Victoria has launched a new Palliative and End of Life Care Framework (2026–2036), setting the direction for more coordinated, person-centred care over the next decade, with a strong focus on recognising and supporting carers as essential partners in care.
The framework was launched by Health Minister Harriet Shing during Palliative Care Week, signalling a renewed commitment to improving end-of-life care across the state.
The launch reflects a renewed statewide commitment to improving end-of-life care through a more inclusive, coordinated and evidence-informed system. Importantly, the framework has been shaped by sector consultation, expert evidence and the lived experience of people receiving care and their families ensuring carers’ voices are embedded from the outset.
While the framework outlines several priority areas, a few changes are particularly relevant for carers.
For carers, these changes point to a shift in how the system sees and supports them.
The framework represents a positive step towards:
The framework reinforces that high-quality palliative care depends not only on clinical services, but also on the well-being and capacity of carers.
The framework sets a long-term direction for the next decade, with a clear expectation that its priorities will be embedded into service planning, partnerships and everyday practice across the sector.
For Carers Victoria, this presents an opportunity to continue strengthening advocacy, aligning programs, and ensuring carers remain central to care design and delivery across Victoria.
