MEDIA RELEASE: PCWA welcomes renewed parliamentary focus on palliative care

Palliative Care WA welcomes the unanimous support of the WA Legislative Council for a motion that brings renewed focus and transparency to the progress of palliative care.

The motion, moved by Hon Maryka Groenewald MLC on Wednesday 19 August, recognises the importance of palliative care for all Western Australians, including those living in regional and remote communities.

It follows the 2020 Joint Select Committee on Palliative Care in Western Australia, which made 25 recommendations to improve palliative care across the state. The recommendations were informed by extensive parliamentary work and evidence from patients, families, clinicians and the palliative care sector.

PCWA CEO Mark Kinsela said the motion provides an important opportunity to keep palliative care firmly on the agenda.

“The unanimous support for this motion is significant. It demonstrates that improving palliative care is not a partisan issue and that there is broad support across the Parliament for ensuring Western Australians have access to palliative care.

“PCWA particularly welcomes the transparency this motion brings to the progress of the 25 recommendations. It provides an opportunity to recognise what has been achieved and understand where further support may be needed.”

Under the motion, the Government is required to table a report in the Legislative Council by 10 November 2026 outlining progress on the recommendations, the actions taken and outcomes achieved, and the reasons for any recommendations that remain partially implemented or unimplemented.

The motion also allows the Standing Committee on Public Administration to monitor and report on any outstanding recommendations identified in the Government’s report.

ENDS

For more information contact:

Megan Whitford, Media and Communications, Palliative Care WA, 0458 004 178