Terminal Illness & End-of-Life Administration in Australia: 5-Step Official Checklist

1. 1

   Coordinating specialist palliative care, home care, and hospice services

   Ask the person's general practitioner (GP) or treating specialist for a referral to state or territory specialist palliative care services for symptom management, community nursing at home, or inpatient hospice admission [1][2].

   • Locating specialist services: Use the national service directory maintained by Palliative Care Australia to find public and community palliative care teams, inpatient hospices, and equipment support in the person's state or territory [1].
   • Home support and aged care assessments: If the person requires domestic assistance, nursing, or home modifications (particularly if aged 65 or over, or 50 or over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to request an urgent palliative or high-priority assessment for Commonwealth Home Support or a Home Care Package [3].
2. 2

   Preparing and registering a written Advance Care Directive and emergency plan

   While the person has decision-making capacity, record their medical treatment preferences and goals of care in a written document recognized in their state or territory [2][4].

   • State and territory Advance Care Directive forms: Download the official state or territory form through Advance Care Planning Australia (such as an Advance Care Directive in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, or Tasmania; an Advance Health Directive in Queensland or Western Australia; or a Health Direction in the Australian Capital Territory) [2][4]. Clearly specify preferences regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation, life-sustaining interventions, pain relief, and preferred place of care [1][2].
   • Uploading to My Health Record: Once signed and witnessed according to state rules, upload the completed Advance Care Directive to the person's My Health Record via myGov so ambulance paramedics, emergency departments, and hospital clinicians nationwide can view it immediately [2].
3. 3

   Executing financial and healthcare Powers of Attorney and bank mandates

   Legal appointment of substitute decision-makers can only take place while the person has full legal mental capacity to understand the nature and effect of the documents [2][4].

   • Financial and legal authority: Execute a state or territory Enduring Power of Attorney so a trusted attorney can manage bank accounts, bills, property, and legal affairs if capacity declines [2][4]. Ensure it is witnessed by an authorized witness (such as a lawyer, registrar, or qualified Justice of the Peace, depending on the state).
   • Medical and personal care decision-maker: Appoint a substitute decision-maker for health and personal care using the applicable state instrument (such as an Enduring Guardian in New South Wales, Tasmania, or Western Australia; a Medical Treatment Decision Maker in Victoria; or an Enduring Power of Attorney covering personal/health matters in Queensland or the ACT) [2][4].
   • Bank and land registry registration: Register the Enduring Power of Attorney with the person's banks early, and register it with the state land titles office if real property transactions may be required (or with the Tasmania Land Titles Office, where registration is mandatory for all Enduring Powers of Attorney).
4. 4

   Accessing statutory caregiver leave, Carer Payment, and early superannuation release

   Both the person with a terminal diagnosis and family carers can access federal financial support and workplace leave:

   • Carer Payment and Carer Allowance: Family members providing constant daily care can apply online via myGov to Services Australia for the means-tested Carer Payment and the non-means-tested fortnightly Carer Allowance, supported by a medical report from the treating doctor confirming the terminal condition [5].
   • Workplace leave: Under the National Employment Standards (Fair Work framework), employees can use paid personal/carer's leave to care for an immediate family or household member with a serious illness, as well as compassionate leave when a life-threatening illness occurs.
   • Terminal illness early release of superannuation: Under rules regulated by the Australian Taxation Office, a person diagnosed with a terminal medical condition can apply directly to their superannuation fund for a tax-free lump-sum withdrawal of their super balance if two registered medical practitioners (including at least one specialist in the relevant field) certify that the illness is likely to result in death within 24 months [6]. Separately, a family member can apply to the Australian Taxation Office via myGov for early release of their own super on compassionate grounds to pay for palliative care expenses [6].
5. 5

   Reviewing the will, superannuation death benefit nominations, and future estate steps

   Organizing legal and financial records in advance prevents delays and protects the executor and beneficiaries later:

   • Will and Binding Death Benefit Nominations: Confirm that the person has a valid, witnessed Will naming an executor. Because superannuation does not automatically form part of the estate under a Will, ask the person's superannuation fund to verify or update a Binding Death Benefit Nomination (and check whether any life or total and permanent disability insurance is held inside the super fund).
   • Centralized documents and post-death notifications: Assemble birth and marriage certificates, Medicare and Centrelink details, super fund statements, and property records. When a death later occurs and is registered with the state Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, the family or executor can notify Services Australia, use the free Australian Death Notification Service to alert participating banks, utilities, and My Aged Care in one step [3][7], apply to the relevant State or Territory Supreme Court for a Grant of Probate where required, and lodge the Official Notification of a Deceased Person and final Date of Death tax return with the Australian Taxation Office [8].

Official Authorities & Verified Contacts

Official Sources Checked by Clarvia

1. [1]
   Palliative Care Resources and National Service Directory — Palliative Care Australia
2. [2]
   Advance Care Planning and Substitute Decision-Makers by State and Territory — Advance Care Planning Australia
3. [3]
   My Aged Care Support Services and Notifications — Australian Government / My Aged Care
4. [4]
   Advance Care Planning and End-of-Life Care in Australia — Department of Health and Aged Care
5. [5]
   Carer Payment and Carer Allowance Eligibility — Services Australia
6. [6]
   Access to Superannuation for a Terminal Medical Condition — Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
7. [7]
   Australian Death Notification Service — Australian Death Notification Service
8. [8]
   Doing tax returns for a deceased person (Date of death return) — Australian Taxation Office (ATO)