The ACT Government will today introduce the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2023 in the Legislative Assembly, which they say will bring Canberrans a step closer to being able to choose how and when they die.
“This is an historic day for Canberrans,” Tara Cheyne, ACT Minister for Human Rights, said. “With so many in the community supporting voluntary assisted dying, I am proud to have delivered this reform within a year of our Territory rights being restored.
“Ultimately, this is a Bill about people, and choice, autonomy, and dignity at the end of their lives.”
Restrictions preventing the ACT and Northern Territory from passing laws to allow for voluntary assisted dying were removed last December when the Federal Parliament passed the Restoring Territory Rights Act 2022.
“It’s been a long journey for the ACT to be in the position to introduce voluntary assisted dying legislation,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
“It’s the result of years of advocacy for equal rights – and I thank every Canberran who has supported the campaign for equality with the states.”
The ACT Government has since consulted the community and stakeholders on an appropriate voluntary assisted dying model.
The evidence-based model provides that an individual will have access to voluntary assisted dying if they are at least 18 years old; have a condition that is advanced, progressive, and expected to cause death; are intolerably suffering; have lived in the ACT for 12 months, or been provided an exemption by demonstrating they have a substantial connection to the ACT; be acting voluntarily; and have decision-making capacity throughout the process.
All of these eligibility requirements must be met. As with other jurisdictions, an individual must undergo a multi-step request and assessment process. Two independent and suitably qualified, trained and authorised health professionals must assess the individual.
The Bill does not mandate that anyone take part in voluntary assisted dying. However, the Bill establishes minimum standards that individuals and organisations that conscientiously object to or cannot assist with voluntary assisted dying must follow, including not hindering access.
“We know that even with the best end-of-life care, some Canberrans with an advanced condition, illness or disease experience can experience intolerable suffering near the end of their lives,” Ms Cheyne said.
“To promote the autonomy and dignity of these people, the ACT Government has considered how to approach and regulate access to voluntary assisted dying.
“We have consulted widely in developing our evidence-based model, which responds to the known issues in other jurisdictions and reflects the ACT’s unique circumstances, together with the Canberra community’s views.
“I thank every person who has engaged and dedicated their thoughts on this most important of issues.”
The legislation will be subject to an Assembly committee inquiry before it is debated. The scheme will begin 18 months after the legislation passes, to put the necessary systems, safeguards and processes into place.
The scheme will be reviewed once voluntary assisted dying has been in operation in the ACT for three years.
Further information on voluntary assisted dying in the ACT is at YourSay.act.gov.au/VAD
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.
