AUSTRALIA | Key industry bodies have called on authorities to sit up and listen to palliative care access requests from seniors.
Australians have responded to the call for ‘better access to palliative care’ with thousands of people joining Jean Kittson to “make some noise.”
Well known performer and author, Jean Kittson, launched Palliative Care Australia’s (PCA) latest campaign in late 2024, sharing her own trauma and distress around the death of her beloved mum, Elaine, earlier that year.
In the last eight weeks, 13,000 people have signed PCA’s petition calling on government to deliver ‘better access to palliative care.’
“The response has been overwhelming,” said Ian Campbell, National Communications Director, 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.”
PCA’s 2025 Federal Election Platform outlines key actions for the next parliament that deepen and mature the reforms of the last three years across aged care, primary health, and disability services.
“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,” Campbell said.
In sharing her deeply personal story, Jean and her family have highlighted the work still to be done within aged care services.
“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,” said Kittson.
Campbell said it cannot simply be ignored that of the 400 people that die each day from a terminal illness, three in five or 62 percent, 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 this 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 said.
“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.”
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