For the first time in its 13-year history, Rare Cancers Australia has appointed an official Patron to represent the charity and help drive its mission to improve equitable outcomes and experiences for all people diagnosed with rare or less common cancers in Australia.
Former long-standing parliamentarian and Speaker of the House of Representatives, The Hon Tony Smith, has accepted the inaugural role which comes into effect today.
Tony served in the Australian House of Representatives from 2001 until his retirement at the 2022 federal election. During his parliamentary career, he chaired numerous committees, was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister John Howard and held several Shadow Ministerial portfolios when in Opposition. In August 2015, Tony was elected the 30th Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Mr Smith said he was honoured to be appointed RCA’s Patron and looked forward to supporting such an important cause.
“Rare Cancers Australia performs incredible work supporting so many people in need and advocating for a better future for patients with rare cancers.
“I have seen firsthand, over more than a decade, the fantastic work they do and have been pleased to support them in some of their endeavours and look forward to continuing to do so in an official capacity,” Mr Smith said.
RCA CEO, Christine Cockburn, said the appointment of an eminent figure like Tony Smith represents a moment in the history of RCA, one that demonstrates our significant ambitions for the rare community.
“During his time in politics, Tony was notable for the enormous respect he earned from all sides of the political spectrum, his reputation is still highly regarded. This was recognised when he was named the McKinnon Political Leader of the Year in 2022.
“To have a person with his reputation and experience help raise the voice of rare and work in lockstep with us in achieving our mission, is a significant moment in our organisation’s history and one I am proud to be here for,” Ms Cockburn said.
Tony Smith commences his honourary position with RCA today. This is in conjunction with his current part-time position as a Professor in the Practice of Politics at the Australian National University and Executive Co-Chair position at the bi-partisan Australian-American Leadership Dialogue.
See full bio and headshot of The Hon Tony Smith here.
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