'Difficult days ahead': Former Liberal MP Katie Allen announces stage 4 diagnosis in rare cancer just days after contesting Melbourne seat
Former Liberal MP Katie Allen has announced she has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer which has "already spread".
The politician took to social media on Thursday to share the news with her followers revealing she is in stage 4 of a cancer known as Cholangiocarcinoma- a rare disease which forms in the bile ducts inside the liver and carries a five-year survival rate.
"It's a stage 4 diagnosis and has already spread," Ms Allen wrote on Instagram.
"I know there are difficult days ahead, but I'm facing this with clarity and determination."
The difficult news comes just days after she contested her former seat of Chisholm in Melbourne's east but lost to incumbent Labor MP Carina Garland.
In a statement released by a Victorian Liberal Party spokesperson, Ms Allen was labelled a 'tireless worker and advocate for families'.
'As a paediatrician, she understands the importance [of] the integration of health, education and financial security for the welfare of families. We know she will work her hardest to change the government and get Australia back on track," the statement read.
In light of her recent diagnosis, Ms Allen said she would be drawing from her experience as a former paediatric allergist and gastroenterologist to guide her journey ahead.
"As a doctor, I've stood besides many patients and their families during moments like this," she said.
"I've seen incredible courage, dignity and strength in those facing adversity — and I'll be drawing on those examples now, as I walk this path myself."
The politician and doctor thanked her followers for their support and said "it means more than words could say".
Following the announcement, a number of Ms Allen's colleagues and supporters shared their well wishes and commended her strength and determination.
"Really sorry to hear, Katie. Wishing you strength and peace," Independent Dr Monique Ryan wrote on social media.
Victorian Shadow Attorney-General Michael O'Brien wrote: "Katie, I'm so sorry to hear this. You were such an amazing candidate in Chisholm and showed such energy, grace and determination. Sending you and your family all my love and best wishes for your treatment xx"
"Katie, in all that I know of you, I know that you will face this with strength and determination, as you do everything else. Please let us know how as a community we can help you. Sending love x," a follower wrote.
"I'm so sorry to hear this, Katie! We are all thinking, hoping and praying with you," another wrote.
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The Advertiser
30 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Cheaper complementary health treatments are on the way
When Peter Hill walked into his first pilates class, he had to warm-up for the warm-up. With a feeble lower back and taut hamstrings, the then 63-year-old was hoping the therapy could aid his pain. Six years later, he can dart and dash with little-to-no trouble. "Occasionally I might have a bit of a twinge but I can get out of bed in the morning and do normal stuff without having to warm up," Mr Hill says. "I jog or run once a week and I never have an issue with my hamstrings, and my back is significantly better." The additional good news is that pilates-goers like Mr Hill can soon expect their classes will be cheaper after federal health minister Mark Butler promised during the election campaign that private insurers would be obliged to cover some complementary treatments. A spokesperson for his office says the scheme's rollout is imminent. Complementary medicines are therapies that accompany pharmaceutical treatments with the aim of promoting holistic health. A study found that of the millions of Australians who use them, more than 50 per cent do so the same day they take their pharmaceutical medicine. The therapies include yoga, pilates, tai chi, shiatsu, naturopathy and the Alexander technique, as well as a range of western herbal medicines, and they will be covered by private insurers. A review recommended government subsidise all seven after finding they were moderately effective and safe. This represents a back-track on the 2019 exclusion of 16 natural therapies, which saw insurers lose rebates. "Coverage of natural therapies remains a decision for insurers," according to Mr Butler's office. "Insurers which choose to cover the therapies will work with the natural therapies sector on coverage and to re-establish provider credentialing. "The government will ensure timely re-inclusion of benefits for natural therapies, so this coverage is available as soon as possible." The opposition matched Labor's promise with spokeswoman Anne Ruston saying the coalition was "strongly committed to strengthening preventative health outcomes ... and these decisions are in line with that focus". Bupa is already on board, telling AAP it will welcome the subsidies. However, Private Healthcare Australia policy director Ben Harris says some firms may only take up the movement-based therapies such as yoga, tai chi and pilates. "The evidence is quite clear that in certain circumstances for certain people, these therapies can make a really big difference and the best thing