Since Territory rights were restored in December 2022, the ACT Government has not wasted a moment. Detailed consideration of a voluntary assisted dying scheme for the ACT has been balanced with the community's desire to see a scheme implemented in a timely way.
It took 25 years for Territory rights to be restored—a feat only possible because of the election of a Federal Labor Government just shy of two years ago.
In the 18 months since our rights were restored, the ACT Government has:
- Released a detailed discussion paper, together with a significant consultation process across the community at large, and with targeted stakeholder groups
- Produced a listening report which reflected the community's views, and detailed how those views would inform the model we would pursue
- Presented Australia's most progressive Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill, one which draws from and improves upon the model that exists across Australia, and responds to the community's views and the ACT's unique circumstances
- Participated in and supported the thorough select committee inquiry
- Considered and responded to the report's recommendations, with further Government amendments being shared for additional scrutiny
The combined efforts of the community, advocates, a clinical reference group, parliamentary colleagues and Government officials has led to this next historic milestone today: in-principle debate beginning on the Bill.
A Bill, model and scheme that Canberrans have spent 25 years fighting for.
Minister for Human Rights Tara Cheyne said this was another significant next step in a period which has been marked by diligent, thorough and timely progress on the consideration of a voluntary assisted dying scheme.
"With the existence of undemocratic ban on the Territories being able to legislate for voluntary assisted dying, for decades the ACT and our Legislative Assembly were only able to move inches on this issue.
"The election of a Federal Labor Government paved the way for our Government being able to move mountains—providing our community with the opportunity to inform the development of a progressive, workable scheme for the ACT without compromising on timeframes.
"Debate commencing today brings us another step forward to a voluntary assisted dying scheme in the ACT."
This is the first time that all members in the ACT Assembly will have the opportunity to put forward their views on the record about the Bill.
