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Understanding Voluntary Assisted Dying in Queensland

Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) is a legal option available to eligible adults who require access to assistance to end their life in a dignified and compassionate manner.

The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 was passed by Queensland Parliament on 16 September 2021 and came into effect on 1 January 2023. VAD has now been legislated in all Australian states and territories (in the Northern Territory, access is not expected to begin until early 2028).

This survey by Council on the Ageing Queensland aims to understand community awareness, knowledge, and support needs regarding VAD in Queensland.

This survey is for people considering their own views and for family members, carers and other people supporting someone else. Survey responses are anonymous and will help inform future submissions and responses regarding VAD. This survey will remain open until 4 November 2026.

Resources are provided at the end of this survey to assist individuals, families, and support people who would like to learn more about VAD in Queensland.
1.Are you familiar with the current Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) legislation in Queensland?
2.Do you know where to find information about the steps and eligibility for VAD?
3.How much of the VAD information and support you need (or would need) is available in your community?
4.Have you or the person you support discussed VAD wishes with family or a support person?
5.Who do you turn to for support when making healthcare decisions (for yourself or for the person you support)? (Select all that apply.)
6.Do you know how or where to find someone who could help you or the person you support to understand Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) and available information or supports?
In Queensland, a person must make their own request for Voluntary Assisted Dying. A family member, support person or e.g., Enduring Power of Attorney cannot request it on their behalf. Voluntary Assisted Dying cannot be requested through an Advance Health Directive or Statement of Choices.
Your views on who can access VAD

To access VAD in Queensland, a person must meet all of the following criteria:
  • Be aged 18 years or older
  • Have decision-making capacity
  • Be acting voluntarily and without coercion
  • Have a disease, illness or medical condition that is advanced, progressive and expected to cause death within 12 months, and that is causing suffering the person considers intolerable
  • Meet residency requirements (including being ordinarily a resident in Queensland for at least 12 months, unless exempted).
Read more information here: The eligibility criteria for VAD - Queensland Health
7.Overall, what do you think of Queensland's current eligibility criteria for VAD?
8.To what extent do you agree that each of the following is appropriate?
Strongly agree
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
Strongly disagree
Not sure
Only adults (people aged 18 years or older) can access VAD
The person's condition must be expected to cause death within 12 months
Whether suffering is intolerable is decided by the person themselves
The person must have decision-making capacity when they request and receive VAD
A person must make the request themselves (no one else, including an Enduring Power of Attorney, can request it for them)
VAD cannot be requested through an Advance Health Directive or Statement of Choices
Residency requirements (including 12 months' residence in Queensland)
9.Do you think any changes to who can access VAD in Queensland should be considered? (Select all that apply). These options would require changes to the law and do not currently apply.
Thank you for your time in completing this survey. If you have any concerns or questions regarding VAD in Queensland, the following resources might be of interest or assistance:
  • Dying with Dignity Queensland: A friendly response from the chief advocates for Voluntary Assisted Dying. Helping to demystify the process and allowing you to ask questions. They support your need for non-judgemental information at a difficult time. Phone 0493 048 022 or visit Dying with Dignity Queensland
  • Queensland Voluntary Assisted Dying Support Service (QVAD-Support): A Queensland care-navigation service for people considering VAD and their families, carers and support people. Phone 1800 431 371 or email qvadsupport@health.qld.gov.au or find out more online at QVAD-Support
  • Queensland Health Guide: Provide a Guide covering what families and friends may need to consider before and after the death of a loved one (following VAD). You can view or download the guide
  • Carer Gateway: Free counselling, peer support, coaching and practical assistance for unpaid carers. Phone 1800 422 737 or visit Carer Gateway