Mrs Harvey questions the Premier about palliative care funding allocation, specifically regarding the lack of new funding for metropolitan areas while introducing voluntary assisted dying legislation. The Premier defends the regional focus due to identified needs and distances.

AnsweredQoN 689Legislative Assembly
Asked
29 August 2019
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

PALLIATIVE CARE–END-OF-LIFE CHOICE SERVICES
689. Mrs L.M. HARVEY to the Premier:
I refer to information tabled by the member for Girrawheen
this morning about the McGowan Labor government's $41 million
palliative care and end-of-life choice services, which highlights that
virtually all the additional funding is in the regions. Can the Premier confirm
that he is introducing voluntary assisted dying legislation with no new money
for metropolitan palliative care and end-of-life choice services?

AnswerView source ↗

The government announced in the state budget that it would
put more support towards palliative care and, from memory, that takes the
funding of palliative care to nearly $200 million —
Mr R.H. Cook : Over $200 million.
Mr M. McGOWAN : I think it is closer to $240 million or
thereabouts.
Mr R.H. Cook interjected.
Mr M. McGOWAN : I will start that again. My
understanding is that there is additional funding of over $200 million towards
palliative care. We have heard from a range of people that there are needs in
regional Western Australia because of distance. The select committee report
highlighted that there were needs around regional Western Australia because of
distance from major services. I think it is fair and reasonable that as that
money is spent, we have a keen focus on regional Western Australia. I would
hope that this issue is not politicised.

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