What it is, who may be eligible, how the process works, and who to call in your state.
📋 Sources (verified June 2026):
Healthdirect Australia — healthdirect.gov.au.
QUT End of Life Law — end-of-life.qut.edu.au.
QLD process guide — qld.gov.au/health.
Care navigator contacts: QUT ORVAD.
State VAD Acts: VIC 2017 (amended 2025), NSW 2022, QLD 2021, SA 2021, WA 2019, TAS 2021, ACT 2024.
Telehealth ruling: AMA, March 2025.
Laws change. Always verify with your state’s VAD Care Navigator or health department before acting on any information here.
🇦🇺 Australia only · All states + ACT
📞 In distress right now? Call Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7) before using this tool. VAD is for people with a terminal illness — this tool is not a substitute for speaking with a GP or the Care Navigator.
✓ Quick eligibility check
Do I qualify for VAD in Australia?
Answer 5 quick questions. This is a general guide only — it is not a clinical assessment and does not determine your eligibility. Only a trained VAD practitioner can formally assess you. The Care Navigator in your state can confirm free of charge.
💬 What to say to your doctor:
“I’d like to talk about voluntary assisted dying as an option for me. Can you help, or can you give me the contact details for someone who can?” Your doctor cannot legally refuse to give you the Care Navigator contact — even if they choose not to participate themselves. QUT End of Life Law
This is a deeply personal topic. Whether you are reading this for yourself, for someone you love, or out of curiosity — you are welcome here. This page is clear, calm, and free from judgement. VAD is a legal option in Australia, and everyone deserves accurate information to make their own choices.
If you are in distress right now: Lifeline 13 11 14 — 24/7.
What is voluntary assisted dying?
VAD is when a person with a serious, terminal illness chooses medical assistance to end their life. Only you can make this choice — no one can pressure you, and you can change your mind at any point. Healthdirect AU
VAD is not the same as palliative care, stopping treatment, or suicide — though you can choose palliative care alongside VAD. The medication is free through your state health department. No cost to access the VAD Care Navigator service.
Common questions
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Can I change my mind? Yes — at any point, even after the medication has been prescribed. If you choose self-administration, it is only used when you decide. No obligation to proceed. Healthdirect AU
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What if my doctor won’t help? Doctors can decline to participate — that is their right. But they must tell you how to get support and give you the Care Navigator contact. The Navigator will find you a willing doctor at no cost. QUT End of Life Law
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What if I am in a hospital, hospice, or aged care facility? Some faith-based facilities have policies against VAD on their premises, but they must still allow you to receive information and facilitate access elsewhere. In most states, your aged care room is considered your home. QUT End of Life Law
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What does it cost? The VAD substance is free. You may pay normal GP consultation fees for the assessments. The Care Navigator service is always free.
Am I eligible? — tap your state
VAD is legal in all states and the ACT. The four core criteria are the same everywhere: aged 18+, Australian resident for 12+ months, able to make your own decisions, and have an advanced incurable condition causing intolerable suffering. The prognosis timeframe and how to start differ by state — tap below. Healthdirect Dec 2025
✅ Victoria — legal since June 2019
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Prognosis: Expected to die within 6 months, or 12 months for neurodegenerative conditions (e.g. MND). Changes to 12 months for all from April 2027.
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How to start:You must raise VAD with your doctor first — in Victoria your doctor cannot bring it up until April 2027. health.vic.gov.au
VAD is not currently legal in the NT. Legislation for a conscience vote is expected mid-2026. NT residents near state borders may be able to access VAD through QLD or NSW — contact Go Gentle Australia. The Conversation, Feb 2026
Broadly similar across all states. QLD has a 9-day minimum between first and final request. Healthdirect AU · qld.gov.au/health
1
Talk to your doctor. In most states you raise it first — your doctor cannot bring it up (exception: QLD, NSW, and most other states allow doctors to initiate). Your doctor may decline to participate but must give you the Care Navigator contact.
2
Two independent eligibility assessments. A trained coordinating doctor assesses you first, then a second independent doctor assesses separately. Both must agree you are eligible.
3
Written requests. You make three written requests throughout the process. There is a minimum waiting period between the first and final request. You can withdraw at any time.
4
Medication prescribed and dispensed. The substance is provided free. If you choose self-administration, you decide when and where — family and loved ones can be with you.
⚠️ All VAD assessments must be in person. A 2023 Federal Court ruling makes telehealth VAD consultations illegal in Australia. This creates real barriers for rural and remote patients. The Care Navigator in your state can help arrange visiting practitioners. AMA, March 2025
Support
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VAD Care Navigator (your state) — free, expert support for patients, families, carers, and GPs. Best first call. Contacts are in the state selector above.
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Palliative Care Australia — palliativecare.org.au — comfort-focused care alongside or instead of VAD
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Go Gentle Australia — gogettle.org.au — plain-English VAD information for all states