STATE and federal representatives have denied claims the appointment of 14 specialist prostate cancer nurses were political, pledging their support for the body who made the final decision, despite Wagga missing out for the second consecutive year.
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Federal health minister Hon Peter Dutton revealed the placement of the 14 new positions on Thursday, under the $6.2 million committed to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).
There were suggestions the appointments made were political, based on the interest of certain marginal electorates.
But member for Riverina Michael McCormack denied the appointments were political and foisted responsibility onto the PCFA.
"The government is fulfilling a commitment by the previous government," Mr Dutton said.
"They deemed, as an independent body, the need for them (specialist prostate cancer nurses).
"It is unfortunate (Wagga missed out).
"I'd love to see a prostate nurse obviously."
Mr McCormack said he fought hard for Wagga when they received equipment to undertake prostate biopsies, despite being a state issue.
"I've been on this case for as long as this case has been around," he said.
When asked if the appointments were political, Mr McCormack replied, "No."
"You look at those particular places and at any rate, I doubt the independent body cares who holds the seats.
"The PCFA based their decision on statistics put forward and submissions made to them."
Mr McCormack said he wouldn't like to see a scare campaign where cancer sufferers or people recently diagnosed claimed they were completely unsupported in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD).
"They are being supported," he said.
"According to the PCFA we didn't quite measure up this time."
Member for Wagga Daryl Maguire encouraged anyone who claimed the appointments were political to provide evidence on the claim.
"I share the community's disappointment but I've got confidence in the federal member's ability to support the decision," he said.
"My understanding is the peak body makes the decision.
"Like everyone, I think it's an important issue that is and deserves the attention of the community."
Mr Maguire said the appointments were made on the merit of applications and the NSW government supported that.
"It's made at arm's length from government," he said.
"I very much doubt (it was a political decision) and I challenge those who think it was to put up any information or put forward evidence."
Mr Maguire vowed to continue supporting MLHD's future applications.
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