Thirty years after being stripped by the Commonwealth of Marshall Perron’s world-first Rights of the Terminally Ill Act 1995, and three years after the Restoration of Territory Rights Bill 2022 overturned the veto, Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) laws are finally set to return to the Northern Territory.
CLP Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro had repeatedly insisted VAD was “not a priority”.
But Independent Member for Johnston Justine Davis’ relentless campaigning, supported by groups including NT VES, COTA NT, Dying With Dignity Victoria and Go Gentle Australia, pushed the CLP into calling the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee Inquiry last year.
Its final report recommended the health measure be made lawful.
NT Attorney General Marie-Clare Boothby confirmed on January 2 the CLP will introduce a Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) Bill in “mid-2026”, for a conscience vote, and that she “will be voting in favour”.
“The more I look into this and the more recommendations that get put forward, it’s showing me Territorians do want to have the right to be terminally ill and end their life.”
Having previously indicated “early 2026” as the intended time frame, Boothby preempted criticism of the delay saying “It’s a sensitive and complex reform” and “we are taking the time to get it right”.
After 30 years of frustration, two major recent inquiries recommending VAD for the NT, and three years after the Commonwealth veto was overturned, Territorians and advocates will be watching closely to ensure the CLP introduces the bill by mid-year as promised.