What does the passage of our VAD Act mean to you? Please share your story.
The passage of Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation will reduce anxiety and trauma in our society even before anyone applies to take advantage of its provisions. Please share your story on what the Queensland VAD Act means to you, by submitting your message here.
John Ancliffe - Brisbane
"Any legislation will be too late for me, but for future sufferers, this can be my legacy." - John Ancliffe
It is with great sadness that we relay news of John Ancliffe's passing and extend our deepest condolences to his family. While John had suffered from MND, he courageously used his diagnosis to advocate for choice and Voluntary Assisted Dying in Queensland. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that his efforts were essential in supporting VAD legislation. Unfortunately, John did not have access to these laws, but his contributions mean that terminally ill and suffering Queenslanders in the future will. For that, we all owe him a great debt of gratitude. Thank you, John.
VAD law pioneer, former NT chief minister Marshall Perron
“If the terminally ill have a right to die with dignity at a time they choose, the situation can be very different. There is also evidence that having access to the means to die can reinvigorate the will to live. The reason being that the individual knows they are in control of when they will die.”
Cynthia Workman, Bundaberg.
On the 15th of Jan my father-in-law succumbed to his cancer which was riddled throughout his body. Glen was a strong proud man who worked his life as a car panel beater. He loved his garden and was saddened when he could no longer enjoy his biggest love apart from family was his fishing and it was a very sad day when it went into the shed for the last time. If only VAD was in he could have died a more peaceful way. The passage of VAD would have given him peace-of-mind. The peace we, his family, would have felt would have erased that nightmare that we feel we are still living today! R.I.P Glen.
Phyllis Wagner, DWDQ Secretary
I have had people come to talk with me mainly to share how they were looking forward to the final implementation of VAD. I heard comments such as, “I don’t know if I will use it, but knowing that can be so restful.” “It gives me control of my life again.” “This has been my life all along, now I have control again. It is my choice.”
Kurt Wagner 1946-2021