Month: May 2025

13 May 2025

As National Palliative Care Week (19–25 May 2024) approaches, a new study from the University of South Australia is shining a light on the experiences of rural South Australians who are navigating end-of-life care, in the hope of improving access to palliative care services and supports in rural and country areas.

Conducted in partnership with the University of Adelaide and Flinders University and funded by The Hospital Research Foundation Group, the My Story, Our Journey project is capturing the lived experiences of rural people receiving, or supporting someone receiving, end-of-life care, to better understand what matters most to rural patients and their families during this time.

Palliative care encompasses a range of emotional and physical supports, including pain relief, home-care assistance, grief support and counselling, and can be delivered by a wide range of health professionals and community members at any stage of illness.

UniSA researcher and Project Lead, Associate Professor Kate Gunn, says palliative care is often misunderstood.

“When we talk about palliative care, people sometimes think of a person at the very end of their life ‘giving up’, and the medical care they receive. But this is a misconception,” Assoc Prof Gunn says.

“Palliative care is a holistic and broad approach to care that can be provided in a range of settings and aims to maximise quality of life for the patient as well as their family. It can offer them emotional, physical, and practical support from the time of their diagnosis of a life limiting illness, through to end of life.”

The new study focuses on the palliative care needs of rural communities.                                                    

“People living outside of major cities are notoriously under-supported and underserviced when it comes to health care – and palliative care is no different,” Assoc Prof Gunn says.

“More than seven million Australians, almost 30% of the population, live in rural communities, yet only 16% of the palliative care workforce live and work in these areas.

“Research tells us that earlier referral to palliative care services gives patients and families more control, helping them maximise their quality and quantity of life.

“Yet patients living in country or rural areas have less opportunity to receive specialist palliative care, and this can negatively affect their wellbeing, and the wellbeing of their family members.

“Our research hopes to give a voice to rural patients and their families, and to help advocate for support that best meets their needs.”

The team has already begun speaking with participants but are hoping to hear from more rural families across a range of situations.

Eligible participants include people who:

• Are 18 years of age or older
• Need some assistance with daily care
• Have been told by their doctor that their illness cannot be cured
• Live in rural South Australia

To find out more or express your interest in participating, contact kate.gunn@unisa.edu.au.

The study is funded by The Hospital Research Foundation Group – Palliative Care as part the Palliative Care Research Collaboration.

The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide are joining forces to become Australia’s new major university – Adelaide University. Building on the strengths, legacies and resources of two leading universities, Adelaide University will deliver globally relevant research at scale, innovative, industry-informed teaching and an outstanding student experience. Adelaide University will open its doors in January 2026. Find out more on the Adelaide University website.

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Contact for interview:  Assoc Prof Kate Gunn E: Kate.Gunn@unisa.edu.au
Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

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Released 13/05/2025

Pondering a career change, or keen to finally embark on training for your dream job?

Since the start of Free TAFE in 2023, over 4,400 Canberrans have enrolled in Free TAFE – you could be next.

Applications are now open for Semester 2 under the Free TAFE initiative in a range of hospitality, health and construction courses at CIT.

Free TAFE recognises the importance of learning pathways and upcoming courses are funded by the Australian Government. CIT’s Free TAFE courses provide tuition free training to people seeking to learn, retrain or upskill.

The courses on offer address skills shortages across essential in-demand sectors such as:

• hospitality and tourism
• construction
• technical and digital
• aged care, health and disability care
• children’s education and care.

People entering an industry for the first time without prior experience can start in a relevant short course to develop fundamental skills and industry knowledge before diving into the full qualification.

To boost the number of skilled workers in the housing and construction industry, CIT has designed a new general construction and safety pre-apprenticeship short course for people to build skills, knowledge and confidence before starting a trade apprenticeship.

Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations, Michael Pettersson emphasised the initiatives impact on addressing the skills needs and gaps across various industry sectors in the ACT.

“Free TAFE has been instrumental in helping people find new career paths or upskill in their current roles. By strategically addressing local sector needs, CIT’s course offerings have proven successful in filling critical skills gaps.

The success of Free TAFE has led to an extension of the initiative for an additional three years, continuing until the end of 2026.

Whether your passion is cooking, healthcare, or construction, CIT has something for you.”

Visit the CIT website for more information about the courses on offer through Free TAFE and save Thursday 5 June 2025 in your diary for CIT’s Semester 2 Twilight Enrolment Session at the new CIT Woden.

Free TAFE will inject over $16 million into the ACT skills and training sector from 2023 to 2026.

– Statement ends –

Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases

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Released 12/05/2025 – Joint media release

The ACT Government has today announced a targeted business support package to assist local businesses impacted by construction works for the Light Rail to Commonwealth project in and around London Circuit.

The package includes practical and financial support informed by what we’ve heard from the businesses and designed to help during the disruption, with a focus on easing cost pressures and encouraging visitation to the area.

Minister for Transport Chris Steel said the support recognises the real challenges facing businesses as the city delivers a once-in-a-generation infrastructure upgrade.

“Light Rail is transforming our CBD as a vibrant and well-connected place to do business. However, we know that with construction of this part of the line there is an impact on nearby business particularly hospitality businesses,” Minister Steel said.

