Victoria State Revises Voluntary Assisted Dying Law

On October 14, 2025, Victoria announced revisions to the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act, allowing terminally ill patients to access assisted dying earlier. Under the new amendments, all terminally diagnosed patients can apply 12 months in advance instead of the previous 6 months, giving them more time to consider and arrange their choices.

The law’s “gag clause” will be removed, allowing doctors to proactively discuss voluntary assisted dying with patients. Non-Australian citizens and non-permanent residents are also included under the revisions. These changes aim to safeguard patient autonomy while providing clear and compassionate guidance.

Victoria was the first Australian state to pass a voluntary assisted dying law in 2017. The reform corrects previous conservative provisions, allowing terminal patients to exercise their rights more safely and promptly. Premier Allan stated the adjustments were based on other states’ experiences and an independent review report from February, while Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas added that the revisions align Victoria’s system with other states for smoother legal operation.