The Victorian government is set to implement the most significant reforms in seven years to the state’s Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) system, aiming to lower barriers, improve accessibility, and maintain existing safety and regulatory safeguards.
The current law was passed in 2017 and, since coming into effect in 2019, has allowed 1,683 Victorians with terminal illnesses to legally end their lives.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas has submitted a bill to the state parliament containing 13 proposed amendments. The most notable change would allow doctors to proactively raise VAD as an option during end-of-life care conversations, shifting from the current rule that requires the patient to initiate the discussion.
The reforms also propose relaxing eligibility criteria. The “expected lifespan” requirement would be extended from six months to 12 months. For patients with neurodegenerative diseases, if the expected lifespan is between six and 12 months, the number of assessing doctors required would be reduced from three to two. Additionally, a new role of “administering practitioner” would be created to expand the pool of medical personnel able to provide VAD support.
Premier Jacinta Allan stated that the changes would make the system “fairer and more compassionate,” allowing patients experiencing significant suffering to access assistance more clearly and easily, while ensuring that safety standards remain uncompromised.