Patients at the new Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital will have access to cutting-edge scanning technology that will be able to detect cancers earlier.

The Albanese Government is investing $12 million through the 2024–25 Budget, to purchase and install a Quadra Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) Molecular Imaging scanner. The Victorian Government and The Alfred Foundation will match this funding.

This scanner is better able to detect smaller lesions meaning cancers can be diagnosed sooner.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Thanks for joining us, at the end of what has been, in many senses, a dark week for Australia, this has been an element of light. Shining positive vision, here in Victoria, but also providing hope and inspiration for the battle against melanoma and against other cancers. This facility is world class. And I pay tribute to all who've been engaged in the work. Particularly the leadership of Paula Fox, whose vision has been realised today.

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, and I pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging.

I had the great privilege of launching this project in June 2022, during my first visit to Melbourne as Prime Minister.  

Back then this Centre was still very much a vision.

A vision of hope — for patients and their families.

What a transformation there’s been since.

The Alfred isn’t a newcomer to healthcare, or research. It’s been at the forefront for more than 150 years. And this building is a masterclass in both.

TOM ELLIOTT, HOST: Joining us on the line now is the other big political master in our lives, the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. Mr Albanese, good morning.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, Tom. Good to be with you. And good to be back in Melbourne where the sun's just come out.

ELLIOTT: Yes, well, it's a rare thing at this time of year, I can tell you. Now, your policy about picking winners, about investing in Australia, are you confident that as a Government you know the right industries to invest in?

HOST: Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. Welcome to Melbourne's number one FM breakfast show.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Congratulations on number one. And for goodness sake, someone get these people a capo.

HOST: Albo, is there any chance, could we get a police escort for this capo? Because we have a superstar, Stephen Sanchez, about to perform.

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I am on my way to Melbourne, so if anyone in Sydney has got a capo, if you can get to the airport, it’ll get a ride.

LEILA MCKINNON, HOST: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins me now in Canberra. Prime Minister, thank you for your time. Many heroes, of course, came out of this horrific attack. You've said the Bollard Man, who's French, can stay as long as he likes. Does the same apply to Muhammad Taha, the injured security guard who's from Pakistan?

JANICE PETERSEN, HOST: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, thanks so much for joining us. In the aftermath of the church stabbing terrorism investigation, there were fears about whether multiculturalism and social cohesion in Australia was at risk. Why do you think the violence took hold so quickly?

DANNY LAKEY, HOST: Thank you for your time, Prime Minister.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Great to be with you.

BRONTE LANGBROEK, HOST: Very exciting. You, I'm sure, have been told, are going to be playing Albo-bucks on behalf of a listener.

PRIME MINISTER: Yeah. Always a lot of pressure.

LANGBROEK: That's all right. I imagine there is in the top job.

PRIME MINISTER: Indeed.

DAVID PENBERTHY, HOST: The Prime Minister of Australia joins us on the day the Federal Government is announcing funding for two major critical minerals projects. One is in Queensland, the other here in South Australia. $185 million to be announced for the development of stage one of the Siviour Graphite Project here in SA. Prime Minister, good morning to you.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Good to be with you.

ANTHONY SETFANOS, HOST: Delivering a future made in Australia. The PM was in Gladstone yesterday supporting two major mineral projects. He joins us now. The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese. Good morning.