In the lead up to the Federal Election, Australians are demanding ‘better access to palliative care’, with a petition of 40,000 signatures presented to key parliamentarians on the day of the 2025 Australian Budget.
“Overwhelmingly the response to the petition tells us two things,” says Camilla Rowland, CEO, Palliative Care Australia (PCA).
“One, people and families who have been able to access palliative care have a much better experience at the end of life – patients are free of pain and have their symptoms addressed.
“Conversely, those left behind, who haven’t been able to access palliative care for their loved ones speak of lasting trauma, deep guilt due to ‘not having done enough,’ fear for their own future, and betrayal by a system meant to care.”
PCA launched the ‘Better access to palliative care petition’ in late November 2024 at Parliament House, Canberra.
Since then, 40,000 people have signed, expressing their support for PCA’s 2025 Federal Election Platform.
The actions outlined in the Platform serve as a starting point for those elected to the next parliament, when it comes to much-needed further reforms across the aged care, primary care, and disability sectors.
“It was important that we bring that message back to Parliament House and represent the voices of those who are supporting our advocacy,” Ms Rowland says.
“Presenting the petition and the thousands of personal stories that go with it to the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney and Shadow Minister, Anne Ruston is important – these will be the people leading the next phases of health and care reforms for our country.
“As expected, this week’s Federal Budget didn’t contain any new measures specifically directed at palliative care; but we hope that as the election campaign unfolds, we will hear more from all sides about better access to palliative care.
“I am confident that the Assistant Minister and Shadow Minister have heard our priorities for reform,” Ms Rowland says.
Apart from galvanising Australians around the value of palliative care, the petition has been an outlet to express the good and bad of dying and death in our country, with many people adding their personal story to their signature:
“My beautiful mother had to jump through so many hoops to get palliative care. She was told she had to PROVE she was going to die within 6 months to get access. She did prove it - by dying a horrific death well within the 6 months.” – Sharon
“I have witnessed firsthand the value of palliative care, and the grace afforded to my mother in being able to die at home, in her own bed, in the presence of her family and with the support of loved ones. Everyone should be afforded this dignity and respect.” - Ross
“One day it will be us and if we don’t stand up and speak now then it will be too late by the time it’s our turn. This affects everyone!” - Katie
“I did not want to make my daughter suffer. She suffered a lot from treatment, and she might not have suffered as much as she did if I knew about palliative care.” - Annette
“This petition reflects a strong, national demand for improvements in accessing palliative care, thank you to everyone who has shown their support,” Ms Rowland says.
“Clearly, better access to palliative care is worth voting for and we look forward to seeing how parties and candidates standing for election respond in the coming weeks.”
View and download an overview of the results from Palliative Care Australia’s ‘Better access to palliative care petition' HERE.
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Ian Campbell
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