Australians are making a noise about better access to palliative care

Australians are responding to the call for ‘better access to palliative care’ with thousands of people joining Jean Kittson to “make some noise.” 

Well known performer and author, Jean Kittson, launched Palliative Care Australia’s (PCA) latest campaign in late 2024, sharing her own trauma and distress around the death of her beloved mum, Elaine, earlier that year. 

In the last eight weeks, 13,000 people have signed PCA’s petition calling on government to deliver ‘better access to palliative care.’ 

“The response has been overwhelming,” says Ian Campbell, National Communications Director, PCA. 

“Inspired by Jean, people are also sharing their own heartbreaking stories, demonstrating the importance Australians place on dignity, respect, and quality of life at the end of life.” 

Cate writes, “I just wish my late father who was a WWII Veteran could have had access to more caring, compassionate care by going into palliative care. Instead, Dad’s passing was not a peaceful one for him and extremely distressing for us as his family.” 

Sharon writes, “I am a community palliative care nurse, and I see the struggles every day. People deserve better.” 

Don writes, “My 93-year-old father died in torment because no adequate palliative care was available for him overnight. That was 17 years ago and the trauma of that night stays with me still. It was not good enough then; and to think that people still needlessly suffer like this is unbearable and so wrong.” 

Jan writes, “With an ageing population, this is a key issue. Access and choice are essential.” 

PCA’s 2025 Federal Election Platform outlines key actions for the next parliament that deepen and mature the reforms of the last three years across aged care, primary health, and disability services. 

“We are looking for a commitment from those standing for election to improve access to palliative care – and based on the response to our campaign so far, so are many Australians,” Mr Campbell says. 

In sharing her deeply personal story, Jean and her family have highlighted the work still to be done within aged care services. As Jean says, “It boggles the mind that in a place where people are going to die, that there’s not the right skills available. It’s just infuriating.” 

Jean Kittson’s full story can be viewed HERE. 

“We simply can’t ignore the fact that of the 400 people that die each day from a terminal illness, three in five or 62% do not receive specialist palliative care at any stage,” Mr Campbell says. 

“People working in aged care, primary health, and disability services all have a role to play in making palliative care more accessible – these doctors, nurses, and carers tell us they want to provide good palliative care, but they don’t feel supported or empowered to do so.  

“Without better access to palliative care more families like Jean’s, Cate’s, Don’s, Sharon’s and Jan’s will be left with lasting distress and trauma around the death of a loved one.” 

'Better access to palliative care - worth voting for' sign our petition, share your story, and show your support HERE.