Senator CICCONE (Victoria—Deputy Opposition Whip in the Senate) (13:52): September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, an important opportunity for all of us in this place and in the other place to learn the facts about the most dangerous disease for children. Childhood cancer kills more kids in Australia than any other disease. Children don't get the same types of cancer as adults. There is no known cause and no prevention for these cancers, so scientific research in this space truly does matter. September is a time to honour the children and the many families affected by this disease. By working together in this place we can raise awareness along with the vital funds to find better treatment and hopefully a cure. I know both sides of this place have worked on this in a bipartisan manner for many years. In the last election it was very good to see both the minister and the shadow minister working in the preventive health space—a first for a very long time, I think—and hopefully that will continue for many years. The Kids' Cancer Project is committed to directing funding towards the best and brightest childhood cancer researchers in Australia. The project highlights the lack of awareness of childhood cancer. It has stated that nearly three-quarters of the Australian population have no idea that more kids die from cancer than any other disease. The numbers are stark: 1,000 children and adolescents will be diagnosed with cancer this year alone and 5,600 will undergo treatment. The treatments children undergo are painful, and the experience of families as they watch and hope and fight is stressful. Watching an extended family of mine care for their daughter over in the United Kingdom, as she has been treated for leukaemia over a number of years now, has brought home the reality of this experience: the constant worry, the pressure, the small wins, the setbacks and the need to take things just a day at a time. Recently, I was fortunate enough to attend the Children's Cancer Foundation charity lunch in Melbourne, where I was moved by the stories of many who were there that day—in particular, the story of Melbourne mother Kate Johnson, who shared about her son's experience of being diagnosed with and undergoing treatment for cancer. At the age of three, Kate's son David was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. He started treatment immediately. For 3½ years, David went through dozens of general anaesthetics; two neurosurgeries; many lumbar punctures, MRIs and CT scans; and, on top of all that, almost a thousand doses of chemotherapy. There were complications, emergency surgery, a stroke and an induced coma. Thankfully, David did come through his experience of childhood cancer. He is 10 years old now, but at the time it was a frightening experience for Kate, her husband, young David and their family. At the lunch, she told the attendees: 'Each minute was critical, and we had no idea whether he'd survive. There are literally no words to describe how terrifying this time was.' Later, highlighting the importance of better awareness and funding for research, Kate said: 'It is so important, when going through a cancer diagnosis, to know that your child is receiving world-class treatments. We know firsthand the importance of finding more targeted treatments with fewer side effects and how desperately underfunded this is.' Kate is correct. The shocking statistic I mentioned earlier will only improve with science—more research for better treatments, less painful treatments and more effective treatments. This research is necessary, but it is also expensive, and the first step towards funding is better community awareness. That's why in this month of September, I and many others are wearing gold. Global Childhood Cancer Awareness Month was declared in 2010 by former US President Barack Obama. The colour gold was chosen for the cause as it represents a precious metal, to represent the precious lives affected by childhood cancer. All around the world, important buildings and landmarks have been lit up in the colour gold to help raise awareness of childhood cancer. Supporters are sharing their stories and advocacy on social media, adding gold ribbons to their profile pictures and turning their newsfeeds gold. And, importantly, supporters and friends are holding events and donating to help raise funds for research. Today I call on my colleagues here and in the other place, as well as members of the community and those who are listening to the broadcast, to help by donating a few dollars to help researchers develop better treatments and hopefully one day find a cure for childhood cancer. And I strongly encourage members in this place and those who are listening to go visit the website at www.kidscancerproject.org.au. As I said earlier, in 2010, US President Obama proclaimed Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in order to raise awareness that kids with cancer need help from the community. Gold is the official colour for what is now a global event. Wearing the gold ribbon is symbolic of solidarity and unity with children and families affected by the disease. Many different childhood cancer charities collaborate and join forces to focus attention on the plights of the 950 children diagnosed every year in Australia. All Australians are invited to support the cause, either by wearing a gold ribbon or making a donation to a charity committed to making the lives of kids with cancer better. The PRESIDENT: Order! It being 2 pm, we will move to questions without notice.