with healthcare is you need as many options on the table as possible," he says. "It's getting better all the time ... but the broad research is still yet to be done for the community as a whole." Why though are complementary medicines important? Well, chronic disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, killing around 41 million people each year, while researchers say natural therapies alongside traditional medicines can help treat chronic symptoms and restore body function. Insurers in Canada, India and the UK are already rebating complementary medicines, while Australia's decision comes nine months after the National Disability Insurance Scheme removed subsidies for therapies like yoga, cuddle therapy and hypnotherapy. Then NDIS head Bill Shorten said these treatments should have never been on the list. But the federal review released in April, said yoga in particular had "some benefit" for people compared to individuals who don't participate. Still, some doctors are sceptical. The Australian Medical Association says people should remain cautious with some of the movement-based treatments. It also warns paients not to stop taking pharmaceutical medicines. "While evidence-based complementary medicine can play a role in patient care under the guidance of a doctor, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of most complementary medicines," the association says. "People need to be extremely careful if they are sourcing herbal supplements because some are potentially harmful and it's very difficult to be certain about what they contain. "Some have the potential to cause adverse reactions or interact with conventional medicines." Joanna Harnett, an Associate Professor specialising in complementary healthcare, says any medicine people have can cause a reaction but complementary medicines taken orally in conjunction with traditional treatments pose the biggest risk. Natural therapies like shiatsu and western herbal medicines are derived from tradition compared to more research-based pharmaceuticals. But National Integrative Medicine Institute director Dennis Chang says the seven subsidised therapies are scientifically safe. "It's not an umbrella claim but certainly there is some moderate level of evidence to support effectiveness and ... this can be potentially beneficial to patients," he tells AAP. "The review is not saying yoga can do everything. So, there is a lot more research needed in order to make that more general claim." Medical economist and academic Yuting Zhang expects insurers to include natural therapies in their premiums because of their low-cost compared to private hospital cover. However due to the rising cost of healthcare, she doubts more people will sign up for premiums. "It would probably be quite smart ... to include those kinds of things," Prof Zhang says. "It would improve the value for private health insurance but in the big scheme of things, I don't think it would have a huge impact." But 83-year-old Colin who attends pilates every week sees the positives of a few more dollars in his pocket. "I might actually go to two classes rather than one," he says. "I really enjoy doing that sort of stretching, that sort of exercise." Prof Harnett says Victoria's Better Health Channel and the US government's National Complementary and Integrative Health website are resources people can look to if they are unsure of using a complementary medicine. When Peter Hill walked into his first pilates class, he had to warm-up for the warm-up. With a feeble lower back and taut hamstrings, the then 63-year-old was hoping the therapy could aid his pain. Six years later, he can dart and dash with little-to-no trouble. "Occasionally I might have a bit of a twinge but I can get out of bed in the morning and do normal stuff without having to warm up," Mr Hill says. "I jog or run once a week and I never have an issue with my hamstrings, and my back is significantly better." The additional good news is that pilates-goers like Mr Hill can soon expect their classes will be cheaper after federal health minister Mark Butler promised during the election campaign that private insurers would be obliged to cover some complementary treatments. A spokesperson for his office says the scheme's rollout is imminent. Complementary medicines are therapies that accompany pharmaceutical treatments with the aim of promoting holistic health. A study found that of the millions of Australians who use them, more than 50 per cent do so the same day they take their pharmaceutical medicine. The therapies include yoga, pilates, tai chi, shiatsu, naturopathy and the Alexander technique, as well as a range of western herbal medicines, and they will be covered by private insurers. A review recommended government subsidise all seven after finding they were moderately effective and safe. This represents a back-track on the 2019 exclusion of 16 natural therapies, which saw insurers lose rebates. "Coverage of natural therapies remains a decision for insurers," according to Mr Butler's office. "Insurers which choose to cover the therapies will work with the natural therapies sector on coverage and to re-establish provider credentialing. "The government will ensure timely re-inclusion of benefits for natural therapies, so this coverage is