Territorians are invited to have their say on end of life choice, with community consultation underway to develop a Northern Territory framework for Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD).
As part of the consultation phase, Territorians can have their say through an online survey, or during face-to-face community meetings in Darwin, regional and remote centres across the NT.
The opportunity to provide written submissions on VAD has also opened to the public.
The VAD framework will prioritise safety, ethics, and appropriate safeguards to protect individuals and practitioners.
The first community meeting was held in Katherine last week. Two community meetings were held in Darwin yesterday with another scheduled for 1 November.
A meeting date will be released soon for Tennant Creek.
In addition, more than 90 people have had their say on VAD through the online survey.
Consultation is being led by an advisory panel, co-chaired by the Hon Vicki O’Halloran AO CVO and Duncan McConnel SC.
The panel will consider all submissions and face-to-face feedback before providing a written report, including recommendations, to the government by July 2024.
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the Territory Government is committed to listening to a wide range of voices and perspectives to shape how we go about end-of-life choice.
“I encourage all Territorians to have their say on this topic. Any future legislation will be done through intensive and thorough consultation with all Territorians,” she said.
To take part in the online survey, please visit Have Your Say. Please email written submissions to vadinquiry@nt.gov.au.
This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 20 October 2023.
