Palliative Care Australia (PCA) believed a Voice to Parliament would contribute to better health and life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Given the result, we acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are in shock and are grieving.
PCA has respected the week of mourning before making comment.
“We are grateful for the work of all those involved who brought forward this heartfelt idea and share your disappointment that the proposal was not successful,” says Camilla Rowland, Chief Executive Officer, PCA.
“As the national peak body for palliative care, our mission is to influence the delivery of quality palliative care for all who need it, when and where they need it.
“As we did in considering our support for the Voice to Parliament, PCA is now reflecting on the actions and values embedded in our Reconciliation Action Plan, as a way of looking at what more we can do to support reconciliation and better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“First and foremost, we continue to support the vision of the Uluru Statement of the Heart.
“Specifically for PCA, the needs of First Nations people at the end of life are unique and not always understood by those who provide palliative care and health services, and we have a role to play in addressing that.”
