Released 03/11/2025 - Joint media release
From today, voluntary assisted dying is an end-of-life choice available for eligible Canberrans who are suffering with a terminal condition.
Significant work has been done since the passage of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2024 to ensure voluntary assisted dying will sit alongside other holistic end-of-life options available in the ACT.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said commencement of the scheme marks an important milestone in the ACT Government’s commitment to provide compassionate, person-centred care and to support individuals and their loved ones to make informed choices at the end of their life.
“Our voluntary assisted dying model is the most progressive in the country. It puts compassion, dignity and safety at the centre of care, while ensuring people have genuine choice and control over their final days,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“I want to sincerely thank the Health and Community Services Directorate and Canberra Health Services Taskforce for their careful and considered work in developing the model, and acknowledge the many clinicians, consumers, community organisations and other stakeholders who have engaged with us throughout this process.
“Their insights, professionalism and compassion have been vital in ensuring the ACT’s model and implementation is robust, accessible and centred on the needs of individuals, families and carers.”
Comprehensive training and structured protocols are now in place to ensure that families and patients receive compassionate guidance and support throughout the voluntary assisted dying process, complementing existing end‑of‑life and palliative care options.
Healthcare providers, palliative care teams, and aged care facilities across the ACT have been preparing over recent months to understand their obligations.
In addition, the Voluntary Assisted Dying Oversight Board has been preparing to oversee, monitor and report on the operation of voluntary assisted dying in the ACT.
Minister for Human Rights Tara Cheyne said voluntary assisted dying will support eligible Canberrans to make end-of-life choices that align with their rights, preferences, and values.
“We know that even with the best end-of-life care, some Canberrans with an advanced condition, illness or disease can experience intolerable suffering near the end of their lives,” Minister Cheyne said.
“The introduction of voluntary assisted dying in the Territory will support eligible Canberrans to make end-of-life choices that align with their values and wishes.
“This is a compassionate and dignified option now available to those facing intolerable suffering, ensuring their autonomy is respected during the most vulnerable time in their lives.”
Alongside the introduction of voluntary assisted dying, the ongoing provision of accessible, comprehensive and quality palliative care support gives people the options and supports they need to live comfortably and die with dignity.
A voluntary assisted dying care navigation service has been established by Canberra Health Services to give support to individuals, their families, health practitioners and health services seeking information about voluntary assisted dying.
The Care Navigator Service is available now to provide information about voluntary assisted dying and help referring eligible patients to authorised voluntary assisted dying practitioners. For more information or to speak with a Care Navigator, anyone can call 5124 1888 between 8:30am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
If the issue of voluntary assisted dying raises issues for you or your family, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Griefline on 1300 845 745.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases