Palliative Care Australia urges action to maximise impact of new End-of-Life Pathway

Palliative Care Australia urges action to maximise impact of new End-of-Life Pathway

02 Oct 2025

PCA CEO Camilla Rowland highlighted the importance of the $25,000 allocation for home-based care, saying it could transform end-of-life care for thousands of Australians each year.

“This reform recognises the community’s preference to receive care at home. Its key benefit is allowing people nearing the end of life to bypass long waiting lists for aged care at home,” Ms Rowland said.

PCA’s Support at Home End-of-Life Pathway Position Statement, released at the Ageing Australia National Conference on the Gold Coast, identifies potential risks and provides practical recommendations to ensure the program achieves its goals.

Key challenges and recommendations include:

  • Restrictive eligibility criteria: Currently based on life expectancy rather than palliative care need, which may limit access for people with conditions like dementia.

  • Time limit for funded services: PCA recommends removing or extending the 16-week limit to prevent service withdrawal for those who live longer than expected.

  • Evaluation and refinement: PCA calls for an independent review within the first year to monitor outcomes and adjust the program based on real-world experience.

“If these practical barriers are addressed, the End-of-Life Pathway could set a new benchmark for person-centred care, improving coordination across systems and giving Australians real choice about where and how they are cared for,” Ms Rowland said.

The Pathway aims to allow older Australians to spend their final weeks at home, supported by services tailored to their needs, preferences, and comfort.

Source: Palliative Care Australia, 17 October 2025.

 
 
 
 

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