available as soon as possible." The opposition matched Labor's promise with spokeswoman Anne Ruston saying the coalition was "strongly committed to strengthening preventative health outcomes ... and these decisions are in line with that focus". Bupa is already on board, telling AAP it will welcome the subsidies. However, Private Healthcare Australia policy director Ben Harris says some firms may only take up the movement-based therapies such as yoga, tai chi and pilates. "The evidence is quite clear that in certain circumstances for certain people, these therapies can make a really big difference and the best thing with healthcare is you need as many options on the table as possible," he says. "It's getting better all the time ... but the broad research is still yet to be done for the community as a whole." Why though are complementary medicines important? Well, chronic disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, killing around 41 million people each year, while researchers say natural therapies alongside traditional medicines can help treat chronic symptoms and restore body function. Insurers in Canada, India and the UK are already rebating complementary medicines, while Australia's decision comes nine months after the National Disability Insurance Scheme removed subsidies for therapies like yoga, cuddle therapy and hypnotherapy. Then NDIS head Bill Shorten said these treatments should have never been on the list. But the federal review released in April, said yoga in particular had "some benefit" for people compared to individuals who don't participate. Still, some doctors are sceptical. The Australian Medical Association says people should remain cautious with some of the movement-based treatments. It also warns paients not to stop taking pharmaceutical medicines. "While evidence-based complementary medicine can play a role in patient care under the guidance of a doctor, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of most complementary medicines," the association says. "People need to be extremely careful if they are sourcing herbal supplements because some are potentially harmful and it's very difficult to be certain about what they contain. "Some have the potential to cause adverse reactions or interact with conventional medicines." Joanna Harnett, an Associate Professor specialising in complementary healthcare, says any medicine people have can cause a reaction but complementary medicines taken orally in conjunction with traditional treatments pose the biggest risk. Natural therapies like shiatsu and western herbal medicines are derived from tradition compared to more research-based pharmaceuticals. But National Integrative Medicine Institute director Dennis Chang says the seven subsidised therapies are scientifically safe. "It's not an umbrella claim but certainly there is some moderate level of evidence to support effectiveness and ... this can be potentially beneficial to patients," he tells AAP. "The review is not saying yoga can do everything. So, there is a lot more research needed in order to make that more general claim." Medical economist and academic Yuting Zhang expects insurers to include natural therapies in their premiums because of their low-cost compared to private hospital cover. However due to the rising cost of healthcare, she doubts more people will sign up for premiums. "It would probably be quite smart ... to include those kinds of things," Prof Zhang says. "It would improve the value for private health insurance but in the big scheme of things, I don't think it would have a huge impact." But 83-year-old Colin who attends pilates every week sees the positives of a few more dollars in his pocket. "I might actually go to two classes rather than one," he says. "I really enjoy doing that sort of stretching, that sort of exercise." Prof Harnett says Victoria's Better Health Channel and the US government's National Complementary and Integrative Health website are resources people can look to if they are unsure of using a complementary medicine. When Peter Hill walked into his first pilates class, he had to warm-up for the warm-up. With a feeble lower back and taut hamstrings, the then 63-year-old was hoping the therapy could aid his pain. Six years later, he can dart and dash with little-to-no trouble. "Occasionally I might have a bit of a twinge but I can get out of bed in the morning and do normal stuff without having to warm up," Mr Hill says. "I jog or run once a week and I never have an issue with my hamstrings, and my back is significantly better." The additional good news is that pilates-goers like Mr Hill can soon expect their classes will be cheaper after federal health minister Mark Butler promised during the election campaign that private insurers would be obliged to cover some complementary treatments. A spokesperson for his office says the scheme's rollout is imminent. Complementary medicines are therapies that accompany pharmaceutical treatments with the aim of promoting holistic health. A study found that of the millions of Australians who use them, more than 50 per cent do so the same day they take their pharmaceutical medicine. The therapies include yoga, pilates, tai chi, shiatsu, naturopathy and the Alexander technique, as well as a range of western