Palliative Care Australia is calling on Australians to start earlier conversations about death, dying and care preferences ahead of National Palliative Care Week 2026, warning that too many people still misunderstand the role of palliative care.
The annual awareness campaign, running from 10–16 May, carries the theme “Getting to the heart of it: Big Questions. Real Answers.” and aims to demystify palliative care while encouraging more open, informed discussions.
Interim CEO Simon Waring said misconceptions remain a major barrier to timely access.
“Too many Australians still think palliative care is only for the very end of life,” he said.
“In reality, it helps people live as well as possible for as long as possible, managing pain and symptoms while supporting emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing.”
The need is significant. More than 450 Australians die each day from a life-limiting illness and could benefit from palliative care, yet only 38% receive specialist services. On average, access begins just 15 days before death, with only one in five people receiving care early enough to maximise its benefits.
The campaign also highlights a gap between community attitudes and action. While 73% of Australians say they are open to advance care planning discussions, only 33% have taken steps to document their wishes.
At the same time, most Australians express a desire to die at home with appropriate support, yet more than half of deaths occur in hospital settings.
The focus on earlier conversations comes as dementia emerges as the nation’s leading cause of death, accounting for 9.4% of all deaths in 2024, highlighting the growing importance of palliative care as Australia’s population ages.
A centrepiece of this year’s campaign is a national lecture on dementia and end-of-life care, to be delivered by palliative care physician and author Dr Michael Chapman on 14 May. The session will explore how dementia is reshaping end-of-life care needs and expectations.
Palliative Care Australia is encouraging health and aged care providers, community groups and individuals to take part by sharing resources, hosting events and promoting awareness throughout the week.
