57 Canberrans access voluntary assisted dying
The first eight months of voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in the ACT has seen more than 50 people choose the end-of-life option, according to the oversight board's inaugural report.
Released to mark the anniversary of the law's commencement on 3 November 2025, it covers the period up to 30 June 2026 and provides an initial picture of how VAD is being accessed and delivered.
The inaugural oversight report found no systemic safety concerns and concluded that legislative safeguards are operating as intended.
During the eight-month reporting period, 163 people made a first request to access VAD. Of these, 156 proceeded to a first assessment, 128 had a consulting assessment and 110 made a final request. There were 57 deaths following administration of an approved VAD substance.
The report shows that people accessing VAD had a median age of 77, with men and women represented almost equally. Cancer was the most relevant condition recorded, reflecting the role of VAD for people approaching the end of life with advanced and progressive illness.
Of the 57 deaths following administration, 53 involved practitioner administration and four involved self-administration. The report also recorded 21 residency exemption applications, all of which were granted.
Importantly, the Board found no systemic safety concerns during its inaugural reporting period. Chairperson Darlene Cox said the Board remained committed to ensuring the scheme met the needs of people using the service, maintained appropriate safeguards and supported the practitioners delivering it.
Marking the scheme’s first anniversary, ACT Health Minister Dr Marisa Paterson said terminally ill Canberrans had been able to end their lives with dignity and autonomy, at a time that was right for them.
The Government also highlighted the ACT’s distinctive model, which does not prescribe a specific timeframe to death, does not mandate waiting periods between stages of the process and allows nurse practitioners to undertake authorised roles.
However, challenges remain. Attorney-General Tara Cheyne identified Commonwealth restrictions on discussing VAD by telephone or video as a significant barrier, particularly for people too unwell to travel to appointments.
The Government has committed to a review of the scheme in 2028, with community feedback to inform potential improvements.
Read the ACT government's media release
Meet the first ACT VAD applicant
Read more about the ACT VAD law