In the 2023-24 NSW Budget the Minns Labor government slashed $150 million from the palliative care system.

Member for Willoughby Tim James condemned the government for turning its back on those with terminal illnesses and called on the community to sign a petition calling on the restoration of this vital funding.

“Together we must send a strong message to Chris Minns and the NSW Labor Government that our community values and supports restoring this funding that gives those with a terminal illness dignity and improved quality of life” Mr James said.

“These are cruel cuts that undermine the valuable supports that minimise suffering for those at the end of the lives.”

“I know the deep impact these cuts will have - last year my father needed to access palliative care services and it brought him and my family great comfort at a very difficult and sad time. It’s a journey that countless families right across our community experience every day and they would be horrified to see these support systems undermined like this in such a time of need.”

“It’s likely that some will now miss out on receiving palliative care. The Minns Labor Government should not be penny pinching from the dying.”

“A civilised society properly looks after its dying and providing adequate palliative care is a key part of this. Please sign the petition to restore this funding or at the least prevent the government from targeting palliative care from further cuts” Mr James concluded.

The petition is available to sign online on the Parliament of NSW website at https://bit.ly/restorethefunding until 3 April 2024.