VAD Inquiry – Update from the Chair of Legal & Constitutional Affairs Committee (LCAC)
The following information is being provided pursuant to Standing Order 194(4) of the Legislative Assembly and under the authority of procedural motion 3.2 passed by LCAC on 30/10/24.
LCAC received a written referral from the Attorney-General on 14/5/25 (see attached) to undertake an inquiry into the Voluntary Assisted Dying in the Northern Territory – Final Report 2024.
The terms of reference for the inquiry are, in summary, to 1) prepare a consultation paper, 2) consult with communities, particularly in remote areas, 3) evaluate VAD models and safeguards, 4) identify NT-specific VAD challenges, and 5) provide drafting instructions for model legislation if appropriate.
LCAC met to discuss how it will approach its task on 19/5/25 and 28/5/25, noting the request for a response back by the end of September 2025, with specific initial focus on points 1) and 2) above.
Notwithstanding concerns expressed regarding the process and short reporting timeframe, LCAC is committed to conducting its inquiry ethically and respectfully, and consulting as widely as possible.
LCAC members have agreed to work cooperatively and constructively together in good faith, to agree on suitable scope and process for the inquiry, with a view to progressing the issue of VAD in the NT.
LCAC members have also committed to making themselves available for the full duration of inquiry hearings to held across the Northern Territory in August (exact dates and locations to be confirmed).
At the direction of LCAC, the Chair has written to key administrative stakeholders to advise them of the inquiry referral, and seek their guidance and cooperation with the design of the LCAC inquiry.
Stakeholders contacted by the Chair, and invited to brief LCAC at its next meeting on 7/7/25, include:
Co-Chairs of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Independent Expert Advisory Panel, the Hon Vicki O’Halloran AO CVO and Mr Duncan McConnel SC; CEO of Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT), Dr John Paterson; CEO of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Community Development, Ms Amelia Vellar; CEO of the Anindilyakwa Land Council, Ms Cherelle Wurrawilya; CEO of the Central Land Council, Mr Les Turner; CEO of the Northern Land Council, Mr Yuseph Deen; CEO of the Tiwi Land Council, Mr Brendan Ferguson.
The abovementioned consultation paper is currently being prepared for public release ASAP.
Further updates from LCAC will be communicated by Media Release as the inquiry progresses.
Dr Tanzil Rahman MLA said, “My fellow Committee members and I are pleased to have the opportunity to progress the issue of VAD for Territorians. We are looking forward to working together and will do our best to consult as widely as possible, to gather information to supplement existing materials.”