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 in the ACT is the written Second Request form, which the person must sign in the presence of two witnesses. DWDACT has a program to provide witnesses when needed.
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.
DWDACT has developed a witness program to recruit and train DWD supporters across the ACT region to assist people when witnesses are needed. The ACT VAD Care Navigator Service initiates any request to DWDACT for witnesses.
In early December, nine volunteers had a two-and-a-half hour training session facilitated by End-of-Life Doula Estelle Hutchinson. Since then our volunteers have completed fifteen witnessings.
Another witness training session is being held in late February. This will provide an adequate pool of volunteers for 2026.
The Witness Program Coordinator is Tony Whelan, and Rosemary Dupont has accepted the role of Deputy Witness Program Coordinator.
When someone is dying or has died it can be a very sad time for their family and friends.
Grief can start before a person dies, which is common with voluntary assisted dying.
You, your carers, families or friends can use these free services if you need support:
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- The ACT Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service on 02 5124 1888 – open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding public holidays).
- Lifeline on 13 11 14 – open 24 hours for crisis telephone support.
- Griefline on 1300 845 745 – open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.
- Read Griefline's Guide to Coping with grief after voluntary assisted dying
- Canberra Grief Centre on 0409 966 515 – open 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
- Solace ACT - Partner Loss Support Group - on 02 6297 1052.
- 13YARN on 13 92 76 – open 24 hours for crisis telephone support. Yarn with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
- Carer Gateway Service on 1800 422 737.