VAD Inquiry – Update B from the Chair of Legal & Constitutional Affairs Committee (LCAC)
LCAC received a written referral from the Attorney-General on 14/5/25 to undertake an inquiry into the Voluntary Assisted Dying in the Northern Territory – Final Report 2024.
The terms of reference for the VAD 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 on 7/7/25 and 9/7/25, and all Committee Members are actively working together cooperatively and constructively in good faith, to progress the Inquiry, and the issue of VAD for Territorians.
LCAC has finalized its Consultation Paper, which comprehensively outlines issues and provides background information. The Consultation Paper will be publicly released on 14/7/25, and is available on the LCAC website: https://parliament.nt.gov.au/committees/list/legal-and-constitutional-affairs-committee
LCAC will be writing to approximately 250 organisations on 14/7/25, to encourage them to take part in the Inquiry by making a written submission, and to invite other interested stakeholders to contribute likewise.
LCAC is also encouraging all interested Territorians to contribute to the Inquiry, in writing by email to [email protected], or verbally by phone to its VAD Hotline on +61 (0)8 8946 1442.
The Inquiry is open for submissions from 14/7/25. The deadline for written submissions is 15/8/25.
LCAC will publicly release a Short Consultation Guide on 14/7/25 on the LCAC website. This Guide is being interpreted and translated by the Aboriginal Interpreter Service and translation services, for use and distribution to remote Aboriginal communities and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
LCAC has endorsed an Inquiry Plan, and is scheduled to next meet on 23/7/25 and 28/7/25 to finalise its remote hearing schedule. Hearing locations and dates have been agreed to, noting that they may be subject to change based on individual community willingness, availability, interest, and resources. LCAC is seeking to visit the following locations in August: Ali Curung, Alice Springs, Ampilatwatja, Borroloola, Darwin, Galiwinku, Maningrida, Ngukurr, Papunya, Santa Teresa, Tennant Creek, and Wurrumiyanga.
Dr Tanzil Rahman MLA said, “My fellow Committee Members and I are making excellent progress together on the Inquiry. We look forward to consulting widely across the Territory in August, listening to the voices of Territorians, and receiving submissions from everyone interested in VAD.”