Australia does not have a national approach to voluntary assisted dying (VAD), but all Australian states have now passed VAD laws in various forms. Here's how the new laws work. Support is available for those who may be distressed: Lifeline 13 11 14; Men’s Referral Service 1300 776 491; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732
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00:00We have shown that there is a better way to die for people who are intolerably suffering.
00:07Voluntary Assisted Dying, or VAD, means an eligible Australian citizen aged 18 or over
00:13can ask for medical help to end their life.
00:16Australia does not have a national approach to VAD,
00:19but all Australian states have now passed VAD laws in various forms.
00:23The person must have decision-making capacity and an advanced illness
00:27expected to cause death within six months or within 12 months
00:31for neurodegenerative diseases like motor neuron disease.
00:34Things that keep you awake at night, like your fear of dying in pain.
00:40Nobody wants to die in pain.
00:41In Victoria, the ACT and South Australia, health practitioners cannot initiate VAD discussions.
00:48In New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia,
00:51medical practitioners can initiate a VAD conversation,
00:54but must also outline treatment and palliative care options.
00:58Health practitioners can conscientiously object to providing euthanasia,
01:03and in some states, like Victoria, can refuse to provide patients with information about it.