herbal medicines, and they will be covered by private insurers. A review recommended government subsidise all seven after finding they were moderately effective and safe. This represents a back-track on the 2019 exclusion of 16 natural therapies, which saw insurers lose rebates. "Coverage of natural therapies remains a decision for insurers," according to Mr Butler's office. "Insurers which choose to cover the therapies will work with the natural therapies sector on coverage and to re-establish provider credentialing. "The government will ensure timely re-inclusion of benefits for natural therapies, so this coverage is available as soon as possible." The opposition matched Labor's promise with spokeswoman Anne Ruston saying the coalition was "strongly committed to strengthening preventative health outcomes ... and these decisions are in line with that focus". Bupa is already on board, telling AAP it will welcome the subsidies. However, Private Healthcare Australia policy director Ben Harris says some firms may only take up the movement-based therapies such as yoga, tai chi and pilates. "The evidence is quite clear that in certain circumstances for certain people, these therapies can make a really big difference and the best thing with healthcare is you need as many options on the table as possible," he says. "It's getting better all the time ... but the broad research is still yet to be done for the community as a whole." Why though are complementary medicines important? Well, chronic disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, killing around 41 million people each year, while researchers say natural therapies alongside traditional medicines can help treat chronic symptoms and restore body function. Insurers in Canada, India and the UK are already rebating complementary medicines, while Australia's decision comes nine months after the National Disability Insurance Scheme removed subsidies for therapies like yoga, cuddle therapy and hypnotherapy. Then NDIS head Bill Shorten said these treatments should have never been on the list. But the federal review released in April, said yoga in particular had "some benefit" for people compared to individuals who don't participate. Still, some doctors are sceptical. The Australian Medical Association says people should remain cautious with some of the movement-based treatments. It also warns paients not to stop taking pharmaceutical medicines. "While evidence-based complementary medicine can play a role in patient care under the guidance of a doctor, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of most complementary medicines," the association says. "People need to be extremely careful if they are sourcing herbal supplements because some are potentially harmful and it's very difficult to be certain about what they contain. "Some have the potential to cause adverse reactions or interact with conventional medicines." Joanna Harnett, an Associate Professor specialising in complementary healthcare, says any medicine people have can cause a reaction but complementary medicines taken orally in conjunction with traditional treatments pose the biggest risk. Natural therapies like shiatsu and western herbal medicines are derived from tradition compared to more research-based pharmaceuticals. But National Integrative Medicine Institute director Dennis Chang says the seven subsidised therapies are scientifically safe. "It's not an umbrella claim but certainly there is some moderate level of evidence to support effectiveness and ... this can be potentially beneficial to patients," he tells AAP. "The review is not saying yoga can do everything. So, there is a lot more research needed in order to make that more general claim." Medical economist and academic Yuting Zhang expects insurers to include natural therapies in their premiums because of their low-cost compared to private hospital cover. However due to the rising cost of healthcare, she doubts more people will sign up for premiums. "It would probably be quite smart ... to include those kinds of things," Prof Zhang says. "It would improve the value for private health insurance but in the big scheme of things, I don't think it would have a huge impact." But 83-year-old Colin who attends pilates every week sees the positives of a few more dollars in his pocket. "I might actually go to two classes rather than one," he says. "I really enjoy doing that sort of stretching, that sort of exercise." Prof Harnett says Victoria's Better Health Channel and the US government's National Complementary and Integrative Health website are resources people can look to if they are unsure of using a complementary medicine. When Peter Hill walked into his first pilates class, he had to warm-up for the warm-up. With a feeble lower back and taut hamstrings, the then 63-year-old was hoping the therapy could aid his pain. Six years later, he can dart and dash with little-to-no trouble. "Occasionally I might have a bit of a twinge but I can get out of bed in the morning and do normal stuff without having to warm up," Mr Hill says. "I jog or run once a week and I never have an issue with my hamstrings, and my back is significantly better." The additional good news is that pilates-goers like Mr Hill can soon expect their classes will be cheaper