ACPA Team from left to right: Policy and Research Officer Mila Obucina, Communications Officer Emily John, Education Coordinator Kylie Ash, National Manager Dr Catherine Joyce, Director Dr Greg Parker, Consumer Partnerships Clinical Nurse Consultant Clare Cameron, Communications Manager Margaret Edwards.
Advance Care Planning Australia (ACPA) has secured Australian Government funding to continue delivering the national advance care planning program over the next four years, supporting Australians to plan for their future health care and ensuring care is aligned with their values, preferences and wishes.
Administered by the Brisbane South Palliative Care Collaborative at Metro South Health, ACPA provides national leadership in advance care planning through community education, workforce development, systems improvement, research and policy advocacy.
The continued funding will enable ACPA to expand its impact across Australia, helping more people understand the benefits of advance care planning and supporting health, aged care and disability services to embed advance care planning as a routine part of care. The program will continue to focus on improving awareness, building workforce capability, strengthening systems and contributing to a stronger evidence base for advance care planning.
The funding recognises the growing importance of advance care planning in Australia's health and aged care systems. As Australia's population ages and the demand for palliative and end-of-life care continues to increase, advance care planning plays a critical role in ensuring people receive care that reflects what matters most to them.
Dr Catherine Joyce, National Manager Advance Care Planning Australia, welcomed the Australian Government's continued investment in advance care planning.
"Advance care planning helps people have a voice in future health care decisions, even if they become unable to speak for themselves. This funding will allow us to continue building awareness, capability and systems that support Australians to receive care that aligns with their preferences and values."
"We are proud to continue leading this important national initiative and look forward to working with our partners and communities across Australia over the next four years."
Since 2023, ACPA has supported thousands of Australians through its National Advance Care Planning Advisory Service, delivered workforce education across the country, produced practical resources and contributed to national policy, standards and system reforms. The program has also led Australia's first national community prevalence study on advance care planning engagement, providing valuable insights into awareness, attitudes and participation.
The next phase of the program will be delivered in collaboration with a broad network of national partners from the health, aged care, disability, academic and consumer sectors, ensuring a coordinated approach that supports Australians wherever they live.
ACPA is an Australian Government initiative administered by the Brisbane South Palliative Care Collaborative, Metro South Health. Through education, resources, advisory services, research and advocacy, ACPA works to ensure more Australians can make informed choices about their future health care