This is a brief and simplified guide to the ACT Voluntary Assisted Dying scheme which commenced in November 2025. For full details go the the ACT Health website.
The steps involved in an ACT Voluntary Assisted Dying request are:
To start the process, you need to ask a doctor or nurse practitioner who is trained and authorised to help you access voluntary assisted dying. This is called a first request, and is the first of 3 requests in the process. If you need help finding an authorised voluntary assisted dying practitioner, call the VAD Care Navigator Service on 5124 1888
Read the making a first request information
A key step in an application for voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in the ACT is the written Second Request form, which the person must sign in the presence of two eligible adult witnesses.
Some people have difficulty finding people to act as their witnesses, or prefer not to involve family or friends.
The role of the witnesses is to certify that the person makes the Second Request declaration voluntarily and without coercion.
DWDACT has developed a witness program to recruit and train DWD supporters across the ACT region to assist these people when witnesses are needed. The ACT VAD Care Navigator Service initiates any request to DWDACT for witnesses.
Persons interested in joining our witness program need to do a short (3 hour) witness training course. Courses are scheduled from time to time as the need arises. If you would like to volunteer as a witness, contact us via email witness@dwdact.org.au