The following story contains topics of death, VAD, and suicide. Discretion is advised.
Voluntary assisted dying advocates continue calls for further reform, following the Victorian governments 5-year review of its VAD Act, including a series of recommendations to improve access and equity.
The state led the charge on laws in 2017 and implemented them in 2019 – setting a national precedent which saw other states adopt their own VAD legislation.
But, the landscape around VAD in Australia continues to evolve, with the NT being the latest jurisdiction to introduce legislation to legalise it.
With Victoria’s VAD law reforms under consideration, advocacy groups are urging State Parliament to pass amendments before the end of the year.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the topics in this story, help is always available for you. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14
Image: Photo by Annabel Podevyn on Unsplash
Produced By: Emma Wotzke
Featured In Story: Dr Nick Carr – General Practitioner a practitioner supporting patients through VAD process, Dying with Dignity Victoria, Eve Crotty – Young Ambassador Dying with Dignity Victoria, lived experience of parent who accessed VAD , and Tara McDonald – Young Ambassador Dying with Dignity Victoria
First aired on The Wire, Friday 3 October 2025