Dear Members, stakeholders and friends,
The release of this week’s Interim State Budget signals another period of uncertainty for Tasmania’s health and community sectors.
We acknowledge the Tasmanian Government’s confirmation of $1.18 million in core funding for Palliative Care Tasmania in 2025–26, which allows us to maintain essential programs and sector support. However, this Budget does not recognise palliative and end-of-life care as a priority within the broader health system at a time when demand is rising and community expectations are increasing.
We have had constructive discussions with the new Minister for Health, who has been clear about her support for strategic reform and is a strong advocate for our sector. We welcome the direction to the Department of Health to work with us on a new multi-year agreement for 2026–29 and that work is underway, albeit at significantly reduced allocations.
At the same time, the Treasurer’s remarks point to restraint and savings, with implied pressure on the community services sector. Seeking savings from the very services that keep people well, connected, supported and out of hospital is concerning. Our collective teams are in the community every day. We see the reality for Tasmanians, including those living with a life-limiting condition and the carers, families and communities who support them through dying and grief. Cutting into that fabric will cost more, not less, over time.
As part of the 2026–27 Budget Submission, Palliative Care Tasmania will seek a strategic uplift to establish the Palliative and End of Life Connector Service, designed to improve navigation and coordination for Tasmanians at end of life. We are disappointed this initiative has not been supported at this stage. We will continue to pursue it because the evidence is clear that better navigation improves outcomes, reduces avoidable hospital use, and delivers value for the health system and ultimately to all Tasmanians in all jurastictions.
We also note the absence of detail about palliative care allocations within the broader health and hospital system. This lack of clarity makes it difficult to assess the full sector impact of the Government’s decisions. We will monitor this closely and seek further information from the Department.
Palliative care is not optional. It is core to a compassionate, effective and sustainable health system. We urge the Government to ensure future budgets reflect this reality as Tasmania’s ageing population and workforce pressures intensify. Remeber that ‘frieght train’? It is still comming, there is no saying we don’t know.
PCT remains committed to collaboration, advocacy and action. We will continue to work constructively with Government, the Department and sector partners to ensure Tasmanians receive the quality care, dignity and support they deserve at end of life.
As always, I welcome feedback and conversation from members and stakeholders at ceo@pct.org.au.