Improving quality of life: National Palliative Care Strategy

The project was led by Dr Linda Kurti and managed by Christina Griffiths, with the aim of providing a clear direction for Australian governments and palliative care organisations to improve palliative care so that people affected by life-limiting illnesses get the care they need to live well.

The implementation of the 2018 Strategy will be guided by an Implementation Plan that Urbis has been recently been commissioned to develop in close consultation with all Australian governments. The Implementation Plan will identify the specific activities that will be undertaken to support the goals in the Strategy, with annual monitoring of progress ensuring accountability.

While the assisted dying or euthanasia debate has recently dominated discussion around end of life, governments are recognising that an aging population with increasingly complex needs will require investment in quality palliative care to ensure that people at the end of their life can receive the care that matches their needs and preferences.

This commitment has been highlighted by both major parties contesting the NSW state elections promising to invest millions of dollars to boost the delivery of palliative care through additional staffing or facilities.