Voluntary Assisted Dying

The Highlands End-of-Life Project Inc has no political or moral position on Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). We respect the right of all people to make informed choices that are aligned with their individual needs within the relevant laws.

This information on this page comes directly from Go Gentle Australia.

What is voluntary assisted dying?

Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) allows a dying person who is suffering in the final stages of life to ask their doctor for medication to help them die. The person must be an adult, have decision making capacity and be assessed as eligible by two independent doctors.

Is voluntary assisted dying legal in Australia?

Yes. Every state has passed its own voluntary assisted dying law including NSW which took affect on 28 November 2023.

NT and the ACT do not yet have voluntary assisted dying laws. However, in December 2022 the Federal Government lifted its 25-year ban on the Territories debating VAD, meaning the NT and ACT are now free to discuss and pass their own voluntary assisted dying laws. The first ACT voluntary assisted dying bill in more than 25 years was tabled in the ACT's Legislative Assembly on 31 October 2023.

In NSW, to use the law, a person must:

Be diagnosed with at least one disease, illness, medical condition that:
- is advanced, progressive and will cause death within 6 months (or within 12 months for neurodegenerative diseases like motor neurone disease)
- is causing suffering that cannot be relieved in a manner the person finds tolerable
Have decision-making capacity in relation to VAD
Be acting voluntarily and not because of pressure or duress from another person
Be aged 18+
Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident who has lived in NSW for at least 12 months
Have an enduring request for VAD.

More information.

How can I learn more about voluntary assisted dying in NSW?

Ask your doctor. This could be your GP or another specialist. In NSW, unlike in some other states, medical practitioners and health care workers can initiate discussions about VAD as long as they inform you about available treatment options and palliative care at the same time.
Contact NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service. They are trained health professionals who can guide you through the VAD process and answer any questions you may have. You can contact them via email at NSLHD-VADCareNavigator@health.nsw.gov.au or call toll free on 1300 802 133.

Information

You do not need to wait for your doctor to mention VAD to you. You can raise it with them directly. However, you must do this yourself - nobody can do it for you. This makes it clear that you are acting of your own free will and no-one is trying to influence you.
If the first doctor you speak to cannot help you (if they are not trained or they have opted out of voluntary assisted dying, known as “conscientious objection”), you are well within your rights to seek another doctor’s opinion.
To avoid stress and delays, start early. The process can take weeks as you must make three separate requests, be assessed by two doctors and there may be extra appointments if there are questions about your eligibility.
Prepare your documents. As part of the VAD application process, you'll need to provide documents that prove your age, residential status, and medical condition. Take a look at this checklist or speak to your doctor/care navigator for more information.
In some exceptional cases, an application for VAD can be processed more quickly if, for example, there is a risk you might die before the assessment process is finished. Ask your doctor and care navigator if you think this might apply to you.
If you live in a rural, regional or remote part of the state, there may be additional support available to help you access VAD services. Contact NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service for more information.
If you live in an aged care facility or retirement village, speak to the staff about your wish to access VAD as soon as possible. Not all facilities will actively participate in VAD and you may need to make extra arrangements to bring external doctors and support staff onto the premises.
If you feel comfortable, you may want to discuss your wishes with your loved ones and medical team. However, if you prefer not to, it’s perfectly legal to keep your medical choices confidential.
Voluntary assisted dying is voluntary for everyone. You can pause your application, or stop it altogether, if you change your mind at any time.