Some Tasmanian women could have to wait a year to access mobile breast cancer screening after one of the state’s buses was taken off the road due to water damage.
The mobile unit ‘Luna’ has been out of action since April, leaving the remaining bus ‘Ida’ to service the entire state.
Health Minister Bridget Archer confirmed on Friday that procurement for a replacement is still under way, with the new vehicle expected within 12 months.
The replacement process began in 2022, but complications arose when the original tender disappeared from the health department’s website during last year’s state election.
Delivery of the new bus has now been pushed back from April 2026 to September 2026.
Archer said the delay was due to limited national availability of mobile screening unit fit-outs.
“The importance of breast screening cannot be overstated and the government is committed to ensuring Tasmanians can access breast cancer screening, no matter where they live,” she said.
Interim measures include transport assistance for rural residents and additional appointments in Hobart, Launceston and Rosny Park.
A temporary site is also being set up in Devonport.
Independent Franklin MP Peter George said people in his electorate must now travel to Hobart for screening, describing the timeline as needing more explanation.
He plans to raise the issue in parliament in the coming days.
“It’s a worry, of course, because it may mean that women in the Huon Valley will miss out on breast screening unless they make the journey to Hobart,” he said.
“I’d like to find out a bit more … It does seem to be a very long delay. Be useful to know more about how and why.”
The government has also promised permanent screening clinics in Kingborough, Devonport, Triabunna and Glenorchy to improve access in the future.
