Families and experts call for Vic VAD reform
Families and VAD practitioners have joined a Go Gentle panel discussion at Parliament House discussing the need for reform of Victoria’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017.
Hosted by Go Gentle founder Andrew Denton and CEO Dr Linda Swan, the panel explored the rationale behind the Victorian Government’s proposed amendments to the Act.
Victoria was the first Australian state to pass voluntary assisted dying (VAD) legislation eight years ago — a landmark reform that set a national precedent. Since its implementation, the law has enabled more than 2,700 terminally ill Victorians to have compassionate end-of-life choice, supported by nearly 400 dedicated health professionals.
Yet despite its pioneering role, aspects of Victoria’s VAD law have lagged behind other states, creating unnecessary hurdles for eligible people seeking relief from suffering in their final days.
Among them was Terry, who battled metastatic prostate cancer. Although he met the criteria for VAD, he was ultimately denied access due to the complexity of the application process and because current legislation prohibits Victorian doctors from initiating conversations about VAD.
By the time Terry sought assistance, it was too late. His final days were marked by distress and agitation, leaving his daughter, Emma Hargreaves, deeply disheartened.
“There were just too many obstacles in the way,” Emma said. “Dad wanted a peaceful end, but the system failed him.”
Key reforms include:
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Eliminating the ‘gag clause’ to allow clinicians to initiate open conversations about VAD as an end-of-life choice;
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Asking objecting health professionals to provide patients with contact details for VAD services;
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Extending the prognosis requirement from six to 12 months for eligible conditions;
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Updating residency requirements.
Dr Swan described the proposed changes as “practical, modest reforms” that align Victoria’s legislation with other jurisdictions, without altering the core principles of the original Act.
“These updates are about removing unnecessary barriers that prevent eligible people from accessing a legal, end-of-life choice,” she said.
“Bringing Victoria’s law in line with other states will ensure the system remains safe, fair, and accessible while retaining its core objective to support compassionate end-of-life care.”
She added: “VAD continues to operate safely and with deep humanity. But after five years of national experience, it’s clear that some safeguards have unintentionally become obstacles. We’ve heard too many heartbreaking stories of Victorians denied access due to overly rigid rules.”
The proposed amendments will reduce needless suffering and help ensure that more eligible Victorians can access end-of-life care that respects their wishes and dignity.