Tasmania reviews voluntary assisted dying laws as demand increases
Voluntary assisted dying gave former Tasmanian midwife Gaye Crick agency, at a time when her terminal illness had stripped much of that away. The state's VAD laws are being reviewed three years after they came into effect.
Tasmania's voluntary assisted dying laws are under review to evaluate their effectiveness and identify potential improvements. Since the legislation was introduced in 2022, demand for voluntary assisted dying (VAD) has surged. By November 1, a report from the VAD Commission is expected to be submitted to the government, detailing its findings.
Gaye Crick, a former Launceston midwife, recently became one of the many Tassie residents to access VAD. Diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer, she experienced relentless pain and a diminished quality of life. After obtaining approval for VAD, Gaye passed away in October, expressing a sense of relief and agency during a period of intense suffering.
The VAD Commission's latest annual report revealed a 71% surge in first requests for VAD in the 2024-25 financial year, with 109 voluntary assisted deaths recorded. An independent review, led by experts in law, end-of-life matters, and palliative care, aims to assess the laws' continued suitability and recommend necessary adjustments. The review is scheduled to conclude by November 1.
Medical practitioners involved with VAD have lauded the work as highly rewarding, yet acknowledge an administrative and financial burden. The VAD Commission has advocated for the utilization of semi-retired medical professionals to alleviate this pressure. The Tasmanian branch of the Australian Medical Association supports expanding access to VAD via telehealth, a proposal currently under debate in federal parliament.
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