Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to Professor Richard Scolyer AO, describing him as a “medical revolutionary in the service of humanity” whose courage, curiosity and generosity transformed the lives of countless people.
Speaking at a state memorial service at the Sydney Opera House, Prime Minister Albanese celebrated the life and legacy of Professor Scolyer, who died after a battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
“United within the walls of one great national treasure to celebrate the life of another national treasure,” Albanese said, referring to the Sydney Opera House and Professor Scolyer’s contribution to Australian science and medicine.
“In the great constellation of the Australian story, Richard was without question one of our bright stars.”
Professor Scolyer became a household name in 2024 when he was named joint Australian of the Year alongside his Melanoma Institute of Australia co-director, Professor Georgina Long, for their groundbreaking work in melanoma treatment and research.
However, as he stepped into the national spotlight, Professor Scolyer was already facing his own life-threatening diagnosis.
Albanese recalled how Scolyer described glioblastoma as “a straight path to death” but chose not to retreat from public life.
“Yet that is not what he chose,” the Prime Minister said.
“Instead, he opened his big heart to us all. And what Australia got to see was a man absolutely determined to change that straight path.”
Professor Scolyer documented his battle through his blog “My Uncertain Journey”, sharing both his medical setbacks and moments of hope as he underwent pioneering treatment approaches aimed at extending survival and advancing future research.
“Richard shared his triumphs and his setbacks,” Albanese said.
“He allowed himself the gift of hope. And whenever that hope was dimmed, he let us see the strength of his character.”
The Prime Minister praised Professor Scolyer’s openness during his illness, describing it as an act of “generosity and courage”.
“The way he shared it with us was an act of generosity – and a courage every bit as profound.”
Reflecting on his personal relationship with Professor Scolyer, Albanese said meeting him was one of the privileges of his time as Prime Minister.
“I got to count him as a friend. And, for a happy stretch of my life, as a neighbour. For that, I feel blessed.”
The Prime Minister highlighted Professor Scolyer’s final message to Australians:
“We all have a responsibility to try to change the future for others and leave the world a better place.”
Albanese said those words captured the philosophy that guided Professor Scolyer’s life.
“How to handle that responsibility is something he showed us every day through the power of his own example.”
Professor Scolyer’s legacy will continue through the Richard Scolyer Chair at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, supporting ongoing research and medical innovation.
“Richard did so much to push back the shadow of melanoma,” Albanese said.
“And one day, when a cure for brain cancer is at last found, his name will be spoken. All of us will be able to say we knew him – and he gave us hope.”
The Prime Minister ended his tribute by offering condolences to Professor Scolyer’s family — his wife Katie and children Emily, Matthew and Lucy.
“May you draw some comfort from how much Australia truly loved him,” Albanese said.
“May the love that shone so brightly between you light up all of your days. And may Richard Scolyer rest in peace.”
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