Proton cancer therapy faces funding crisis with two months to launch
Sue Bleasel needs $22 million in two months to open Australia's first proton therapy centre; key organisations say they're not involved.
For decades, Sue Bleasel, 79, has worked to bring proton therapy to Australia so that sick children can stop travelling overseas for cancer treatment. The plan seemed close: a major Sydney developer backed it, the City of Sydney council and NSW government approved it, and federal MP Tanya Plibersek supported it.
A half-billion-dollar development sits at its heart. Construction is about to start, but Bleasel still lacks the $22 million needed.
She has two months to find it. The ABC has learned the developer made alternate plans for the site that exclude proton therapy.
Key organisations say they're not involved. Families are watching closely.
Australia pays millions per year for flights, accommodation and treatment for patients overseas. An Adelaide facility built to house a proton machine for more than $100 million sat empty since 2023.
- $22 million
- Funding needed
- Two months
- Timeline to secure funding
- 79
- Bleasel's age
- More than $100 million
- Adelaide facility cost
Why it mattersWithout the centre, Australian families with children who have rare cancers must choose between overseas treatment costs or limited local options.
AustraliaAffects Australian children with rare cancers who currently need to travel overseas for specialised radiation therapy at significant cost to families and the government.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 49 min ago
