The Northern Territory is set to introduce voluntary assisted dying legislation by the middle of the year, which would impose a timeline on eligibility and gag doctors from raising it as an option with their patients. Source: NT News.
The Country Liberal Party Government last week finalised its response to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee’s draft VAD legislation, which proposed the Territory adopt one of the most progressive models in the country.
NT Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby accepted most of the 86 recommendations but has added more restrictions to eligibility criteria and assessment processes.
She confirmed the bill was on track to be introduced to Parliament by mid-year for a conscience vote.
Under the proposed model, eligibility would be limited to adults with a condition that is advanced, progressive and expected to cause death within 12 months.
Where eligibility cannot be determined, a referral mechanism will apply.
Two independent eligibility assessments will be required by medical practitioners.
The process will also prohibit doctors from initiating discussions about assisted dying, which the Government said would help protect patients from influence or coercion.
A similar gag clause exists only in South Australia, after Victoria lifted its ban last year.
The Australian Christian Lobby welcomed what it described as “sensible additional safeguards”.
“The time frame requirement ensures that the people accessing VAD are more likely to be end of life. The time frame creates a clear line in the sand about who can access this,” ACL NT director Nicholas Lay said.
“Patient-led discussions are so important to avoid coercion of the old and vulnerable. People wanting to access VAD need to be mentally fit and able to self-advocate, this helps ensure that it is their genuine wish.”
NT Health would be responsible for implementing the VAD legislation, and would implement a decentralised delivery model, consistent with the wider national approach, which engages both the public and private sector, and practitioners at the frontline of patient care.
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Northern Territory to introduce VAD laws which gag doctors from raising it (By Fia Walsh, NT News)
