The Saving Life 2015 – Vision For Change campaign has identified tobacco retail reform, increasing the Aboriginal workforce in cancer services, coordinated cancer care, cutting chemotherapy co-payments and increasing palliative care services as its key issues.

“If the next state government acts on five key issues outlined in our Vision For Change they can save lives today,” Hunter Cancer Action Network chair James Garlick said.

“A government that takes these actions will demonstrate its commitment to reducing the impact of the burden of cancer.”

In 2012 the federal government changed its arrangements for chemotherapy medicines accessed through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, meaning they required a co-payment for the drug.

At Labor’s campaign launch on Sunday, opposition leader Luke Foley announced that Labor would abolish the chemotherapy co-payment in NSW if elected.

Cessnock MP and Labor candidate Clayton Barr said it was a “no-brainer” decision.

Cancer Council NSW community programs coordinator Dana Buzinec said it was heartening to see political parties acknowledge the financial burden on cancer patients.

“We know that some cancer patients can pay up to $180 in co-payment fees for their initial chemotherapy treatment and may be charged even more for further treatment. Removing this financial cost will help ease the burden for cancer patients and their families,” she said.

Greens candidate Lindy Williams said her party also opposes co-payment schemes that target chemotherapy patients.

“Access to health services is a human right which should not be determined by an ability to pay,” she said.

She said the Greens support co-ordinated cancer treatment, including the provision of palliative care services and culturally appropriate health care programs to Aboriginal people.

Nationals candidate Jessica Price-Purnell said her party is strongly committed to working towards a cancer-free future.

“Cancer is an insidious disease and as someone who has seen three grandparents and a godparent fight and lose the battle, it is an issue that I care strongly about,” Ms. Price-Purnell said.

She said the Liberals and Nationals will increase access to palliative care through an additional $35 million investment.

“Having seen so many family members lose their battles with cancer, I completely understand the importance of palliative care for not only the patient but for their families and loved ones as well,” she said.

“To know that your parent, grandparent, partner or other loved one is as comfortable as possible in their last days is a relief.”

She said while co-payments can vary from state to state, it is an issue between the state and federal governments and therefore, as a state candidate, she could not comment.

She added that the Liberals and Nationals are investing close to $200 million a year in medical research in NSW and have increased health spending by 20 per cent since Labor was in government.

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UPDATE: NSW Premier Mike Baird has strongly indicated his government will drop chemotherapy fees charged to cancer patients if re-elected, saying a pledge by the state Opposition to scrap the payment "makes sense". Read more here.