Palliative Care

The National Palliative Care Strategy

Describes Australia's policy for palliative care.

The Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council endorsed the National Palliative Care Strategy in October 2000.

The Strategy guides palliative care initiatives and services.

The Strategy is a partnership between the Australian, State and Territory Health Departments, palliative care service providers and community-based organisations throughout the country.

The Strategy has three goals:

Awareness and understanding

To improve community and professional awareness and understanding of, and professional commitment to, the role of palliative care practices in supporting the needs of people who are dying and their care network.

Quality and effectiveness

To support ongoing improvement in the quality and effectiveness of palliative care service delivery across Australia.

Partnerships in care

To support partnerships in the provision of care for people who are dying and their families, the infrastructure for that care, and to support delivery of high quality, effective palliative care across all settings.
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