after federal health minister Mark Butler promised during the election campaign that private insurers would be obliged to cover some complementary treatments. A spokesperson for his office says the scheme's rollout is imminent. Complementary medicines are therapies that accompany pharmaceutical treatments with the aim of promoting holistic health. A study found that of the millions of Australians who use them, more than 50 per cent do so the same day they take their pharmaceutical medicine. The therapies include yoga, pilates, tai chi, shiatsu, naturopathy and the Alexander technique, as well as a range of western herbal medicines, and they will be covered by private insurers. A review recommended government subsidise all seven after finding they were moderately effective and safe. This represents a back-track on the 2019 exclusion of 16 natural therapies, which saw insurers lose rebates. "Coverage of natural therapies remains a decision for insurers," according to Mr Butler's office. "Insurers which choose to cover the therapies will work with the natural therapies sector on coverage and to re-establish provider credentialing. "The government will ensure timely re-inclusion of benefits for natural therapies, so this coverage is available as soon as possible." The opposition matched Labor's promise with spokeswoman Anne Ruston saying the coalition was "strongly committed to strengthening preventative health outcomes ... and these decisions are in line with that focus". Bupa is already on board, telling AAP it will welcome the subsidies. However, Private Healthcare Australia policy director Ben Harris says some firms may only take up the movement-based therapies such as yoga, tai chi and pilates. "The evidence is quite clear that in certain circumstances for certain people, these therapies can make a really big difference and the best thing with healthcare is you need as many options on the table as possible," he says. "It's getting better all the time ... but the broad research is still yet to be done for the community as a whole." Why though are complementary medicines important? Well, chronic disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, killing around 41 million people each year, while researchers say natural therapies alongside traditional medicines can help treat chronic symptoms and restore body function. Insurers in Canada, India and the UK are already rebating complementary medicines, while Australia's decision comes nine months after the National Disability Insurance Scheme removed subsidies for therapies like yoga, cuddle therapy and hypnotherapy. Then NDIS head Bill Shorten said these treatments should have never been on the list. But the federal review released in April, said yoga in particular had "some benefit" for people compared to individuals who don't participate. Still, some doctors are sceptical. The Australian Medical Association says people should remain cautious with some of the movement-based treatments. It also warns paients not to stop taking pharmaceutical medicines. "While evidence-based complementary medicine can play a role in patient care under the guidance of a doctor, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of most complementary medicines," the association says. "People need to be extremely careful if they are sourcing herbal supplements because some are potentially harmful and it's very difficult to be certain about what they contain. "Some have the potential to cause adverse reactions or interact with conventional medicines." Joanna Harnett, an Associate Professor specialising in complementary healthcare, says any medicine people have can cause a reaction but complementary medicines taken orally in conjunction with traditional treatments pose the biggest risk. Natural therapies like shiatsu and western herbal medicines are derived from tradition compared to more research-based pharmaceuticals. But National Integrative Medicine Institute director Dennis Chang says the seven subsidised therapies are scientifically safe. "It's not an umbrella claim but certainly there is some moderate level of evidence to support effectiveness and ... this can be potentially beneficial to patients," he tells AAP. "The review is not saying yoga can do everything. So, there is a lot more research needed in order to make that more general claim." Medical economist and academic Yuting Zhang expects insurers to include natural therapies in their premiums because of their low-cost compared to private hospital cover. However due to the rising cost of healthcare, she doubts more people will sign up for premiums. "It would probably be quite smart ... to include those kinds of things," Prof Zhang says. "It would improve the value for private health insurance but in the big scheme of things, I don't think it would have a huge impact." But 83-year-old Colin who attends pilates every week sees the positives of a few more dollars in his pocket. "I might actually go to two classes rather than one," he says. "I really enjoy doing that sort of stretching, that sort of exercise." Prof Harnett says Victoria's Better Health Channel and the US government's National Complementary and Integrative Health website are resources people can look to if they are unsure of using a complementary medicine.
