Palliative Care Queensland President, Associate Professor Anthony Herbert, and CEO, Ms Louise O’Neill;  staff, volunteers and supporters of palliative care; distinguished guests. 

I begin by also acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this afternoon. 

I warmly welcome you to Government House in the lead-up to National Palliative Care Week, commencing this Sunday. This gathering allows us to acknowledge the extraordinary commitment and compassion of those who work in this vital area of our health-care sector. 

In Australia and internationally, demand for high-quality palliative care is growing, driven by an ageing population and the rising prevalence of cancer and other chronic conditions associated with later life.

Incredibly, World Health Organisation data shows that of the millions worldwide who require palliative care each year, only about 14 percent receive it. Here in Australia, more than 450 people die each day from a life‑limiting illness.  

Not only can palliative care make the final stages of life more comfortable, and calmer, but it can also enrich a dying person’s interactions with their loved ones in the time they have left. 

As Governor and Patron, I am enormously proud of Palliative Care Queensland for its work in advocating for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families, and for strengthening support for high-quality palliative care services. 

This extends to the specialised doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and trained volunteers who walk alongside patients and their families – whether they are receiving care at home, or in a hospital, hospice or aged care environment. 

The work you do is not easy.  It can be emotional and confronting – but also, hopefully, rewarding. You often enter peoples’ lives unexpectedly, when they are facing their most challenging moments, when they can feel vulnerable and overwhelmed.  

Through your expertise, compassion, empathy and practical support, you inevitably become a trusted partner—helping them to live as fully as possible, for as long as possible. 

This extends to your many volunteers, and I understand Queensland paramedic Sue Neale ASM—whom I will have the honour of presenting with her Ambulance Service Medal here in a two weeks’ time—is among us. As many of you will know, Sue volunteers with your Ambulance Wish program, helping Queenslanders with life-limiting illness to realise a dream, big or small, such as a visit to a favourite beach or a trip home to see a beloved pet.  

Even coming at such a late stage, this is nothing short of life-changing work. 

Dying well, and with dignity, is a fundamental human right, at any age, and a significant indicator of what we value as a society. 

The sector faces complex challenges—including workforce shortages, sustainable funding, more end-of-life beds, and guidance around palliative support before and after voluntary assisted dying—and I commend the Board, executive and staff for deftly navigating them.

Next Tuesday, Government House will be among those lighting up orange for National Palliative Care Week, shining a light on all that you do to ensure Queensland is a kinder and more compassionate place.  

Thank you.