Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill Poised to Pass Northern Territory Parliament

Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is poised to become legal in all Australian jurisdictions, as proposed laws are set to pass the Northern Territory parliament. The Country Liberal Party (CLP) government announced that the Rights of the Terminally Ill bill has secured sufficient support for a conscience vote in August.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro confirmed the bill has the numbers, regardless of opposition or crossbench backing. Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby gave notice that the bill will be introduced to parliament this Thursday, with debates scheduled for August. This development brings certainty to Territorians that VAD will soon be legal in the NT, a jurisdiction that was the first in Australia to legalize VAD in 1996 before federal parliament overturned the law in 1997.

The CLP government commissioned a parliamentary inquiry after winning power in 2024, whose report recommended adopting VAD. However, the bill diverges from some key recommendations. Notably, it includes a 12-month prognosis timeframe, meaning only individuals with six months or less to live will be eligible, a restriction not present in the inquiry's report. Additionally, a 'gag clause' will be included, prohibiting doctors from initiating VAD discussions with patients, though Boothby stated the laws are "patient-led."

Organizations like the Council on the Ageing NT expressed pleasure that the bill would pass but voiced disappointment over the inclusion of the gag clause and the prognosis timeframe. Chief Executive Sue Shearer noted that the Chief Minister has promised a review of the laws. Labor's MLAs are largely expected to support the bill, though one indicated he would abstain based on his electorate's wishes. An independent member is awaiting the bill's text before deciding his vote, having previously raised concerns about protections for First Nations people.