cancer nurses and the listing of talazoparib and darolutamide on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to improve treatment affordability. Soon cited Movember statistics on men avoiding health checks due to social pressures and highlighted the government's partnership to train primary healthcare workers. Soon praised Repacholi's appointment as Special Envoy for Men's Health and encouraged men to seek early diagnosis.

Opened by

Dan Repacholi (Hunter) (Australian Labor Party)

ALP

Speeches

5 speeches, 3 other contributors

Topics

First Nations Regional Australia

Debate Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Second Reading Bill Debate, 16 Sep 2026 · Shared topic: Regional Australia
Debate Indigenous Australians Take Note Debate, 16 Sep 2026 · Shared topic: First Nations
Question Time Senate Question Time 29 Jun 2026 · Shared topics: First Nations, Regional Australia
Question Time House Question Time 7 Sep 2026 · Shared topics: First Nations, Regional Australia

About House of Representatives debates

The House of Representatives debates bills, motions and matters of public importance in its main chamber. Members from all parties can take part, and the responsible minister usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.