South Australia’s palliative care services will be the focus of a new State Government-ordered review, which will consider best service models from across the nation and the globe.

Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton has tasked the Health Performance Council of South Australia with undertaking an inquiry into the provision of palliative care services in the state.

The inquiry will consider:  

• The current provision of palliative care services in South Australia

• Best practice models of palliative care in Australia and internationally

• Recommendations for the most effective and efficient improvements that could be made to palliative care services in South Australia, and any other relevant matter

The Health Performance Council is expected to deliver its report to Government in mid-2024. The report will include both the Council’s findings and recommendations for action.

Gawler-based Member for Light Tony Piccolo has welcomed the announcement, after fiercely campaigning to ensure palliative care services are equitably available across the state.

Mr Piccolo said he had attempted to have an inquiry established previously, however the former Liberal Government opposed legislation to make it possible.

The Malinauskas Labor Government has also committed to funding an additional 10 palliative care nurses across regional South Australia.

Quotes attributable to Chris Picton

Palliative Care is a critical part of our health and wellbeing system, and we want to ensure South Australians have access to a high-quality service for themselves and their loved ones.

I look forward to seeing the results of this inquiry.

Quotes attributable to Tony Piccolo:

I am pleased this inquiry is now taking place. This is something my community is extremely passionate about.

Well-funded quality care services should be available to all, irrespective of their wealth and geography.

Quotes attributable to Health Performance Council Chair, Professor Stephen Duckett

I am pleased to lead this work, which will help to inform the future direction of palliative care service delivery in South Australia.