New South Wales Deputy Premier Prue Car has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Londonderry MP revealed the “not so great” news in a statement this morning.
“Some recent screening has confirmed that I’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said.
“This means that I’m going to have to have a little bit of time off.”
Car said she would be receiving “some pretty significant treatment” and that others would act for her in her ministerial roles.
As well as being deputy premier, Car holds the portfolios of Education and Early Learning, and Western Sydney.
She urged residents of her electorate to continue to contact her office with any issues of concern.
“I’ve fought this before and I’m really confident that I can fight it again,” Car said.
“The prognosis is good. The amazing medical team around me are really hopeful about the prospects after treatment, and so am I.”
She thanked the “absolutely amazing” workers of NSW Health and urged women to be “really vigilant” with their checks.
She noted her condition had been caught early.
“I know a lot of people have been through this and there’s lots of people in our community that have been affected by cancer, particularly breast cancer,” Car said.
“And I’ll just be taking this time to get myself well and spend time with my young family. So thanks very much, and I’ll see you around.”
Car had previously been diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2022.
Premier Chris Minns said on X that the state governments thoughts were with their “colleague and friend”.
“I know Prue well. She is a fighter, and I know she will face this challenge with the same determination and grace that she brings to everything she does,” Minns wrote.
He said he had asked Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos, a member of the NSW Legislative Council, to act for Car in the latter’s ministerial portfolios.
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Car will remain deputy premier of NSW in her absence.
NSW opposition leader Mark Speakman also posted a message wishing Car well on X.
“On behalf of the NSW opposition, and as a fellow MP, I know her community of Londonderry and colleagues will all be with her – and we’re wishing her strength, care and a full recovery,” he said.
