Olivia Newton-John has met with the Prime Minister as well as other MPs today as a part of her campaign for more funding into cancer research.
She was joined by senators including Derryn Hinch and Pauline Hanson at an event at Parliament House, where she discussed the work of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute in Melbourne.
“Through research and wellness therapies I believe we can meet that challenge, but we do need governments to support our endeavours,” she said in a statement prior to the meeting.
Turnbull posted a selfie with the Grease star to Facebook, saying “Olivia, thank you for your inspiring leadership and determination. Together, we can beat cancer.”
“I’m doing well, I’m feeling strong, and I’m winning over cancer,” the 68-year-old singer said at the event, grinning and pumping her fist in the air.
She confirmed at the end of May that she is battling the insidious disease for a second time, after beating breast cancer back in the ’90s. This time, the cancer had spread to her sacrum, a bone at the base of the spine, a discovery which was made by doctors treating her for what they thought was sciatica, a common back complaint.
She has also been using controversial cannabis treatment this time around.
“I use medicinal cannabis, which is really important for pain and healing,” she told The Daily Telegraph.
“It’s a plant that has been maligned for so long, and has so many abilities to heal.”
She was due to meet with Malcolm Turnbull this afternoon to discuss research funding.