News and updates

The McCabe Centre was proud to host its first Advanced Workshop on Law and Tobacco Control from 23–27 March 2026 in Melbourne, Australia, marking our return to face-to-face training in Melbourne for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more >: McCabe Centre hosts first face-to-face Advanced Workshop on Law and Tobacco Control since 2019

How do we accelerate progress on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health when the world is facing climate disruption, geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty, and deepening inequities? Read more >: Accelerating action on NCDs and Mental Health in a time of overlapping crises

As today marks World Cancer Day, Cancer Council and the McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer are calling for government action to reduce the financial impact of cancer. It comes as new research reveals 98.8% of Australians diagnosed with cancer who were surveyed incur out-of-pocket expenses, even when accessing care in Australia’s public healthcare system. Read more >: World Cancer Day: New research reveals nearly all Australians diagnosed with cancer face out-of-pocket costs, prompting calls for stronger financial support

Exciting News! We’re proud to announce that The Cancer Registry Legislation Toolkit is now available! Developed by the McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the African Cancer Registry Network (AFCRN), this important resource has just been released by IARC. Read more >: The Cancer Registry Legislation Toolkit is now available!

Just released: McCabe Centre and Cancer Council Victoria’s article is featured in Cancer Control 2025 on “What can tobacco control teach us about vested interests in food and nutrition?” Read more >: Cancer Control 2025 Report – What can tobacco control teach us about vested interests in food and nutrition?

2025 – what a big year! As we look back on an extraordinary 12 months, we want to extend our deepest thanks to our key partners and collaborators, for our collective achievements and defining moments this year. The progress we’ve seen this year is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and the commitment of everyone involved. As this year draws to a close, wherever you are in the world, we wish you a joyful and safe holiday season. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. Read more >: Highlights for 2025

This week, we were in Geneva for the 11th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the global treaty seeking to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, economic and environmental consequences of tobacco. Read more >: Global action on tobacco control at COP11

What an inspiring day at the University of Melbourne today, where over 70 people came together to explore turning global commitments into real action. We covered NCDs, climate change and chronic disease & the power of a life-course approach. Read more >: Turning Global Promises into Local Action

At today’s World Cancer Leaders’ Summit in Melbourne, the Hon. Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Ageing, reaffirmed the Australian Government’s commitment to advancing tobacco control. This commitment includes ongoing support, such as AUD $1.1 million in funding over two years (until June 2026) for the McCabe Centre for Law & Cancer, enabling it to continue its role as a designated WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Knowledge Hub.. Read more >: Strengthening Global Health: Australia’s Tobacco Control Efforts

We’re so proud to co-host the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit 2025 (#WCLS2025) this week in Melbourne — a unique forum where global leaders come together to shape the future of cancer control. Read more >: World Cancer Leaders’ Summit – proud co-host

Today’s Law in Action event, held at our Cancer Council Victoria offices – featured Nicola Roxon, former Australian Federal Attorney-General and Health Minister (and current Chair of HESTA, VicHealth and AIHW), who did a keynote address sharing insights from her time as Health Minister innovating plain packaging and prioritising tobacco control. Read more >: Law in Action Event – featuring Nicola Roxon

This week, we were honoured to be speaking at the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) Annual Scientific Meeting and International Psycho-Oncology (IPOS) Congress, where the theme “Optimising care, optimising outcomes” reflects a powerful commitment to collaboration across disciplines. Held in Adelaide (11–14 November 2025), this year’s program went beyond oncology — embracing a truly multidisciplinary approach to improving outcomes for all people affected by cancer. Read more >: Partnering for better patient outcomes: at COSA

The McCabe Centre is honoured to have contributed to the Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC) Global Decade Report 2.0: Knowledge in Motion – A Decade Reviewed, A Decade Defined. In Chapter 10: Legal and Workplace Rights for People with ABC, we explored the legal and employment protections available to people living with advanced breast cancer (ABC) across different jurisdictions. Read more >: Proud contribution to the ABC Global Decade Report 2.0

This week, our Regional Manager for Asia, Ma-Anne Rosales, attended the Fifth Regional Meeting of WHO Collaborating Centres in Manila — a powerful gathering that reinforced the vital role these centres play as the backbone of WHO’s work in the region. Read more >: Fifth Regional Meeting of WHO Collaborating Centres, Manila

We’re so proud to launch the Law & Alcohol Policy Brief for the Western Pacific Region! This new resource is designed for parliamentarians, health officials, and public servants working on legal and policy reform. It highlights why regulating alcohol is a public health priority — and how to do it effectively. Read more >: Launch of Law & Alcohol Policy Brief for Western Pacific Region