Many aspects of the new voluntary assisted dying laws are familiar. But there are some differences to address the territory’s unique needs.
- Distinguished Professor, Professor of End-of-Life Law and Regulation, Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology
Some aspects of the voluntary assisted dying process, such as eligibility assessments, can’t be discussed by phone or video conference.
The NT looks set to introduce voluntary assisted dying mid-year, while other states are reviewing – and may change – current laws. Here’s what you need to know.
Only 33% of participants in a Queensland study knew voluntary assisted dying was legal.
The ACT is allowing nurse practitioners to assess people’s eligibility for voluntary assisted dying. But the latest law is unique in other ways.
The NT government has invited views on access to voluntary assisted dying. But whether it should include access for those with dementia is not so clear cut.
Here’s who is eligible to request voluntary assisted dying in NSW and how its laws compare with those in other Australian jurisdictions.
The first Australian Capital Territory voluntary assisted dying bill in more than 25 years was tabled in parliament yesterday. So what will MPs vote on? And how is it different to state legislation?
Finding a supportive doctor willing and qualified to assess your eligibility for voluntary assisted dying sometimes depends on luck.
This year sees three more states introduce voluntary assisted dying. But there are still several barriers to overcome.
It’s been a long time coming. But this latest news means the ACT and NT could draw up their own voluntary assisted dying laws, bringing them into line with the states.
Voluntary assisted dying is now legal, or will soon will be, in all six states. But we need enough doctors to put their hands up for training.
Multiple amendments could make the law unwieldy, incoherent and even unworkable.
Who gets scarce life-saving resources when hospitals are overwhelmed? And how are these decisions made? State and territory governments are yet to answer these difficult questions.
The proposed NSW legislation is similar to other states, including replicating a key flaw.
Interviews with 32 doctors who provided voluntary assisted dying services in Victoria found layers of bureaucracy made it difficult for patients to access the system. Some died while waiting.
Draft legislation which would see voluntary assisted dying allowed in Queensland will be introduced into the state’s parliament next week. So how does the proposed law compare to other states?
Western Australia might soon become the second state in Australia to legalise voluntary assisted dying. Its proposed law draws on the Victorian model, but has some important differences, too.
As we sit on the cusp of voluntary assisted dying becoming legal in Victoria, we expect it won’t always be simple for people who want it to access it – at least in the legislation’s early days.
The main arguments used by those who voted against assisted dying – including that the bill has insufficient safeguards – in Victoria’s upper house, deserve further scrutiny.
There is now a reputable body of research evidence from places that have introduced assisted dying, and MPs must examine that evidence before deciding how they will vote.
Public opinion, shifting views in the health profession and international trends allowing assisted dying mean it will be lawful in Australia at some point. But will it be lawful in Victoria soon?
Recent Queensland reforms – due to take effect in March 2017 – do not include legislative safeguards for a certain group of people with mental illness.
Victoria stands a chance of becoming the first Australian jurisdiction in 20 years, and the first ever Australian state, to have an assisted dying law.
A bill may be released soon in Victoria so we should examine why the South Australian bill did not pass to see if any lessons can be learned for future bills.
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