PM’s $65m cystic fibrosis pledge

SCOTT Morrison will today pledge $65 million to establish Australia’s first adult cystic fibrosis unit if the Coalition is re-elected.

The 16-bed unit at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital will treat young adults who are living longer with the chronic disease and will also have dedicated research facilities to find a cure for the genetic condition.

Every four days one Australian baby is born with the disease.

The rate of cystic fibrosis is higher in Tasmania than the rest of Australia.

Tasmania and Ireland have the highest rates of cystic fibrosis in the world — approximately one birth in every 1650 has the incurable disease. The Australian rate is one in 2500.

Because cystic fibrosis is passed on by carriers who may not know they are carriers, it’s been surmised that Tasmania’s high rate is linked with the high number of Irish immigrant and convict settlers.

The Prime Minister will today also accept Bill Shorten’s challenge to make healthcare a key election battleground and will back it in with a further $100 million commitment for clinical trials in regional areas to make sure where you live doesn’t stop you having access to cutting edge treatment.

Mr Morrison told News Corp the Coalition’s strong economic management means a government he leads could be relied on to invest in healthcare to tackle conditions like cystic fibrosis.

“By establishing this new unit we will be able to give crucial support to patients with cystic fibrosis and importantly research, which may one day find a cure,” he said.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said that the new unit followed the Coalition Government’s decision to list two new medications for cystic fibrosis on the PBS.

“Cystic fibrosis can be devastating for patients and their families. This new specialist unit will support patients, ensuring they have the best care possible,” he said.