Tasmania's voluntary assisted dying (VAD) scheme recorded 109 deaths in 2024-25, a 73 per cent increase on the previous year, while first requests to the VAD Commission rose 71 per cent, according to the commission's latest annual report. An independent review of the state's VAD legislation, due to report to the government by November 1, is examining whether the laws are working as intended and what changes may be needed.
Tasmania's voluntary assisted dying requests and deaths rose sharply in 2024-25, review underway
Tasmania's voluntary assisted dying (VAD) scheme recorded 109 deaths in 2024-25, a 73 per cent increase on the previous year, while first requests to the VAD Commission rose 71 per cent, according to the commission's latest annual report. An independent review of the state's VAD legislation, due to report to the government by November 1, is examining whether the laws are working as intended and what changes may be needed.
Tasmania's VAD laws came into effect in 2022. The independent review is being led by three experts: lawyer and former governor Kate Warner, end-of-life law expert Ben White, and palliative care specialist Michael Ashby.
A provision in the Commonwealth Criminal Code prevents doctors from using phone, video, or email to discuss VAD with patients. Tasmania's VAD Commission has repeatedly recommended the code be amended to remove that restriction, and attempts were made in federal parliament to change it during the week the source was published. Tasmanian Health Minister Bridget Archer said the state government also supports the change.
The state government has previously committed to building an online portal to streamline paperwork filed by VAD practitioners, with the health department expecting full implementation by early next year. The department said work is underway to develop a workforce plan for medical staffing needs, and noted the VAD Commission continues to recommend that Medicare Benefits Schedule items specific to voluntary assisted dying be established.
To make a formal VAD request in Tasmania, a person must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or have lived in Australia for at least three continuous years, must have lived in Tasmania for at least one year, and must be at least 18 years old. Independent MLC Mike Gaffney, who introduced the VAD legislation into state parliament, said some eligibility restrictions were included to secure the bill's passage and that the review presents an opportunity to reconsider them.
- The source does not state the total number of VAD requests made in 2024-25, only the percentage increase in first requests.
- The source does not state the baseline figures from the prior year against which the 71 per cent and 73 per cent increases are calculated.
- The source does not identify which specific eligibility restrictions Gaffney believes should be reconsidered beyond listing the current criteria.
- The source does not state the estimated cost to practitioners of maintaining registration and indemnity insurance for VAD purposes.
- The source does not indicate whether the federal parliament attempts to amend the Commonwealth Criminal Code succeeded or failed.
- The source does not provide a timeline or terms of reference for the independent review beyond its November 1 reporting deadline.
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