The Malinauskas Government has today committed to a significant increase to the PATS accommodation subsidy from $44 to $110 (for an individual per night) and from $88 to $154 (for those with an approved escort per night).
This uplift would now position South Australia as the nation’s leader in PATS accommodation support.
In addition, South Australians would be eligible for a broadened PATS travel subsidy if they are required to travel a minimum 300 kilometres per week to access oncology and renal services, broadening access to people living inside the currently required 100 kilometre radius from their treatment centre.
Cancer Council SA Chief Executive Kerry Rowlands said the reforms would deliver practical and meaningful impact for thousands of South Australians, including those living with cancer who rely on our accommodation and support services.
“This is truly a transformative step for our sector and a major win for the regional patients, families and communities that are required to travel to access medical specialist services that are not available to them locally,” Ms Rowlands said.
“Cancer Council SA has been proud to stand alongside other accommodation providers and for-purpose organisations to advocate for meaningful enhancements to the PATS scheme – not only for people living with cancer, but for all those who need life-changing treatment in our state.
“By reducing the financial strain, these reforms will help people access specialist care earlier, stay on treatment longer, and focus on recovery. That improved access will save lives.”
Ms Rowlands said the increases to the PATS accommodation subsidy would deliver critical operational sustainability to Cancer Council SA’s 120-room Greenhill Lodge and unlock opportunities to explore additional capacity to meet rising demand.
“Having greater long-term assurance around service delivery at Greenhill Lodge enables us to explore vital growth opportunities, including investing in new supportive accommodation closer to Lyell McEwin Hospital in Adelaide’s northern suburbs,” she said.
“We are excited to commit $20 million towards a second lodge – a new 50-room facility in Adelaide’s north, which would accommodate an additional 2,500 people with cancer and their families every year.”
Currently at concept stage, the $60 million major infrastructure project would be located within 10 kilometres of the new Playford Health & Wellbeing Precinct, with several potential sites currently identified.
The new state-of-the-art facility would offer:
- up to 50 rooms of supportive accommodation;
- communal kitchen facilities and dining areas;
- family-friendly common areas including lounges and outdoor spaces, and;
- a range of support services available to guests and carers during their stay.
Cancer Council SA has completed an initial feasibility study, which has attracted widespread early support from local government and health stakeholders.
Further work will now progress, with additional funding sought through Commonwealth Grant Funding and other funding partners.
