• $71 million Federal Government investment will support Omico’s national precision oncology program PrOSPeCT 2.0*, until 2028/29
• Funding gives Australians with advanced or incurable cancers free access to comprehensive genomic profiling of their tumour DNA and matching to advanced treatments and clinical trials
• Continuing PrOSPeCT means more patients will reach their five-year survivorship milestone

12 May 2026 – On behalf of patients diagnosed with advanced and incurable cancer and their families, Omico thanks the Federal Government for its commitment of $71 million, as part of the 2026–27 Federal Budget, to continue the world-leading cancer and genomics program – Precision Oncology Screening Platform Enabling Clinical Trials (PrOSPeCT).

This investment is a critical step that will extend the lives of thousands of Australians, now and into the future. An estimated 1,133 additional Australians will reach their five-year cancer survivorship milestone with 799–1,570 life-years gained as a result.

Importantly, it ensures those facing a very challenging cancer diagnosis can receive free access to life-extending precision oncology regardless of where they live or their financial circumstances.

Omico receives, on average, one patient referral every 15 minutes, or 10,000 referrals each year, representing around one in five Australians living with advanced or incurable cancer.

This funding will enable Omico to continue to meet this need, supporting an additional 25,000 patient referrals to access free comprehensive genomic profiling of tumour DNA and potential to be matched to advanced treatment options or clinical trials.

Richard Vines, Omico Chair said: “We congratulate the Federal Government and Minister Butler for recognising the importance of continuing this national program for Australians facing the most challenging cancer diagnoses.

It will enable Omico to continue delivering life-extending precision oncology support for patients today who otherwise have very limited options, while ensuring this national capability can support Australians into the future.”

Professor David Thomas, Omico Founder and Chief Science & Strategy Officer said: “On behalf of patients and their families across Australia, we thank the Government for this commitment. More than 50,000 Australians lose their lives to cancer each year. This investment ensures that a proven, learning health system can continue to be delivered to extend and improve lives today, while building the evidence needed to deliver better, more personalised care for future patients.”

Omico remains committed to working collaboratively with government, clinicians, researchers, community organisations and industry to ensure precision oncology becomes standard in cancer care across Australia, accessible to all who can benefit.

*Program context: PrOSPeCT 1.0 (July 2023 – December 2025) provided 23,000 patients free access to CGP and treatment matching. Patient access continues through PrOSPeCT 2.0 using the same nationally coordinated approach.

Issued on behalf of Omico by Cube. Contact: Tash Silkin, 0494 408 965 / tash@cube.com.au or Anne-Marie Sparrow, 0417 421 560 / anne-marie@cube.com.au

 

Notes to editors:

About Omico
Omico is a not-for-profit, independent organisation providing Australians diagnosed with incurable cancers access to a proven, cutting-edge approach known as precision oncology. We translate the latest scientific innovations into meaningful advances in clinical care, health policy and system reform, ensuring world-leading science delivers real-world benefits for patients. We unite Australia’s leading cancer institutes, researchers, clinicians, industry partners and government to improve outcomes for people with incurable, advanced or poor-prognosis cancers. By fast-tracking molecular profiling, biomarker-led clinical trials and patient enrolment across the country, Omico is enabling access to next-generation treatments for Australians who need them most.

 

Precision oncology
Precision oncology is a modern way of treating cancer that looks closely at the unique genetic changes in cancer cells driving their growth. Using advanced molecular profiling tests such as comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP), whole genome sequencing (WGS) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), these changes – known as biomarkers – are identified. Doctors can then match patients to precision treatments most likely to work for them, based on the specific biomarkers in their cancer. Omico provides free access to CGP and matching to treatments or trials, made possible through collaboration with the government and our national partners.

 

Precision Oncology Screening Platform Enabling Clinical Trials (PrOSPeCT)

• PrOSPeCT is a nationally coordinated initiative by cancer institutes, researchers, clinicians and industry partners, providing equitable access to genomic profiling for Australians with challenging cancers such as lung, ovarian and triple negative breast cancers.
• PrOSPeCT has already delivered real-world impact. Australians matched to targeted treatments through genomic profiling are living up to 50% longer (from 14 to 21+ months), providing more time, more options and more hope.
• PrOSPeCT’s national infrastructure, built through prior Australian Government investment, is already delivering measurable returns: accelerating clinical trials, strengthening Australia’s life sciences sector, creating jobs, reducing patient costs, and supporting priorities including equitable access, genomics integration, rare cancer care, and health system reform.

 

Read the Health Minister’s media release: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/budget-2026-27-a-stronger-care-system-for-all-australians?language=en