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.