The first annual snapshot report looking at the operation of Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) laws across Australia and New Zealand. The report finds that the laws are operating safely and compassionately, but access and equity vary, disadvantaging people in rural and remote Australia and in residential aged care. It also finds that some provisions intended as safeguards are operating as barriers to access for eligible people. It recommends policy and legislative reforms to improve access to VAD.

Key findings

• VAD laws are working safely and as intended; compliance with administrative aspects of the process is close to 100%.
• Since 2019, more than 7,200 Australians and New Zealanders have sought VAD assessments and more than 3,200 people have died using a VAD substance.
• 1,200 Australian healthcare professionals have completed VAD training and 140 are participating in NZ's SCENZ scheme.
• Gag clauses in some jurisdictions are compromising person-centred care and informed consent.

Recommendations

• Engage more health professionals in VAD services by ensuring fair remuneration, acceptable workloads, and organisation-level training and support. 
• Increase funding for rural and regional access schemes.
• Improve access by reforming the Commonwealth Criminal Code in Australia to allow the use of electronic communications and telehealth in VAD, where clinically appropriate. 
• Removal the ‘gag clause’ preventing medical professionals from initiating conversations about VAD in Victoria, South Australia and New Zealand.