Page 5043 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 26 October 2011
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(i) increasing demand for services;
(ii) adequacy of the range of services provided and the capacity to increase services;
(iii) adequacy of resources, including workforce;
(iv) successful models used in other jurisdictions;
(v) matters affecting the success of advance care planning;
(vi) support for existing non-government organisations and volunteers; and
(vii) education programs for the public and health professionals.”.
I will speak to the amendment quickly. First, I go to the reason for the amendment. As I have said, the government will be supporting, and does support, the intention behind the motion, with the minor change, which is to take out the reference that the consultant or the reviewer be from outside the ACT. There is a tender process underway for the palliative care strategy, and I understand that submissions have started coming in. Under the procurement guidelines, it would be difficult to specify, exclude or include just consultants that were based outside the ACT. That process is underway, and my amendment seeks to again endorse the fact that we want an independent review. It will look at all those areas outlined in Ms Bresnan’s motion, but just take out the need for that person to come from outside the ACT.
MR HANSON (Molonglo) (3.55): I rise today to speak on the important topic of palliative care. This is an issue that people often do not give much thought to until one of their loved ones is nearing the end of their life. The issue is complex and raw with emotion. It is difficult in a time of grief to try and rationally address the questions of palliative care. That is why I foreshadow that the Canberra Liberals will be supporting this motion for an inquiry into palliative care services in the ACT. We will also be supporting the government’s amendments, for the reasons outlined by the minister.
There is a variety of ways in which palliative care services are currently provided in the ACT. Many people are cared for in hospitals and aged care facilities. However, an increasing number of people are cared for in their home. What must be remembered when considering the palliative care services available to people in the last stages of their lives is that they should be at the centre of the decision making; that the needs of the patients and their families should determine the best model of care. Whilst a person may be denied the physical control over their last days, we can give them the dignity of having control over how they spend these last days. This sentiment is reflected in the Productivity Commission’s comments about palliative care:
Older people want to be cared for by someone who cherishes them, who has time for them, who respects their right to make their own decisions. Most older people also want to continue to be relevant and connected to their families and communities.
The arena in which palliative care services are provided is changing. With our ageing population there is an increased demand on services, public, private and in the
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