Barriers to Progress in VAD Access
Andrew Denton is urging the Australian federal government to remove barriers that limit access to voluntary assisted dying (VAD), highlighting significant issues with current telehealth restrictions. This call to action was made on 31 March 2026 during the release of the 2026 State of VAD Report at Parliament House, which was attended by over 100 stakeholders including health, legal, and patient rights organisations.
“It’s time for the federal government to step up, so states can get on with delivering compassionate VAD care,” stated Andrew Denton, the founder of Go Gentle Australia. The report found that Commonwealth policies are a major obstacle to fair and timely access to VAD.
Australia remains the only country where VAD is legal that prohibits telehealth consultations, forcing terminally ill patients to endure travel for in-person assessments. This restriction is seen as a significant hurdle in providing equitable access to end-of-life choices.
Exclusion of VAD from Policies
Federal policies currently exclude VAD from end-of-life care strategies, which contributes to ongoing stigma and silence surrounding the practice. Some faith-based aged care providers are blocking residents’ access to VAD, often requiring them to transfer to different facilities to receive the care they seek.
Denton specifically urged Attorney-General Michelle Rowland to amend the Commonwealth Criminal Code to permit telehealth for VAD, describing the ban as a “cruel anomaly.” He emphasised that such changes are essential to alleviate unnecessary suffering among terminally ill Australians.
The report highlighted that the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s national Palliative Care Strategy does not reference VAD, nor does the federal Aged Care Act, which repeatedly mentions palliative and end-of-life care. This lack of inclusion further reinforces the silence and stigma around VAD.
Mr. Denton argued that the federal government‘s inaction on these issues results in avoidable suffering and urged immediate reforms. He noted that the changes required are straightforward and necessary to ensure compassionate care is accessible to all Australians who need it.
The report’s findings stress the urgency for policy changes to align with the needs and rights of terminally ill patients, ensuring they have access to the full spectrum of end-of-life care options, including VAD.
Last updated: 4 April 2026, 8:02 pm
