This section will keep you up to date with news in the palliative care sector. Please note that the links below were current at the time of posting, however links may become obsolete as websites update their content.
A new report commissioned by Advance Care Planning Australia reveals that only 33% of Australian adults have engaged in any form of advance care planning, with just 6% completing a formal Advance Care Directive. Although most people recognise the benefits of planning ahead, awareness remains low and common barriers include uncertainty about how to begin, perceived irrelevance for younger individuals, and the emotional discomfort of discussing end-of-life care.
The Australian Government has announced that the new Aged Care Act 2024 will be briefly deferred. The government will recommend to the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, that she proclaim the commencement of the new Act to be to 1 November 2025.
This open letter from Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae MP outlines how the new Aged Care Act brief deferral will impact providers and the sector.
The Commission has published a fact sheet about providers’ responsibilities when older people in their care ask for support with voluntary assisted dying.