Resources for journalists
This page is for journalists reporting on voluntary assisted dying and end-of-life choice in Australia. We can provide:
- Case studies and personal stories from across Australia. If you see a story on our Testimonies page and you would like to speak to the person or family please get in touch
- Doctors, nurses and experts on VAD and surrounding topics for interview
- Top-line briefings on what is a nuanced and complex topic
Read our Media Toolkit for Australia & New Zealand: Guide to reporting on assisted dying
Read the State of VAD report 2024, an analysis of official data from all Australian jurisdictions presenting a snapshot of VAD in practice; who is using the laws and what can be improved
For media enquiries
Please contact the Communications Director 0426 283 865 or [email protected]
Fast facts about assisted dying in Australia
#1 All six Australian states and the ACT have passed voluntary assisted dying laws, with the Northern Territory likely to follow.
#2 Voluntary assisted dying laws have been operating in Victoria since June 2019, Western Australia since July 2021, Tasmania since October 2022 and Queensland and South Australia since January 2023. The law in NSW took effect in November 2023, and the ACT's law will begin on 3 November 2025
#3 Australians strongly back voluntary assisted dying laws. Support runs at between 70 and 90% in most recent polls.
#4 Voluntary assisted dying is only for terminally ill people in the final stages of their illness. It is voluntary for all involved, including participation by medical professionals.
#5 Evidence from all jurisidctions where VAD is legal shows the laws are operating safely, compassionately and as intended.
#6 Globally, more than 430 million people now have access to assisted dying laws in Europe, Canada, New Zealand, Colombia and 11 US states or districts.
Useful links
Voluntary assisted dying in Australia overview
- The State of VAD report
- What is the voluntary assisted dying law in my state?
- End of Life Law in Australia
Public opinion polls on voluntary assisted dying
Latest reports on voluntary assisted dying
- Western Australia’s VAD Board publishes its reports here
- Victoria’s VAD Review Board publishes its reports here
- South Australia's VAD Review Board publishes its reports here
- Tasmania's VAD Commission publishes its reports here
- Queensland's VAD Review Board publishes its reports here
- NSW's VAD Board publishes its reports here
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for voluntary assisted dying? Is it the same as euthanasia? Can I die at home?
How to report on voluntary assisted dying
Glossary of terms
Get your head around the language and terminology of end-of-life choice