A LISTENING Report, summarising how the community would like to see a voluntary assisted dying model delivered in the ACT, has been released.

The community, stakeholder and health professionals consultation focussed on what model should be adopted, rather than whether voluntary assisted dying should be lawful.

More than 7400 people visited the voluntary assisted dying YourSay webpage, and more than 2900 people responded to a YourSay survey. In addition, the ACT government received 106 formal submissions, received 366 contributions from community members sharing their perspectives and engaged with more than 300 stakeholders across eight roundtables, workshops and meetings.

Human Rights Minister Tara Cheyne said she was especially grateful for people who shared their personal stories.

“We heard from people who have cared for loved ones near the end of their lives, who live with terminal illness, or who anticipate they might suffer near the end of their lives. We also heard from health professionals who care for these people,” said Cheyne.

“We appreciate that so many people had the courage to share their powerful stories with us, to help shape better policy and outcomes for the ACT community.”

Cheyne said most contributors supported the “Australia model”.

“Aspects of the ‘Australia model’ that were supported include the need to have strict eligibility criteria, a thorough request process, the provision of support and information through a government-run Care Navigator Service and pharmacy service and an independent oversight body,” said Cheyne.

“We also heard support for some adjustments to the Australia model, building on the experiences of other jurisdictions. This includes in relation to age, timeframe to death, and the role of health professionals.”

“Importantly, there was clear support from a diverse range of contributors to ensure that voluntary assisted dying does not detract from the availability of quality palliative care.”

The ACT government will now develop a model for voluntary assisted dying that works for the ACT community, with a Bill to legalise voluntary assisted dying to be introduced in late 2023.

If legislation is debated and passed, it will take time for voluntary assisted dying to become available to eligible people in the ACT, with the necessary systems, safeguards, and processes to be developed and put in place.

The Listening Report can be found here.