Candidates for the seat of Keira will be grilled on what action they plan to take to reduce cancer in the electorate at a forum next week.
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Sitting member Ryan Park and Kaye Osborn from the Greens have confirmed their attendance at Tuesday night’s forum which will be hosted by the Illawarra Cancer Advocacy Network.
Community advocate Shareen Verdon said the free community event would focus on the four key policy proposals in Cancer Council’s Saving Life 2019 campaign.
These include strengthening the Smoke-free Environment Act to ensure that people working or socialising in bars and clubs in NSW are protected from second-hand smoke.
There’s also a call to amend the Public Health (Tobacco) Act to ban tobacco vending machines and introduce an annual licence fee to encourage retailers to stop selling.
Cancer Council also wants to see junk food advertising removed from state-owned property to reduce children’s exposure; and it supports national regulations on food marketing to children.
The organisation is also campaigning for funding for public lymphoedema services across NSW to ensure that people have better access to care, regardless of where they live.
“(At the forum) we will hear local experiences on the priority areas; tobacco, junk food and lymphoedema,” Ms Verdon said.
“These issues are felt here and it’s an excellent opportunity for these voices to be heard and action to be taken.
“We’re pleased (Mr Park and Ms Osborn) will join us to hear about our Saving Life 2019 agenda and outline the role they will play, if elected to represent the people of Keira, in bringing about the changes needed for our community.”
Ms Verdon has long been an advocate for the Cancer Council, as she supports the work they do in improving access to treatment for cancer sufferers. She said community advocates were holding similar forums around the state in the lead-up to the state election next month.
Emma Swords, community programs co-ordinator at Cancer Council’s southern office, urged community members to attend to share their stories.
“Saving Life 2019 addresses problems that increase the risk of cancer and impact people who’ve experienced cancer,” she said.
“The next state government has the power to deliver solutions to these problems that will make a huge difference to people in the Illawarra area and across NSW.”
The Illawarra forum will be held from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Corrimal district library and community centre.
To register contact emma.swords@nswcc.org.au or visit EventBrite - Cancer Council NSW Saving Life 2019 Forum Illawarra.
