Help us write this law and right this wrong
When Go Gentle was created in 2016, our first objective was to make voluntary assisted dying (VAD) a legally available choice for all eligible Australians.
Thanks to your support, when the ACT law comes into effect in November, we will have achieved that objective — except for the Northern Territory.
It is wrong — and tragic — that in 2025 NT residents are denied the same end-of-life choices as other Australians. It is unacceptable that they are treated like second class citizens by their own government, which says the suffering of Territorians 'is not a priority'.
That's why this end of financial year we are seeking to raise $100k to put pressure on NT politicians every day until they make VAD legal.
Please will you make an end-of-financial-year gift to help us reach this goal?
Ironically, the NT was the first place in Australia — and the world — to pass an assisted dying law, in 1995, only to have it overturned by Federal Parliament two years later.
Kevin Andrews, a Howard government backbencher, led what journalist Michael Gordon described as a 'subterranean catholic conspiracy' to override the will of the NT's democratically elected parliament.
Not only did they shut down the NT law, they took away the right of that parliament to even discuss it.
Again thanks to your pressure, our Federal Parliament returned to the Territories the right to debate, and pass, a VAD law in 2022. The coup was undone.
But while the ACT acted quickly, the NT Government has dragged its feet. It has ignored the findings of an independent expert panel which, after 14 months of consultation, finally recommended the NT pass its own VAD law.
New Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has said VAD is 'not a priority' for her government, despite support from 70-80% of Territorians.
This month, an independent MP tried to force the Chief Minister's hand by moving a motion to implement the expert panel's findings and draft a VAD law.
But instead of getting on with it, on the very same day the Government announced a new inquiry, replacing the panel's independent experts with — you guessed it — politicians.
No wonder former NT Chief Minister, and architect of the NT's original law, Marshall Perron called it "another tactic to delay implementation, for at least 2 years, possibly more".
And no wonder The Australian Christian Lobby gloated about the delay calling it a win that could lead to the expert panel's support for VAD being overturned.
So, it's time to up the ante; to go back to our roots with a high-profile public campaign to remind the NT government that the people who put them there deserve the same rights as every other Australian.
To mark the 30th anniversary of the original NT law, we want to raise $100k for a campaign that will leave the NT government in no doubt that the community wants this law drafted.
This is not just an issue for Territorians — it's an issue for all of us who care about fairness and choice for all Australians.
Will you help us to write this law... and right this wrong with a tax deductible donation before the end of June?
Together we have already achieved so much. We must not allow the NT to be left behind. Please, help us get the job done.
Andrew Denton
p.s. Rest assured, we are continuing our other important work to defend and improve existing VAD laws, remove barriers, and support health professionals. Please donate today to help us achieve our goals.
Dec 15, 2014 - Imagine if you can, a good mind, with good recall and an active imagination, trapped in a body that can’t walk , can’t talk, both arms and hands affected, lips and throat not under control. Difficulty eating and drinking. Just take a moment please and really put yourself in my position. It is an awful place to be, believe me .
What then, do I have to look forward to ? palliative care ? that scares the shit out of me . Can’t eat ? so they’ll feed you through a tube , can’t drink , another tube . They will save your body without dignity , but what about the healthy mind that is trapped inside , until it escapes the efforts to keep the body alive , by dying .
Dec 20 - I am John Baylis MND sufferer . Have a look at my profile , and imagine the monster inside me , is inside you .
Dec 26 - I waited too long , letting others fight for this Voluntary Euthanasia to be made law. Discriminatory politicians make their policies on VE , following the religious lobby , all the time knowing that if needed, they are wealthy enough to fly to an enlightened country and use the " Dying with Dignity " program over there
Dec 28 - This is a real bad day for me , possibly the worst yet . I have deteriorated more overnight , my poor family are doing it hard . I so wish for a peaceful exit . VE if established now , would have eased my suffering . Make sure it's there when you , or your loved ones might need it .
Jan 1, 2015 - I'm hitting the bottom of the barrel today. Got to hang up guys, thank you all , and may Kevin Andrews and all religious extremists rot in my hell.
Jan 4 - The m on szter is too smmmart it hhas taken my in dex finnger ojuuft now . mmmy typing fi nnger
Jan 5 - How can they do this to us ?? IIt's inhumane and so blloody cruuel . I'm suffering so badly ,,, I dreeammm of relleeeease .
Jan 5 - Carlene-Baylis Webb: I'm signing because my father is suffering. He is in his final stages of Motor Neurone Disease. It has slowly taken everything from him, his dignity, his mobility and now he is unable to communicate with his loved ones. He can hardly eat & drink, palliative is NOT an option he wants to die peacefully at home with his wife and children supporting him in his plight. He wants to end this suffering he is being made to endure and advocates the right to die with dignity. We love you dad XO
Jan 10 - the mmonsttter goot both hhha ndds nnow , allll fkkkkkiingers afffecctted i think iiitxsss trying to stop mecommuniicatng ,, immm msurrrrrrre ittts evil and intellliiiigent ... what you reckon kkev in a nndreews ? cooould you hhhhhhan dlle this ,,,,,,, yoou cruuuell bastaedddddd ? oor would you pprrrrrrefffer to die wiiith dignkkkity
Jan 13 - i thik this my "la s t Post" thamk you all wondnerfull suppo rtner s of mys elf and V E , wheen i pass i'd like our kid s and grandkids to jhave dign/ity in death.
Feb 23 - Message from JB added here by his kids: Facebook friends, I have reached the end of my journey. Talk to my kids Carlene, Clint and Kelly if you would like to find out any updates. Please, don't forget my fight for VE! JB x
March 8 - Finally, in words dad would have used...... DAMN YOU TO HELL Kevin Andrews.
No one knows how many Territorians have died, suffering needlessly like John, in the 28 years since their right to choose a more merciful end was taken away.