Voluntary assisted dying services are expected to be available in the ACT by November next year following the passing of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2023 through the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.

It passed the 25-member Assembly with the support of Labor, the Greens and a handful of Liberal MPs, including Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee.

“This legislation is about empowering individuals with a terminal illness, whose condition is advanced and progressive, to make choices that align with their values and preferences at the end of their lives,” said Human Rights Minister Tara Cheyne.

“It is a compassionate option in response to those facing intolerable suffering at the end of their lives which promotes autonomy and dignity.”

Key features

1. Strict eligibility: Access will be limited to adults with a condition that is advanced, progressive and expected to cause death and who are approaching the end of their life. The person must have decision-making capacity and be acting voluntarily.
2. Robust safeguards: A multi-step process with multiple assessments by health practitioners will ensure informed consent and protect vulnerable individuals.
3. Palliative care prioritised: The government has emphasised the importance of high-quality palliative care for all Canberrans and voluntary assisted dying is not a replacement for palliative care.
4. Conscientious objections protected: Healthcare professionals will have the right to conscientiously object to participating in voluntary assisted dying.
5. Regulatory oversight: An independent VAD Oversight Board will be established to monitor the operation of the law and ensure compliance.

VAD legislation was introduced in late October 2023.  A Select Committee inquiring into the government’s Bill proposed 27 recommendations and, through the detailed debate process, the Bill has been further refined to address committee recommendations and community and expert feedback.

“Today is the culmination of years of effort and engagement. I greatly value that so many people shared their powerful and often very difficult personal stories, all of which had a role in guiding the development of this bill,” said Minister Cheyne.

The ACT government has established an implementation taskforce to prepare the health system and workforce for the delivery of voluntary assisted dying services to commence by November 3 2025.