Chris and Naomi Brugger appeared before the Senate Community Affairs References Committee inquiry into the availability of new, innovative and specialist cancer drugs in Australia on Monday.

They spoke of their journey so far, and highlighted the fact that for many, access to new therapies is delayed or simply not available at all.

“I can say we were flattered to have been asked to present and feel it is amazing to have so many individuals and organisations come together to make recommendations to change how new cancer drugs are accessed,” Mrs Brugger said.

Independent Senator Nick Xenophon described their testimony as “very powerful.”

“He’s alive today because of this drug and it’s been such a struggle for the family to deal with that I think that this indicates there’s urgent need for reform of cancer medication to people like Chris and his family,” Mr Xenophon said.