Voluntary Assisted Dying

On 14 May 2025, the Attorney-General wrote to me in my capacity as Chair of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee (LCAC) to direct me to lead an inquiry as follows:

“It is requested that the LCAC undertake an inquiry into the into Voluntary Assisted Dying in the Northern Territory- final report 2024.

The proposed terms of reference for the Committee are to:

• Prepare a consolidated consultation paper, drawing upon previous reports, inquiries, proposals, and the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act 1995 (NT).
• Consult extensively with communities across the Northern Territory, particularly in remote areas, to gather views on the possible introduction of voluntary assisted dying in the NT.
• Evaluate different voluntary assisted dying models and safeguards, with a focus on those that would be appropriate for the Northern Territory context.
• Identify any specific challenges associated with delivering voluntary assisted dying in the Northern Territory.
• If the Committee recommends adoption, provide drafting instructions for model legislation to give effect to voluntary assisted dying in the NT.

I would appreciate if the Committee could respond back to me by the end of September 2025.”

I’ll be keeping Territorians updated on behalf of LCAC, as our work progresses…