Update on voluntary assisted dying in Australia

More research is needed to ensure safe and unimpeded access for eligible applicants and to inform practice

We now have two years’ experience in providing voluntary assisted dying to terminally ill patients in Victoria. Western Australian legislation will come into force on 1 July 2021; Tasmanian legislation has received Royal assent, and the early stages of implementation are underway. The South Australian Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill has been passed by both Houses and may have been sent for Royal assent by the time this article is published. The Queensland Law Reform Commission report and draft bill1 were tabled in parliament on 18 May 2021; a bill is expected to be tabled in the New South Wales parliament in late 2021. There have been calls for the Commonwealth to repeal the Euthanasia Laws Act 1997 to reinstate Australian territories’ rights to debate voluntary assisted dying legislation.