'Optimising Cancer Care in Australia' is a consultative report prepared by the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA), The Cancer Council Australia (TCAA) and the National Cancer Control Initiative (NCCI). It is a blueprint for the reform of cancer care in Australia and was launched on World Cancer Day (4th February 2003). This groundbreaking document (available on the NCCI website: www.ncci.org.au) resulted from consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including consumers, health care professionals and policy makers. Themes identified by this process were developed into a workable number of key issues through a stakeholder workshop, input by a steering committee and a consultative committee, and finally by a wider process involving organisations with an interest in cancer care and reference to published evidence and international reforms. Formal input to the report was received from 140 individuals or groups, with many more having a less formal input. The report identifies key strategic steps that could make a substantial difference to cancer care, are achievable within a reasonable timeframe and at reasonable cost. These are given as recommendations, intended for early consideration, and action items intended for consideration by an implementation team or others in due course.