Palliative Care Australia (PCA) looks forward to working with the newly elected Albanese Government to make palliative care a central element in the next steps of our country's critical health and aged care reforms.
"Leading up to Election Day, Australians made it clear that 'better access to palliative care' needs to be a priority for the 48th Parliament," says Camilla Rowland, CEO, Palliative Care Australia (PCA).
"Over 40,000 people signed our petition before going into the ballot box. We have been inspired by the response, which also sends a clear message to those just elected.
"I am grateful to everyone who got behind our 'better access to palliative care' campaign leading up to the election especially the much-loved Jean Kittson, our members and partners in the health and aged care sectors."
All sides of politics spoke about the need for stronger health and aged care services during the election campaign and put forward a range of initiatives.
"Measures that improve key systems like Medicare are good for palliative care," Ms Rowland says.
"But more is needed. We urge the re-elected Albanese Government to adopt specific, targeted measures during this term, that start to address the growing demand for palliative care.
In the lead up to the election, PCA and our members highlighted immediate actions the Australian Government can take to improve access to palliative care. We are asking for:
- Better access to palliative care in primary care.
- Better access to critical palliative care medicines.
- Better access to palliative care in aged care.
- Better access to support at home for people under 65 with a terminal illness.
"We had presented both parties with these priority actions that deepen and mature the health and care reforms of the last three years. These actions were well received, and we have been assured they are being considered."
One significant win for the sector during the election campaign was news of funding to develop a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Palliative Care Plan.
"This is something PCA and our members have been advocating for over many years and is very welcome news, because it recognises the unique cultural and spiritual needs of First Nations Peoples," Ms Rowland says.
