Fourteen Individuals Access Voluntary Assisted Dying in ACT's First Three Months
In the inaugural three months of the Australian Capital Territory's voluntary assisted dying (VAD) scheme, fourteen people have died through this process. Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith delivered an update to the ACT Legislative Assembly on Thursday, detailing the implementation since the scheme commenced on November 3, 2025.
Historical Context and Legislative Framework
The Federal Parliament had previously blocked the ACT and Northern Territory from legislating on euthanasia from March 1997 until December 2022. This recent change has enabled the ACT to establish its own VAD program, which involves a ten-step process for access. The initial step requires making a formal request, with the shortest recorded timeframe from first request to medication administration being five days, and an average of 18 days. Notably, the ACT does not impose a mandatory minimum waiting period, distinguishing it from some other Australian states.
Registration and Eligibility Statistics
Since December, the scheme has seen significant engagement:
- 87 people have registered for voluntary assisted dying.
- 61 individuals had their first request accepted by a doctor or nurse practitioner.
- 43 were assessed as eligible by two practitioners.
Of those who proceeded, twelve died with medication administered by an authorised VAD health professional, while two administered it themselves.
Personal Stories and Demographic Insights
One notable case is Robert Macklin, who died by voluntary assisted dying in January at age 84 after suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for eight years. Before his death, he expressed, "I've done all of the things that I wanted to do. So I'm not horrified at the thought of going, at the thought of leaving this world." The demographics of registrants show a broad age range, with the youngest at 43 and the oldest at 103. Forty per cent were aged 80 or older, and cancer was the most common underlying condition.
Support Services and Health Professional Involvement
The Care Navigation Service, operated by Canberra Health Services, plays a crucial role by providing information and psychosocial support throughout the VAD process. It has made or received 1500 phone calls and recorded nearly 90 enquiries. Minister Stephen-Smith emphasized that this service is essential for supporting individuals and their families.
To participate in the scheme, doctors and nurse practitioners must complete specific training to become authorised. So far, 36 health professionals have achieved authorisation, including 15 medical practitioners and 5 nurse practitioners who can perform all roles. Seventeen authorised doctors and nurses have already been involved in someone's voluntary assisted dying journey, and sixteen registered nurses are authorised to administer the medication.
This update highlights the early stages of the ACT's voluntary assisted dying scheme, reflecting both the procedural aspects and the human stories behind the statistics.
