Sam Delaney, President, Dying with Dignity ACT, said this morning (7 May) ‘Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith is to be congratulated for committing to reviewing eligibility for voluntary assisted dying in the ACT’.
ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith made a statement to the Legislative Assembly on ‘Voluntary Assisted Dying – Access – Loss of Capacity’.
The Minister said the Government would establish a process to address community concerns about access to VAD for those who have lost decision-making capacity. She outlined a process, to start in late 2026, to bring forward proposals for changes to the VAD Act which balance the concerns of all sectors of the community.
‘If this review fully addresses the concerns raised by the community over the last 3 years, it will be the most far-ranging review of eligibility for voluntary assisted dying undertaken in any Australian jurisdiction’ Mr Delaney said.
‘It could result in the ACT having the most humane voluntary assisted dying law in Australia’, Sam said.