“This package builds on the business partnership plan we have already put in place to support businesses during the construction.

“The best thing that Canberrans can do right now to support businesses in the city is to get out and visit them. The businesses are open and we are encouraging Canberrans to support them through the measures announced today.”

Light Rail Stage 2A business support measures include:

• Effective immediately, free parking Wednesday to Sunday evenings from 5:30 pm, at nearby public car parks:
  • Theatre Lane Car Park (opposite Sydney Building)
  • City Hill Car Park (Section 116)
  • Canberra Olympic Pool Car Park (City southeast)
  • Note: The existing parking hours at Hobart Place are already aligned with these times
• Outdoor dining permit fee waivers from 1 July 2025 for businesses directly impacted by construction activities
• New CCTV cameras to be installed and upgraded around London Circuit to support safety during night-time trading
• A campaign launching mid-year to promote that London Circuit is open for business, spotlighting local venues and retailers
• Delivering place making improvements including additional lighting delivered by the City Renewal Authority
• Business Capability Building Program offering free tailored advice

This targeted package will be supported from 1 July by expanded liquor licence fee reductions available to all ACT hospitality businesses up to a 350-person capacity, building on significant reductions introduced in 2024 and delivering on ACT Labor’s commitment to the night-time economy.

An automatic 50% liquor fee reduction will be expanded to cafes, restaurants and general licences up to 150-person capacity, previously the 50% discount was only applicable to cafes and restaurants up to 80-person capacity.

A 50% liquor fee reduction will be expanded to venues showcasing artists between 151 to 350-person capacity, available upon application, in addition to the existing fee reduction of 80% for venues up to 150-person capacity.

Minister for Night-Time Economy Tara Cheyne said supporting the city’s entertainment and hospitality sector is a key focus of the package.

“Canberra’s city centre is home to some of our most loved bars, restaurants, and performance venues,” Minister Cheyne said.

“By providing fee relief, enhancing public safety, and backing local activations, we’re helping ensure these businesses remain destinations of choice, even during construction.”

“These initiatives are designed to encourage locals and visitors alike, to support our incredible hospitality sector. For these businesses, there is no substitute for patronage. I encourage Canberrans to get out across the city to explore and enjoy your favourite bars, restaurants and shops.”

Minister for Business Michael Pettersson said the package was developed in consultation with traders and industry representatives.

“We’ve listened to the concerns of local business owners and tailored this package to respond to what they need most,” Minister Pettersson said.

“This is a practical response designed to ease pressure and maintain confidence in the city centre during construction.”

Business owners in the London Circuit area will be contacted directly with further information on how to access support, and the Government will continue engaging with stakeholders as the project progresses.

Visit the Light Rail to Woden website for more information.

– Statement ends –

Chris Steel, MLA | Tara Cheyne, MLA | Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases

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Released 12/05/2025

As part of its ongoing commitment to road safety, the ACT Government has announced the installation of a new signalised midblock pedestrian crossing on Canberra Avenue near Burke Crescent. The crossing will improve safety for students from St Edmund’s and St Clare’s Colleges, supporting safer commutes to and from school.

Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne said the decision to install the crossing reflects the Government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable road users, particularly young people.

“This crossing will make a real difference for students who cross this busy road every day. Their safety is our priority, and we’re acting to ensure they can travel to and from school with greater confidence,” Minister Cheyne said.

“The ACT Government will fast-track design of the crossing to support seeking approvals and enable construction. More information will be provided to the local school community on timing in the next couple of months.”

Minister for Education Yvette Berry welcomed the announcement, noting the importance of a safe and supportive environment for students beyond the school gate.

“Students should be able to get to and from school safely, no matter how they travel. This new crossing will provide the school communities greater peace of mind and help support student wellbeing,” Minister Berry said.

The announcement coincides with National Road Safety Week 2025, a time to reflect on the impact of road trauma and the collective responsibility to keep our roads safe.

“In 2024, eleven people tragically lost their lives on ACT roads, and already this year, we have lost three more. And I know that the incident in late March outside St Eddies has had and will continue to have a profound impact on this tight-knit community,” Minister Cheyne said. “Every death or injury is a devastating reminder that road trauma has lasting impacts on families, friends, and the wider community. These are not just statistics – they are lives lost too soon, and futures cut short or dramatically altered.”

“National Road Safety Week is a time to come together with other jurisdictions and shine a light on the importance of safe driving behaviours. We must all remember that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and every action we take behind the wheel matters.”

The ACT Government remains committed to Vision Zero, a future where no one is killed or seriously injured on our roads.

“When we drive, we’re not just responsible for ourselves, we’re responsible for everyone around us. Vision Zero means choosing to slow down, staying alert, and driving to the conditions. Even one death on our roads is one too many.”

“The ACT Government, alongside ACT Policing, continues to deliver education and enforcement campaigns to change attitudes and behaviours on our roads. Road safety doesn’t begin and end with Road Safety Week – it is an everyday priority.”

“Every crash carries a cost – emotionally, economically, and socially. We must never accept road trauma as an unavoidable part of transport. Every life lost is preventable, and every life matters.”

During National Road Safety Week, the ACT Government urges all Canberrans to take the pledge to drive so others survive.

– Statement ends –

Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases

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