Getting to the heart of it: Big questions, real answers through advance care planning
National Palliative Care Week 2026 encourages Australians to ask the big questions, about what matters most, what good care looks like, and how decisions should be made if they become too unwell to speak for themselves.
The theme, Getting to the heart of it: Big Questions. Real Answers, reflects what advance care planning (ACP) is really about: supporting honest conversations, clear understanding and care that aligns with a person’s values.
Dr Greg Parker, Director of Advance Care Planning Australia, general practitioner and palliative care specialist, says advance care planning is a cornerstone of good person-centred care.
“Advance care planning isn’t about predicting the future — it’s about understanding what matters to someone, so care is personal, respectful and aligned with their values, whatever happens,” Dr Parker says.
Why these conversations matter
There is strong evidence that advance care planning:
- gives people peace of mind and confidence that their wishes are known
- improves satisfaction with care and communication with health professionals
- reduces distress and burden for families and substitute decision‑makers
- can reduce unwanted or burdensome treatments and interventions.
Despite these benefits, engagement remains low. ACPA’s 2025 national prevalence study found that:
- only one in three Australians have engaged in any form of advance care planning
- just 6% have completed a formal advance care directive.
“For many people, these conversations feel too hard or too soon,” Dr Parker explains.
“National Palliative Care Week is a chance to normalise them — to show that asking questions early actually helps people live well, their way.”
The role of primary care
General practice is often where these conversations begin. Trusted, ongoing relationships with patients place primary care teams in a unique position to introduce advance care planning in a way that feels supportive and timely, not overwhelming.
To support this, ACPA has released a NEW Supporting ACP in general practice factsheet ahead of National Palliative Care Week. The factsheet provides clear guidance on how ACP conversations and activities align with existing processes and MBS items, showing that advance care planning is not an “add‑on”, but part of routine, high‑quality care.
Supporting big questions with real answers
The updated factsheet helps clinicians:
- identify natural opportunities for ACP within routine attendances and assessments
- engage meaningfully with patients throughout the Think–Talk–Record–Share–Review ACP process
- document and share preferences so they’re accessible when needed most
During National Palliative Care Week, ACPA encourages health professionals, individuals and families alike to start the conversation, because conversation truly does change everything.
Acknowledgement
Advance Care Planning Australia thanks the following organisations for their valuable contributions to the review of the Supporting ACP in general practice factsheet: Australian Practice Nurses Association, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Medicare, Primary Health Networks, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners; and the Queensland Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning.
Download the Supporting ACP in general practice factsheet