The Cessnock MP spent six years working with children’s cancer charity CanTeen before his entry into politics.

In that time he assisted dozens of young people and their families, helping young cancer patients to die well, with dignity and in peace.

Mr Barr says the public conversation about palliative care needs to change, and he is calling for the NSW government to be “brave and courageous” in leading that change.

“We need to fundamentally rethink the way we deal with palliative care and helping people to die the way they want to die,” he said.

“We have to have that conversation – but no-one seems to want to talk about it (dying), even though it’s one of the few certainties in life.”

”We need to be more brave and courageous about it.”

Mr Barr’s passion for palliative care led to his recent ejection from NSW Parliament.

On February 22 Mr Barr had asked for standing orders to be suspended so health minister Brad Hazzard could be given an extension of time to continue an answer about the state government’s funding of palliative care services.

Speaker Shelley Hancock said Mr Barr was “not listening” and when he interjected, she ejected him from the chamber.

Mr Barr said MPs from both sides of the chamber contacted him the next day to make sure he was OK after the uncharacteristic outburst.

On his return to the chamber he made a formal explanation about his involvement with CanTeen, and conceded that he did disrespect the house.

“It is hard to imagine a member of this Chamber who might be more interested in and aware of the issues of palliative care,” he said.

“I had listened to the Minister in silence and with deep interest. My only interjection was to support an extension for him to conclude his answer.”

Meanwhile, Cancer Council NSW launched its I Care For Palliative Care campaign on March 21.

The Cancer Council says NSW needs 10 more full time specialist palliative care physicians, at a minimum, to be brought in line with national palliative care recommendations.

The campaign calls on people to sign a pledge for Minister Hazzard to end the palliative care shortage via www.canact.com.au/palliative_care_pledge.