Understanding your rights and responsibilities in Voluntary Assisted Dying

Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) has been available in Queensland since January 2023. The Queensland Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board’s second annual report 2023-2024 and associated consumer guide can be found here.

The report shows that people are accessing voluntary assisted dying throughout Queensland, including in very remote areas. A total of 1560 people started the process by having a first assessment, and 793 people received assistance to die through administration of a voluntary assisted dying substance. Most people (78%) were accessing or had accessed palliative care at the time of their first assessment.

As at 30 June 2023 there are 381 authorised voluntary assisted dying practitioners in Queensland. Although this number is growing, authorised practitioners are often not the first point of contact for people who are seeking to access voluntary assisted dying.

It is important you are aware of your rights and responsibilities under the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 (the Act).

Discussing voluntary assisted dying

In Queensland, medical practitioners and nurse practitioners can initiate a conversation about voluntary assisted dying.

Any healthcare worker can conscientiously object to participating in the voluntary assisted dying process. However, registered health practitioners have specific obligations under the Act. If you conscientiously object to participating in voluntary assisted dying you must:

• inform the person that other health practitioners, health service providers or services may be able to assist, and
• give the person information about where they can get further information or support, such as the details of Queensland Voluntary Assisted Dying Support Service (QVAD Support).

QVAD Support

QVAD Support is a statewide service that provides advice and support to Queenslanders about voluntary assisted dying and can help link a person with a voluntary assisted dying doctor. You can contact QVAD Support for more information, or your patient can contact them directly.

Phone: 1800 431 371 | Email: QVADSupport@health.qld.gov.au 

Hours of operation: 8.30am to 4pm, Mon to Fri (excluding public holidays)

Being aware of QVAD Support and local referral pathways will ensure you are ready to fulfil your obligations under the Act.

Information about voluntary assisted dying for consumers

The consumer guide summarises the annual report information in an accessible way for consumers. Access the consumer guide here.

Information about voluntary assisted dying for healthcare workers

The voluntary assisted dying education module is available for all healthcare workers. The module takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and provides an overview of the voluntary assisted dying process, and roles and responsibilities of healthcare workers. The QLD VAD Healthcare Worker Module can be accessed here. More information is also available on the Queensland Health website.

Become an authorised practitioner

More information about eligibility and training can be found here.

Coronial Investigation

As you will be aware there has been a Coronial Investigation into the death of a person after the ingestion of a voluntary assisted dying substance that was prescribed for their spouse. The coroner’s findings were released on the 11 September 2024. The Review Board is aware the Queensland Government is considering these recommendations and will provide more information in due course.