Member for Willoughby Tim James is unhappy with the Minns Government Budget.

With the release of the 2023-24 Budget, Tim James is scrutinising the state for cutting $150 million from palliative care services.

Previously, the 2022-23 Budget allocated $743 million over the five years to 2026-27. This would include $650 million to employ an extra 600 palliative care nurses, health professional, doctors, and support staff. Premier Chris Minns explained that the $150 million cut would have the funds redirected to recruiting nurses and the general health budget.

Palliative Care NSW, as the peak body for end-of-life care, announced their displeasure with the budget reallocation.

‘Palliative Care NSW believes that this should not be at the expense of the existing palliative care workforce, services and programs,’ wrote Palliative Care NSW in a release. ‘We continue to work closely with the Ministry to understand how the remaining $593M of the original $743M committed by the previous government will be used.’

Member Tim James is calling on the community to sign a petition to fully restore the allocated funds.

‘These are cruel cuts that undermine the valuable supports that minimise suffering for those at the end of the lives,’ says Tim James. ‘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.’

The petition is open for signatures until the 3rd of April 2024.

To sign the petition, visit the website of Parliament of NSW at

www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/lc/pages/epetition-details.aspx?q=TCDPkH-n_irjDpWLSkyyOA