Cancer Institute (NSW) Act 2003

Legislation and policy
24 Jun 2003
Share this page Email this page to a friend Share this page via Twitter Share this page via Facebook Share this page via LinkedIn

An Act relating to the constitution, objectives and functions of the Cancer Institute (NSW). The NSW Government passed this historic legislation to create the Cancer Institute NSW on June 24 2003.

The Cancer Institute NSW was established in July 2003 through the Cancer Institute NSW Act 2003 as a response to the need to further decrease the devastating impact of cancer on our society. Its functions, therefore, support the overall mission of lessening the impact of cancer on members of the public in NSW.

The provisions in this Act, require the Cancer Institute NSW:

"to develop, in conjunction with the Department of Health and public health organisations, a State Cancer Plan by 30 June 2004 for consideration by the Minister for Health and, in conjunction with the Department of Health and public health organisations, to review and recommend changes (if any) to the Plan for consideration by the Minister for Health at least every 2 years after that date (or within such other period as may be determined by the Minister of Health)."

The Act defines "cancer control" as

"any cancer related activity in the field of human health such as research, the practical application of research, innovation, treatment and care (including palliative care, supportive care and complementary health therapies), prevention, screening, diagnosis, provision of information, training and education."

The Cancer Institute NSW is charged with substantially improving cancer control in NSW. The benefits of this for members of the NSW public will be achieved by:

  • reducing the incidence of cancer in NSW;
  • increasing the survival rate for people diagnosed with cancer;
  • improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their carers; and
  • become a source of expertise on cancer and provide expert advice to patients, the public, health care professionals and the Government.
Top of page