Palliative Care Queensland has welcomed the inclusion of an additional $171 million in committed funding for the sector as part of the Queensland Budget. Running through to 2025-26, the funding supports Labor’s pre-election commitments and will help the sector start to transformation and support of Queenslanders approaching their end of life.
CEO Shyla Mills welcomed the funding, “The report regarding the parliamentary inquiry into palliative, as well as work undertaken by Palliative Care Queensland and our partners, highlighted the many challenges Queenslanders face in accessing palliative care when and where they need it. An additional $28.5 million per year will start to improve the sector and enable more Queenslanders to access palliative care in a location of their choosing.”
“The budget announcement will ensure targeted funding is available to support the employment of front-line staff, community-based services, the enhancement of digital and telehealth as well as support for health professionals. Palliative Care Queensland is ready to work with Queensland Government, Queensland Health and stakeholders from across the community of care to ensure that every dollar committed has the maximum benefit for all.”
The peak body, in partnership with Australian Medical Association Queensland and representatives from the Queensland Specialist Palliative Care Medical Directors’ Group, called for $275 million in additional funding per year for the sector in the run-up to the state election campaign.
“To provide all Queenslanders with universal access to palliative care services, the sector requires an additional $275 million per year in funding from the state’s $19 billion health budget. The State Budget funding commitment is a start and it will make inroads in addressing the inquiry’s recommendations and meeting the sector’s goals of ensuring that every Queensland has access to palliative care and networks of support when approaching their end of life. However, to truly transform the sector and to ensure palliative care, a recognised human right, is available to all regardless of postcode, a significant amount more is required.”
“We are delighted that palliative care is noted as an important area for the Queensland Government and are ready to continue discussions to identify further opportunities to drive necessary reform and ensure improved care and services for all Queenslanders,” said Ms Mills
