Australia is fortunate to have been shaped by compassionate advocates: patients, families, clinicians, elders, and lawmakers – who have worked with courage and care to ensure that Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) is available to terminally ill people experiencing unbearable suffering. Their efforts honour dignity, choice, and mercy at the end of life, recognising that compassion must extend to a person’s final breath.
Victoria – Legal since June 2019, the first jurisdiction in Australia to enact VAD.
Western Australia – Legal since July 2021.
Tasmania – Legal since October 2022.
Queensland – Legal since January 2023.
South Australia – Legal since January 2023.
New South Wales – Legal since November 2023.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) — Legal since November 2025.
Where VAD Is Not Yet Legal
Northern Territory (NT) — VAD remains illegal. Although the federal prohibition was lifted in 2022, enabling the Territory to legislate, a bill is not expected to be introduced until mid-2026 and has not yet been passed or commenced.
This national journey reflects a growing recognition that end-of-life care must include not only medical skill, but deep humanity – listening to suffering, respecting autonomy, and responding with tenderness rather than fear. The work is not yet complete, yet the direction is clear: towards greater compassion, equity, and respect for those nearing life’s threshold.
- Cedar
Victoria – Legal since June 2019, the first jurisdiction in Australia to enact VAD.
Western Australia – Legal since July 2021.
Tasmania – Legal since October 2022.
Queensland – Legal since January 2023.
South Australia – Legal since January 2023.
New South Wales – Legal since November 2023.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) — Legal since November 2025.
Where VAD Is Not Yet Legal
Northern Territory (NT) — VAD remains illegal. Although the federal prohibition was lifted in 2022, enabling the Territory to legislate, a bill is not expected to be introduced until mid-2026 and has not yet been passed or commenced.
This national journey reflects a growing recognition that end-of-life care must include not only medical skill, but deep humanity – listening to suffering, respecting autonomy, and responding with tenderness rather than fear. The work is not yet complete, yet the direction is clear: towards greater compassion, equity, and respect for those nearing life’s threshold.
- Cedar
