Below are answers to some of the questions we are most often asked about Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) in Queensland. Select a question to reveal the answer.
What is Voluntary Assisted Dying?
Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) allows eligible people who are experiencing intolerable suffering from a serious and incurable medical condition to request medical assistance to end their life. For a detailed overview, see the Queensland Government’s guide: qld.gov.au – VAD Overview.
Is VAD legal in Queensland?
Yes. VAD became legal in Queensland on 23 September 2021 and has been available to use since 1 January 2023. Here is the Act: Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 (Qld).
Is there an Australia-wide VAD law?
No. There is no Australia-wide VAD law. Laws are different for each State and Territory.
VAD is currently legal across all Australian states and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) for people who meet the eligibility criteria. It currently remains illegal in the Northern Territory.
A consolidated list of the VAD Acts in each State and Territory can be found here: end-of-life.qut.edu.au/assisteddying.
What does the VAD process involve? And how long does it take?
There are a number of formal steps a person must go through to access VAD, including requests and assessments by medical practitioners. A full outline of the process is available at: qld.gov.au – VAD Request and Assessment Process.
- Start early – VAD is not considered emergency care and the application approval process can take weeks or months.
- VAD is an option – remember that VAD is an end-of-life option for terminally ill people. Speak to your doctor about other treatments and options, such as palliative care. Palliative care and VAD are not mutually exclusive and can be used alongside each other.
- Talk to your doctor – if you are interested in using VAD, it’s most likely you are in palliative care or under the care of your GP. If they don’t raise the option of VAD with you, you can raise it with them.
- If your doctor refuses your request for VAD – they are then required to refer you to a VAD-trained doctor who can then receive your request and assess you.
- You can change your mind – if you request voluntary assisted dying, you have the right to change your mind and stop the process at any point – even right up until the final moment before the substance is administered. No questions asked.
Where is the best place to ask further questions about VAD in Qld?
The Queensland Government Health Department is the best first point of contact. They have trained health professionals who specialise in VAD and are best placed to answer questions and guide people through the process.
- Website: qld.gov.au – VAD Support
- Email: [email protected]
- Free call: 1800 431 371