We are closer than ever to a VAD law in the NT
The Northern Territory government has accepted the recommendations of its legal affairs committee and agreed to draft a voluntary assisted dying (VAD) law.
The committee's recommendations include:
- the removal of a prognosis timeframe for eligibility;
- chosen others to be involved in VAD decision-making, to respect cultural practices;
- a decentralised VAD model allowing services to be embedded within communities, and co-designed with Indigenous stakeholders; and
- the development of a comprehensive palliative care strategy.
The bill is expected to be introduced to parliament in early 2026.
This is a long-awaited development for Territorians; the NT was the first in the country to have a law for voluntary euthanasia in 1995, before it was overturned by the federal parliament. It is now the only Australian jurisdiction without VAD legislation.
To get a VAD law passed we need your help
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| Sign the petition |
1. Contact your local politician and urge them to back the bill
Just click the orange button below, enter your address and we'll automatically find their contact details. The Chief Minister receives a copy of every message. Let's flood their inboxes!
Also share this link with friends, family and your community - help us get to 500 emails! The link to share is: https://gogentleaustralia.good.do/VADNT
2. Sign the petition
Show your support of VAD choice by adding your name to the petition calling for the Legislative Assembly to pass the VAD bill.
3. Share your story with us
Politicians care about you, the voters. If you feel comfortable, please share your story of why you want the law to change on VAD. It might be a personal experience, or perhaps you saw a loved one die badly. In other states, these stories have been the single most effective way to influence politicians. If you're struggling to get started, read our Guide to Telling Your Story.
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