Palliative Care: A vital component of the Australian Cancer Plan 

Palliative care is an important component of the cancer journey, helping people live as fully and as comfortably as possible with a life limiting illness. Shaping stronger health systems to deliver high quality palliative care is an essential part of the Australian Cancer Plan (The Plan).

The Plan presents a once in a generation opportunity for equitable cancer control reform for the next decade and beyond. It is designed to make world-class cancer outcomes and experiences a reality for all Australians affected by cancer across the entire cancer care continuum, including those accessing palliative care. An ambition of the Plan is a capable and future-focused cancer workforce that delivers culturally safe, equitable, timely and person-centred palliative care optimising outcomes and experiences for all Australians affected by cancer.

A multifaceted stakeholder engagement strategy was undertaken, aimed at improving equitable patient experiences and outcomes for priority population groups. Feedback was received from consumers, peak body organisations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and health services, government, and non-government organisations. 

Stakeholders stressed the importance of national coordination and investment to ensure palliative care is adequately resourced. Stakeholders also highlighted the need for equitable, culturally safe, personalised, and accessible models of palliative care that are integrated across acute and community care services to achieve comprehensive navigation.  

Achieving the ambitions of the Plan is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated action across the cancer control system.Cancer Australia invites partners from across the cancer control sector to consider their contribution to this national reform agenda.


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