Getting a Will in place is one of the first things most Australians do when they start planning. But fewer have thought about what happens if something unexpected occurs while they’re still alive – a sudden illness, an accident, a medical emergency that leaves them unable to communicate their wishes.
A national study by Advance Care Planning Australia in 2025 found that only one in three Australians have taken steps to plan for their future health care. Fewer than 15% have a formal, legally binding Advance Care Directive in place.
A Will covers what happens to your affairs after you’re no longer here. An Advance Care Directive, a Medical Treatment Decision Maker and a Power of Attorney cover what happens while you’re still here – and many Australians have none of them.
An Advance Care Directive
An Advance Care Directive (ACD) is a formal document that records your values, preferences and instructions for medical treatment – to be used if you become unable to make or communicate decisions yourself. It can cover specific medical situations as well as broader values to guide your decision-maker when circumstances couldn’t be anticipated.
Every state and territory has its own form and requirements. Your GP is a good starting point, and Advance Care Planning Australia has the right form for your state.
An Advance Care Directive isn’t just for the elderly or seriously ill. It’s for anyone who wants their wishes known and respected if the unexpected happens.
A Medical Treatment Decision Maker
A Medical Treatment Decision Maker is the person you formally appoint to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This role is distinct from a Power of Attorney, who handles financial and legal matters. Without a nominated Decision Maker, your medical team must determine who is responsible – a process that can cause delays and family conflict at an already difficult time.
A Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney is a separate legal document that appoints someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf – If you lose capacity through illness, accident or cognitive decline. It operates while you’re still alive and ceases when you pass away. Without one in place, family members may need to apply to a government tribunal to be granted authority – a process that can be slow and stressful.
Making Sure It’s Accessible
These documents have no value if the people who need them can’t find them. Upload your ACD to My Health Record so emergency departments can access it. Store all three documents in your LifeReady Vault and share them with the right people as Trusted Parties – so access is immediate when it’s needed.
A Will is important. But it only comes into effect after you’re no longer here.
An Advance Care Directive, a Medical Treatment Decision Maker and a Power of Attorney protect you while you’re still alive – and give the people around you clarity when it matters most.
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