Afternoon Tea in support of National Palliative Care Week

President of Palliative Care Queensland, Associate Professor Anthony Herbert; Staff, volunteers and supporters of palliative care; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands on which we gather, the Turrbul and Jagera people, and pay respect to their Elders past and present, and emerging. I would also like to extend my respect to any First Nations people here with us today.

Graeme and I warmly welcome you to Government House this afternoon to mark National Palliative Care Week.

Palliative care is complex. It embraces holistic care for individuals. It includes their family, friends, and the community. It meshes seamlessly with life-prolonging therapies. It is about living well and dying peacefully.

However, more needs to be done to ensure that all Queenslanders understand they can receive high-quality palliative care, whenever and wherever they need it. For that reason, ‘It’s your right’ - the theme of this year’s raising awareness campaign - is asking us to start conversations on all aspects of palliative care.

For everyone working in the sector, these past few years have presented enormous challenges. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, those of you who provide care and the support to vulnerable individuals in need have been rising above and beyond to ensure the delivery of, and to advocate for, the high standards set down by Palliative Care Queensland.

Graeme and I are deeply grateful to all of you, for your compassion and kindness, while being there for all those facing life-limiting illness and bereavement.

As Governor and Patron of Palliative Care Queensland I am incredibly proud of the work the organisation has done, and continues to do across the State to ensure quality care is made available to all.

With a growing and ageing population the demands for palliative care will only increase and so I commend the organisation in advocating for areas of new investment, which includes a proposal for a Clinical Centre of Excellence for First Nations Palliative Care.

I particularly thank the Board, the executive committee, the hard-working staff and the devoted volunteers for your dedication in promoting and delivering the vital services you provide.

We welcome everyone to join us for afternoon tea and look forward to hearing more about your future vision of palliative care in the Queensland community, but first I am delighted to present a certificate of Vice-Regal Patronage to Palliative Care Queensland President, Associate Professor Anthony Herbert, as testament to our ongoing support.

Thank you.