New Research Reveals Most Australians Unprepared For Future Health Care Decisions

A landmark national study commissioned by Advance Care Planning Australia reveals that only one in three Australians (33%) have taken steps to plan for their future health care, highlighting a widespread lack of preparation for critical medical decisions.

Dr Catherine Joyce, National Manager for Advance Care Planning Australia says the findings show a major gap in routine health care.

“This study shows that advance care planning is not a standard part of basic health care in Australia with many Australians missing the opportunity to plan ahead and ensure their health care preferences are known and respected,” Dr Joyce said.

This is the first national prevalence study to take a modern approach to advance care planning. Rather than focusing solely on document completion, the research considers other key elements such as talking with loved ones, choosing substitute decision-makers, and overall motivators and attitudes that drive uptake.

“We often think of advance care planning as just filling out a form, but it's much more than that. It's about open communication, understanding your options, and making sure your choices guide your care – especially during life’s most difficult moments,” Dr Joyce said.

“While it might feel uncomfortable to think about, planning ahead can be one of the most empowering and compassionate choices you make. It brings peace of mind to individuals. It also reduces the burden on family, friends, and loved ones who are put in the difficult position of having to make decisions for others during times of crisis.”

The national study surveyed 3,390 Australian adults in February-March 2025 through a quantitative online survey with participants voicing the importance of advance care planning. The results were weighted to represent the broader population by age, gender, and state or territory.

For many participants, advance care planning is seen as an essential, through sometimes confronting part of life. “Advance care planning is a hard but real topic, and a conversation people need to have,” said a 35-year-old woman from Victoria.

A 28-year-old man from South Australian echoed this sentiment, “Advance care planning is crucial – everyone should be thinking about it before it is too late.”

Choosing a substitute decision-maker was another key theme among participants. “I have quite definite opinions about what I want in an end-of-life situation,” said a 70-year-old woman from Queensland. “I believe I’ve conveyed that clearly, and I trust my children to act on my wishes.”

This research sets a vital national benchmark for understanding the uptake of advance care planning across Australia. It also lays the groundwork for tracking future changes in awareness, attitudes, and participation over time.

Key findings:

• Just 33% of Australian adults engaged in any form of advance care planning.
• Only 1 in 5 Australians (19%) have had a conversation about their future health care with someone else. Even fewer have taken formal steps:
  • 13% have formally appointed a substitute decision-maker
  • 6% have completed an advance care directive.
• Discussions usually happen within personal networks – primarily with a partner or spouse (60%), followed by adult children, parents, close friends, and siblings.
• Conversations with professionals are rare. Of those who had discussed advance care planning, only 12% had spoken with a GP and 7% with a lawyer.
• Awareness is low – only 35% of Australians are familiar with advance care planning.
• Openness is high – 73% say they are willing to talk about their future health care.
• Australians recognise the value, particularly in reducing the emotional burden on loved ones.
• Barriers remain, including:
  • Not knowing where to start
  • Uncertainty about how to proceed
  • Concerns about cost or perceived procedural complexity

According to Dr Catherine Joyce, the findings show that investment is needed to increase awareness of advance care planning across all sectors of the population. “This research provides clear direction for messaging to address myths and misconceptions, and tailored campaigns for different groups in the population, to help everyone understand the benefits of advance care planning.”

“The research also clearly shows that many people find advance care planning complex, and there is a need for greater support to guide people through the process. The study highlights the need for greater investment in support services and in enhancing the skills and confidence of health and aged care professionals to integrate advance care planning into routine practice across our aged care and health systems,” Dr Joyce said.

“We’re also proud to present this landmark study at the 9th International Advance Care Planning Conference, 24–26 September 2025 on the Gold Coast.”

How do you get started?

• Call the National Advance Care Planning Advisory Line on 1300 208 582 from 9am – 5pm (AEST/AEDT) Monday to Friday for free advice or to get a free starter pack.
• Learn more about advance care planning, visit www.advancecareplanning.org.au
• Read the Prevalence study report, infographic and news story, visit www.advancecareplanning.org.au/about-us/our-research-and-publications
• Try Advance Care Planning Australia’s free online learning, visit www.learning.advancecareplanning.org.au
• Watch Advance Care Planning Australia’s ‘Make your choices matter’ video and share it with others: Make your choices matter (youtube.com)
• Register for the 9th Advance Care Planning International Conference, 24 to 26 September 2025, Royal Pines Resort on Yugambeh Country, Gold Coast Australia. Visit www.acp-i2025.org

Notes:

What is advance care planning? 
Advance care planning involves planning for your future health care. If you become seriously unwell and unable to communicate or make decisions about your own health care, who do you want to make them for you? What would you want them to do?

About Advance Care Planning Australia 
Advance Care Planning Australia™ (ACPA) is an Australian Government initiative administered by Brisbane South Palliative Care Collaborative, Metro South Health. ACPA is the national voice on advance care planning and supports individuals, health and aged care providers to ensure people’s preferences and wishes for future health care are known and respected. We promote a national collaborative approach by focussing on improving advance care planning policy and systems, community awareness, understanding and uptake, workforce capability and quality monitoring and evidence. Visit www.advancecareplanning.org.au

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