The recommended in its inquiry report, on September 30, that the NT Country Liberal Party government introduce a voluntary assisted dying law.
The NT Attorney General confirmed on October 2 it will draft a bill which is expected to be introduced to parliament early in 2026. Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) will be given a conscience vote.
NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro had previously asserted that VAD was “not a priority”.
The VAD inquiry was formed in response to a motion by , in May.
The committee’s final report was tabled on October 14. Committee chair Dr Tanzil Rahma reported on the report’s recommendations in parliament. They include removing the six to 12 month prognosis timeframe (widely proven unreliable and unfairly obstructive), the need to develop a comprehensive palliative care strategy, protecting cultural safety and the need for a decentralised delivery model.
Rahma noted the inquiry estimated that, under the recommended framework, there would eight to 10 voluntary deaths a year.
NT Labor Opposition Leader Selena Uibo sent her draft of a VAD bill to the government on October 13, .
Labor’s bill was supported by the Australian Christian Lobby, which regarded it as “safer” because it included more restrictive criteria than those recommended by the committee.
Finocchiaro said on October 14 she “won’t be using” Labor’s bill. Drafting has begun, based on the report’s instructions.
The key issue of Commonwealth Telehealth legislation is still unresolved. A by advocacy and health leadership organisations, including the Australian Medical Association, has asked the CLP to make electronic communications available for those considering accessing voluntary assisted dying options. It would mean amending the Commonwealth Criminal Code.
President of the Judy Dent, widow of Bob Dent who was the first person to use VAD under the NT’s , told the on October 13 that “we’ve been waiting for this a long time”.
NT VES and the are working with and conducting community forums about the law.
Advocates and VAD organisations around Australia, including , and , continue to support the NT community to have this fundamental right. Those in NT are urged to join the campaign to in support of a VAD law.
With VAD starting in the , the NT, where a VAD law was pioneered, is now the only jurisdiction without such an option for the terminally ill to exercise their right to die.