Aged care laws in Australia have now changed. The new Aged Care Act 2024 and Aged Care Rules 2025 now apply. While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations and legal responsibilities. Thank you for your patience.

Overview of Voluntary Assisted Dying

Overview of Voluntary Assisted Dying

Guidance,
Last updated

This resource provides an overview of voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in Australia, detailing eligibility criteria, procedures, and legal requirements. It covers how VAD laws vary across jurisdictions, safeguards in place, and responsibilities for health professionals and institutions. Health professionals can conscientiously object but may still have legal responsibilities.

Author
External resource
External Link
https://www.eldac.com.au/Toolkits/End-of-Life-Law/Voluntary-Assisted-Dying/Overview
Key Theme
Palliative and end of life care
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.7: Palliative care and end-of-life care
Overview of Voluntary Assisted Dying

This is not a Commission publication. Any views are those of the author. You are responsible for considering this in context, based on your circumstances and the Aged Care Act 2024 (Cth) requirements. See Terms of Use .

 

Acknowledgement of Country

In the spirit of reconciliation, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, water and community. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that content on this website may contain images of deceased persons.