Voluntary assisted dying laws will be introduced to the Northern Territory Parliament, with the Country Liberal Government confirming yesterday it will move ahead with drafting a bill. Source: NT News.
On Tuesday, the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee handed down a report recommending VAD be adopted in the NT.
Once the first place in the world to legalise voluntary euthanasia, the NT is now the only jurisdiction in Australia without an assisted dying scheme.
In May, the NT Attorney-General asked the LCAC to prepare a consultation paper that would build on a comprehensive 2024 expert panel report, evaluate whether VAD should be introduced, and suggest model laws.
The committee returned 86 recommendations and drafting instructions consistent with laws in other Australian states, aligning most closely with the Australian Capital Territory.
Eligibility was recommended for adults with decision-making capacity who had an advanced and progressive condition expected to cause death, and causing “intolerable and enduring suffering”.
It did not recommend a prognosis time frame for a person to be eligible for VAD, unlike most states, which require a prognosis of less than 12 months to live.
The LCAC differed from the 2024 report by recommending a decentralised service delivery model, and for the parameters of institutional conscientious objection to be expanded in the interests of cultural safety.
It called for cultural safety to be explicitly embedded as a guiding principle in NT VAD laws.
Acting Chief Minister Gerard Maley acknowledged the LCAC report and confirmed it would be tabled when Parliament next sits later this month, with all members given the chance to contribute to debate. Members will be allowed a conscience vote when the time comes.
The Australian Christian Lobby condemned the move to bring the NT in line with the rest of the country.
“Instead of drafting VAD laws, the CLP should be closing the healthcare gap – investing in preventative care and education, palliative care, pain management, and mental health services that reach every community,” ACL NT director Nicholas Lay said.
“Until those services are provided, VAD is reckless and unjust.”
FULL STORY
NT to draft Voluntary Assisted Dying laws after committee recommends in favour (By Fia Walsh, NT News)
