2025-04-15
Today, the ACT Greens and Dying with Dignity ACT have called on the ACT Government to ensure the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act aligns with community expectations for humane access to the scheme.
“The current scope of the Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) scheme is too narrow and means many Canberrans who are suffering may be unable to access VAD in the most difficult circumstances of their lives,” said Andrew Braddock MLA, Greens spokesperson on Voluntary Assisted Dying.
“The ACT Government is currently considering the scope of the VAD scheme, which is due to commence in November this year.
“The ACT Greens and Dying with Dignity ACT want to ensure the scope of the scheme aligns with the Canberra community’s wishes for end-of-life choices to prevent intolerable suffering.
“In its current form, Canberrans are unable to give an advance care directive to access the scheme prior to losing decision making capacity and choose the timing of when they access the scheme.
“For example, a person diagnosed with dementia, but who still has cognitive decision-making capacity, is unable to make a directive to access the scheme at a later point where they may not have that cognitive functioning.
“Canberrans deserve the right to choose the time they access VAD if they have terminal conditions and experience an intolerable level of suffering.
“This is about respecting and honouring those who want to end a long period of suffering,” said Mr Braddock.
“Our 2024 YouGov survey of ACT Voters found strong support for these two proposals,” said Sam Delaney, President of Dying with Dignity ACT. “81% supported allowing people to access VAD at a time of their own choosing and 77% support allowing people with approved plans and who have lost decision-making capacity to have their plan fulfilled by a VAD attorney or Advanced Care Directive.”
“There is strong support by a strong majority of voters because human dignity transcends political and religious affiliations,” Mr Delaney said.