NSW Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car has announced she will be taking personal leave to undergo treatment for breast cancer, prompting Premier Chris Minns to appoint Minister Courtney Houssos as her acting replacement for the education portfolio.
In a video message posted on social media, Ms Car shared the news of her diagnosis, saying she would need time away from her ministerial duties for “some pretty significant treatment.”
“I’ve fought this before and I’m really confident that I can fight it again,” said Ms Car, who is also the Member for Londonderry. “The prognosis is good, the amazing medical team around me are really hopeful about the prospects after treatment, and so am I.”
While she remains Deputy Premier, her portfolios of Education, Early Learning, and Western Sydney will be handled by Ms Houssos during her absence.
In a post on social media, Ms Houssos said she would be standing beside Ms Car as she fights cancer.
“Prue Car MP is one of the strongest people I know. She is a fearless and courageous leader – and I’ll be standing side by side with her to beat this. My love and best wishes go to her and her family,” Ms Houssos wrote.
“I look forward to Prue returning to work in full health. In the meantime, I am committed to continuing her work to deliver for students, teachers and parents across New South Wales, and everyone in Western Sydney.”
Premier Minns confirmed the arrangement in a statement of support, saying: “The thoughts of the entire Government are with our colleague and our friend Prue as she begins treatment… We look forward to welcoming her back when she’s ready.”
Ms Car also used the opportunity to urge women to remain vigilant with health checks, noting that early detection had been vital in her case.
“Getting it early, this is what’s happened in my case, is so important,” she said.
She thanked NSW Health staff for their care and said she would focus on recovery and spending time with her young family.
Source: ABC News
