The Struggle for Access to Voluntary Assisted Dying
Annie, an 80-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer, faced a significant challenge when she sought to access voluntary assisted dying (VAD). Her faith-based aged care home initially refused to allow her to undergo the process on-site, citing logistical difficulties. As Annie was bed-bound and could only be moved using a hoist, the facility required her to be assessed off-site. However, after her doctor and daughter Charlotte raised concerns, the facility eventually allowed her to access VAD on-site.
Charlotte described the experience as a difficult battle, stating, “We had to force their hand. They really didn’t know how to cope with it. They didn’t want anyone in the facility to know about it.”
Annie’s story is just one of many highlighted in Go Gentle Australia’s 2026 State of Voluntary Assisted Dying Report, which was released on Tuesday. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the state of VAD in Australia, offering insights into its effectiveness and ongoing challenges.
Effectiveness of VAD Laws
The report found that VAD laws, first introduced in Victoria in 2019, have been largely effective in reducing the suffering of terminally ill people and allowing them to make choices about their end-of-life care. However, several barriers still exist, including issues related to access, complex procedures, and a shortage of trained practitioners, particularly in regional and remote areas.
Additionally, the report identified “roadblocks” caused by the non-participation of healthcare institutions and individuals. According to the Australian Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, aged care residents have the right to access VAD even if their provider has chosen not to participate.
Go Gentle Australia’s 2025 Australian Voluntary Assisted Dying Survey revealed that one-in-five respondents did not feel VAD was supported by healthcare facilities. Obstructions by faith-based facilities, refusal by hospitals to facilitate access, and challenges in aged care settings were among the reported issues.
Ethical Concerns and Legal Reforms
Andrew Denton, founding director of Go Gentle Australia, emphasized that while a right to conscientiously object to being involved in VAD is a cornerstone of Australia’s VAD laws, this right should never become a right to obstruct. He stated, “Evidence shows that obstruction can cause serious distress and harm to dying people and their families. It is also unethical and against professional codes of conduct and must be addressed.”
The report has called for several reforms, including clear guidance for practitioners and facilities, as well as changes to the criminal code to allow discussions about VAD via electronic communications and telehealth when needed.
One example cited in the report involved a central Queensland man who died while waiting to access VAD because his medication script had to be mailed to a central pharmacy in Brisbane.
Increasing Demand and Workforce Challenges
In the 2024/25 financial year, 3,329 people died by VAD nationwide, representing a 48 per cent increase from the previous financial year. Four in 10 applicants accessed VAD from outside major cities, highlighting the growing demand for these services.
Linda Swan, CEO of Go Gentle Australia, noted that while the evidence paints an overall reassuring picture, increased demand raises concerns about workforce capacity and long-term sustainability. She pointed out that many VAD health professionals work after hours and on weekends and receive little or no financial compensation.
Support services are available for those in need, including:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- beyondblue: 1300 22 4636