ABC News
an hour ago
- ABC News
Thornlie-Cockburn link opens as part of 'unprecedented' investment in Metronet project
More than 18 months of disruption is coming to an end for some commuters as Perth's first east-west rail connection opens this week to service communities from Mandurah to Armadale. The Thornlie-Cockburn link and adjacent rail elevation are part of WA Labor's flagship infrastructure project Metronet. The developments, in Perth's south east, feature a $1.3 billion rail extension with two new stations connecting Thornlie to Cockburn Central, and a $1.6 billion elevation of five stations and rail from Carlisle to Beckenham. The elevation is hoped to address road congestion — with the state government previously saying boom gates were down for up to six hours a day at some level crossings — and open up public spaces around and under the rail line. Transport minister Rita Saffioti said despite cost and time blowouts, the level of infrastructure delivered through the Metronet project was "unprecedented". "Generational infrastructure is hard," Ms Saffioti said. "These projects are really for the public. They're about the future and they're about making transport even more affordable and accessible." The projects were jointly funded by the state and federal governments. Construction of the latest Metronet development did not come without disruption. The Armadale line was shut down for 18 months for construction, and that disruption was set to continue for thousands of commuters due to a delay on the opening of the elevated Armadale and Byford stations. Commuters relying on the Armadale line have been taking longer journeys on replacement bus services, while road closures have left some businesses isolated from their communities. Butcher Matt Budny said at one point, roads on either side of his shop in Carlisle were closed to facilitate the Metronet construction and another roadworks project. "We were close to closing up ... after they closed both sides," Mr Budny said. Mr Budny said the lack of access caused him to lose more than half of his usual business. "Especially if you've got family, who wants to do a 15 minute detour?" he said. "It was devastating [but] I know that things need to be done, the train line is a good thing." A deli on the other side of the Carlisle station also told the ABC it lost about 50 per cent of its usual business when road closures cut off access to their shop.
Sky News AU
2 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Shadow industrial relations minister Tim Wilson backs wage rise but blasts Labor for ‘milking' small business
The Coalition has expressed support for the recent minimum wage increase but warned the Albanese government is failing businesses who must absorb higher labour costs. Shadow industrial relations minister Tim Wilson told Sky News Sunday Agenda that Labor has left small businesses behind due to its economic inaction. 'As Liberals, we always support higher wages. The big question for all of us is, what is the government then doing to help small business to be able to afford them?' Mr Wilson said. 'They're not helping small business on tax, they're not helping small business on regulation. They're not doing anything to improve the overall economic conditions. 'We've just got government milking small business rather than empowering them to be in a position to afford these wage increases.' His remarks follow the Fair Work Commission decision to lift the national minimum wage by 3.5 per cent—equating to an extra $0.84 per hour, bringing the rate to $24.94. The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) has warned the wage increase could tip vulnerable businesses over the edge. 'Ultimately, someone needs to pay here and overwhelmingly that will be small business,' COSBOA CEO Luke Achterstraat said on Tuesday. 'The irony here is that our industrial relations system continues to be a drag on productivity, and that is bad for workers and businesses.' Mr Achterstraat reiterated COSBOA's longstanding call for productivity reform to accompany wage growth. 'We have repeatedly warned that higher wages without higher productivity is a disaster waiting to happen,' he said. 'To ensure that our children don't endure a lower standard of living than us, we need to boost productivity – our workplace settings have a direct impact on this outcome.' Mr Wilson said the real path to higher wages lies in supporting overall business growth, not simply raising minimum wages. 'If the answer to improving wages is seeing small businesses fall over, we're not actually improving opportunities for more jobs, better paid jobs,' he said. 'The Liberal solution to getting wages up is to have small businesses being successful.' Mr Wilson also flagged the need to modernise Australia's industrial relations system to prepare for future challenges, including the rise of artificial intelligence. 'If we don't actually grapple with this and lead into this challenge, we might as a nation find ourselves very much in a position of being uncompetitive,' he warned. 'Labor's outdated thinking around industrial relations is based on the legacy of 19th century thinking. It's not based on where my focus is, which is building an employment environment for the 21st century.' The minimum wage increase will come into effect on July 1.
