Palliative Care Australia alongside co-convenors Senator Kerrynne Liddle and Senator Raff Ciccone hosted a Parliamentary Friends of Palliative Care event themed: When age is the barrier: Younger Australians with a terminal illness caught between systems. 

Age is a major factor in what support you can access from the health, aged care and disability systems. There is a vast difference in the support available for someone who is under 65 compared with those 65 and older. Sadly, people diagnosed with a life-limiting illness under 65 face distinct and often overlooked challenges. 

For working-age Australians, this can mean navigating employment, loss of income, and family responsibilities alongside a palliative diagnosis. Children, adolescents and young adults experience distinct challenges because support systems may not be designed with them in mind. 

Palliative Care Australia is especially concerned about a cohort of Australians under 65 who have significant disability due to an advanced life-limiting condition, but who are unable to access the functional support that would allow them to remain at home safely. Home-based services such as personal care, domestic assistance and carer respite are essential to their dignity and quality of life. 

Each year, an estimated 5,000-10,000 Australians with advanced life-limiting illness go without the essential supports that would enable them to remain safely at home. 

Without access to appropriate care at home, their only alternatives are extended hospital admissions, or inappropriate early entry to residential care – causing distress to people and families, and avoidable costs to government. 

Palliative Care Australia has sent a strong message to governments on how to improve access to support at home for people under 65 with a terminal diagnosis. 

The event audience heard about the human impact of these challenges, the reasons behind the current situation, and what we can do to meet this pressing gap in services. A recording of the livestream of the event is available here. 

Panel speakers include:
• Peter Allcroft - Facilitator, Palliative Care Australia Board Chair
• Fiona Hassmann - Lived Experience and Manager, Peace of Mind Foundation
• Jamieson Lowe - VIC/TAS co-convener, Palliative Care Social Work Australia
• Olivia Nassaris - CEO, Parkinsons Australia
• Clare Sullivan - CEO, MND Australia
• Anthony Herbert - Director/Senior Medical Officer, Paediatric Palliative Care Service, Children’s Health Queensland 

View the photo gallery here.