NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car has announced her diagnosis with breast cancer and will be taking an undetermined period of personal leave to undergo immediate treatment. In a statement, Ms. Car expressed optimism about her recovery, attributing it to the early detection of the cancer. "Thankfully, because the cancer was caught early, my doctors are optimistic about my recovery – and so am I," she stated.

This is not Ms. Car's first encounter with a serious health challenge. In July 2022, she was diagnosed with kidney cancer, revealing at the time that doctors had found a "large tumour on her kidney." She successfully returned to parliament in time for the March 2023 election, where Labor came into power, and she subsequently became deputy premier. Ms. Car emphasized that current medical testing has confirmed her breast cancer diagnosis is unrelated to her previous kidney cancer. "I’ve faced this challenge before, and I’m determined to beat it again," she affirmed.

NSW Premier Chris Minns spoke about Ms. Car's resilience on 2GB’s Ben Fordham, noting her determination. "I certainly would if I was in the same circumstance, but there’s just none of it from her. She’s just a very determined person," Mr. Minns said, adding that she would be "entitled to a bit of self-pity." In a formal statement, Premier Minns conveyed that "the thoughts of the entire government are with our colleague and our friend Prue Car as she begins treatment." He also praised her character: "I know Prue well. She is a fighter, and I know she will face this challenge with the same determination and grace that she brings to everything she does."

Support also came from the opposition, with Opposition Leader Mark Speakman expressing his sentiments on X. "Thinking of Prue Car and her family during this very tough time. We’re wishing her strength, care and a full recovery," Mr. Speakman wrote.

During Ms. Car's absence, Courtney Houssos will take on acting responsibilities as Minister for Education and Early Learning and Minister for Western Sydney. Premier Minns confirmed that Ms. Car will remain the Deputy Premier of NSW while on leave and is expected to "dip in and out of work depending on her treatment over the next few months."

In her video statement, Prue Car highlighted the importance of regular health checks, specifically breast cancer screenings. "I strongly encourage all women to stay up to date with their checks," she urged. She expressed deep gratitude for the early detection and the "incredible people who work in the NSW Health system," calling them "nothing short of extraordinary." Ms. Car concluded her statement by thanking the premier and her parliamentary colleagues for "their unwavering support," and stated that she "looks forward to being back as soon as possible."