The Northern Territory Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) inquiry recommended in its final inquiry report, on September 30, that the NT Country Liberal Party government introduce a voluntary assisted dying law.
The NT Attorney General confirmed on October 2 it will draft a bill which is expected to be introduced to parliament early in 2026. Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) will be given a conscience vote.
NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro had previously asserted that VAD was “not a priority”.
The VAD inquiry was formed in response to a motion by Justine Davis, Independent Member for Johnston, in May.
The committee’s final report was tabled on October 14. Committee chair Dr Tanzil Rahma reported on the report’s recommendations in parliament. They include removing the six to 12 month prognosis timeframe (widely proven unreliable and unfairly obstructive), the need to develop a comprehensive palliative care strategy, protecting cultural safety and the need for a decentralised delivery model.
Rahma noted the inquiry estimated that, under the recommended framework, there would eight to 10 voluntary deaths a year.
NT Labor Opposition Leader Selena Uibo sent her draft of a VAD bill to the government on October 13, urging it to endorse it and not “waste more time”.
Labor’s bill was supported by the Australian Christian Lobby, which regarded it as “safer” because it included more restrictive criteria than those recommended by the committee.
Finocchiaro said on October 14 she “won’t be using” Labor’s bill. Drafting has begun, based on the report’s instructions.
The key issue of Commonwealth Telehealth legislation is still unresolved. A joint statement by advocacy and health leadership organisations, including the Australian Medical Association, has asked the CLP to make electronic communications available for those considering accessing voluntary assisted dying options. It would mean amending the Commonwealth Criminal Code.
President of the Northern Territory Voluntary Euthanasia Society (NT VES) Judy Dent, widow of Bob Dent who was the first person to use VAD under the NT’s Rights of the Terminally l Act 1995, told the ABC on October 13 that “we’ve been waiting for this a long time”.
NT VES and the Council of the Ageing are working with Go Gentle Australia and conducting community forums about the law.
Advocates and VAD organisations around Australia, including Dying With Dignity Victoria, VAD South Australia and Christians Supporting Choice for VAD, continue to support the NT community to have this fundamental right. Those in NT are urged to join the campaign to make their voices heard in support of a VAD law.
With VAD starting in the Australian Capital Territory on November 3, the NT, where a VAD law was pioneered, is now the only jurisdiction without such an option for the terminally ill to exercise their right to die.