NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car to return to work after cancer battle
NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car will return to work after a seven-month break after recovering from breast cancer.
In June 2025, Ms Car said she would be taking personal leave for an “indefinite period” after receiving her breast cancer diagnosis.
This came three years after Ms Car overcame a separate diagnosis of kidney cancer.
On Sunday, Ms Car, who is Minister of Education and Early Learning and holds the Western Sydney portfolio, confirmed in a statement that she would return to work on February 2.
“I am pleased to share that I will be returning to work tomorrow to kick off the new school year for 2026,” Ms. Car said.
“Thank you so much to everyone who supported me during the seven challenging months of my breast cancer journey.
“I am incredibly lucky to receive an incredible amount of love and support from my husband, Brad, and our children, colleagues, and the community I am proud to represent.”
The Londonderry MP thanked cancer treatment center Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, saying he was “amazed by what they do every day”.
Ms Car also expressed gratitude for the support of NSW Premier Chris Minns and Forster MP Courtney Houssos, who took over Ms Car’s ministerial portfolio while she was receiving treatment.
“I would like to thank the Premier of NSW, Chris Minns. He has supported me and my family every step of the way during this difficult time, just as he has supported so many people in NSW during difficult times,” Ms Car said.
“I would like to thank my colleague Courtney Houssos, Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning and Acting Minister for Western Sydney, who stepped in seamlessly.
“Courtney did an outstanding job and her committed support allowed me to focus on my recovery.
“The experience of overcoming breast cancer has absolutely changed me. What hasn’t changed is my unwavering commitment to serving the people of New South Wales, the beautiful community I represent in Western Sydney, as well as continuing our nation-leading program of reform in education across New South Wales.”
“I can’t wait to get back to working for the people of NSW. To my family and friends. To my colleagues. Thank you so much to the wonderful doctors and nurses.”
