Articles and Case Studies

Voluntary Assisted Dying - A year in review

29 Jul 2026

by Nicole Golding

Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) has become an established part of end-of-life care across Australia, with all states and territories now offering legal pathways for eligible individuals to access this option. The past 12 months have marked a significant period of consolidation and expansion as states and territories refine their approach and share their learnings.

Victoria which pioneered VAD legislation in Australia when it came into effect in June 2019, continues to lead in terms of experience and data collection. The state has seen steady uptake of the scheme, with hundreds of Victorians accessing VAD annually. In 2024-25, the VAD Review Board received an unprecedented 837 requests for VAD.

Western Australia's VAD scheme, operational since mid-2021, has similarly matured over the past year. The state has reported consistent usage patterns. In 2024-25, the number of deaths from VAD increased by 63.8% compared to 2023-24.

Tasmania's scheme, which began in October 2022, has continued to evolve, with ongoing efforts to balance accessibility with appropriate safeguards.

Queensland's legislation, which commenced in January 2023, has now accumulated more than a year of operational data, providing insights into uptake patterns and implementation challenges in Australia’s third-most populous state. From 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, a VAD substance was administered to 1072 people.

South Australia's VAD legislation came into effect in January 2023, running parallel to Queensland’s implementation timeline. The state has focused on building robust support systems for both patients and healthcare providers. In 2024-25, South Australia experienced a 61% increase in VAD deaths.

New South Wales represents one of the more recent additions to the VAD landscape, with its scheme commencing in November 2023. The past year has seen the state navigate its first full year of implementation, establishing care navigator services and training healthcare professionals to ensure safe and compassionate access.

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Northern Territory (NT) ) have also moved forward, with the ACT’s scheme becoming operational on 3 November 2025, and the NT having restored its ability to legislate on VAD after decades of federal prohibition. The VAD legislation in the NT is expected to be enacted in mid-2026.

Common themes across all jurisdictions include the importance of care navigator roles, ongoing training for medical practitioners, and the need for clear communication about eligibility criteria. Debate continues around specific requirements such as residency periods and the role of telehealth in assessments – particularly for rural and remote communities.

The past year has also seen increased focus on data collection and transparency, with most jurisdictions publishing regular reports on VAD usage, demographics and outcomes. This information is valuable for ongoing policy refinement and public education.

As VAD becomes more embedded in Australia’s healthcare landscape, attention is turning to ensuring equitable access, supporting healthcare workers, and maintaining the balance between autonomy and protection that defines all Australian VAD schemes.

The coming years will likely see continued evolution as each jurisdiction learns from experience, and one another.

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