13,000 Australians back call for better palliative care
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Australians are raising their voices to demand improved access to palliative care, with more than 13,000 people signing a petition spearheaded by well-known performer and author Jean Kittson. Kittson launched Palliative Care Australia’s (PCA) latest campaign in late 2024, sharing her own trauma and distress following the death of her mother, Elaine, earlier that year.
“The response has been overwhelming,” says Ian Campbell, National Communications Director at 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.”
Recent public comments illustrate the emotional toll of inadequate end-of-life support. 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, a community palliative care nurse, adds, “I am a community palliative care nurse, and I see the struggles every day. People deserve better.”
Don recounts a devastating experience, saying, “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.”
Meanwhile, Jan highlights the growing need for reform, writing, “With an ageing population, this is a key issue. Access and choice are essential.”
PCA’s 2025 Federal Election Platform outlines strategic actions to deepen reforms across aged care, primary health, and disability services. Campbell underscores the urgency: “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.”
Related: New aged care act brings improved palliative care, experts cautiously optimistic
Jean Kittson’s experience underscores the gaps in aged care services. As she 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.”
Campbell adds, “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. 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.”
He cautions that 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.”
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
