Voluntary Assisted Dying (Rights of the Terminally Ill) Bill 2025
A majority of Territorians have made it clear that they want to see Voluntary Assisted Dying available in the Territory as a compassionate, dignified end-of-life choice.
As such, I have released a draft Voluntary Assisted Dying (Rights of the Terminally Ill) Bill 2025 for the Northern Territory.
It is a ready-to-go framework that delivers the compassion, dignity and choice Territorians have been calling for. The Bill is open for consultation now, and this issue is too important for further delays.
Key features of the Bill include:
- Clear and compassionate safeguards ensuring access is voluntary, safe and based on strict eligibility criteria.
- Establishment of an independent Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board to oversee implementation, review access and provide public reporting.
- Creation of a dedicated VAD Health Service within NT Health to deliver the service, ensure training, interpreter access and consistency across the Territory.
- Recognition of Aboriginal culture, values and languages, including mandatory cultural-safety and interpreter provisions.
- Protections for health practitioners who act in accordance with the law, while respecting conscientious objection.
I have provided the Bill to the Chief Minister and the Attorney-General, offering it as the basis for bipartisan cooperation to ensure VAD legislation can be introduced and passed before the end of the year.
Please send all feedback on this Bill here: opposition.leader@nt.gov.au