The campaign for voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws in the NT gets a huge boost
3 Sep 2025
Book your seat at one of two community information sessions here
The NT was the first in the country to have a law for voluntary euthanasia in 1995. But now it’s the last. NT citizens have no choice or control at the end of life if they are suffering. Campaigners for VAD law aim to fix this injustice.
Broadcaster Andrew Denton, founder of Go Gentle Australia, has been campaigning across Australia for VAD laws since 2016. He is now bringing the experience and support of the rest of Australia to boost the campaign for compassionate VAD law to be passed in the NT too. This campaign is supported by seniors’ advocate COTA NT, which has been working over many years to normalise conversations around death, dying, end-of-life, death literacy and planning for a “good death.”
“Andrew’s upcoming visit to Darwin is a huge boost for advocates in the Territory and provides opportunity for people to understand VAD in action. People can join Andrew and guests, local Territorians and leaders in health and social justice, talking about why we need VAD laws in the NT – and crucially, the actions that help get us there,” said Sue Shearer, CEO of COTA NT.
“We were disappointed to learn that our recent advert regarding VAD on Go Transit bus backs was removed, considered too contentious and political by advertising industry body Outdoor Media Association. Like many, we consider robust and respectful debate as democracy in action. We have had the debates, the conversations, the consultations. It is high time we move on and write these laws.”
Go Gentle’s CEO Dr Linda Swan said, “It’s been a long and hard-fought journey to get to where we are now, on the cusp of a VAD law being reintroduced in the NT. Territorians who want the same end-of-life choices as other Australians must now convince their politicians to get on with it and do their job; act on the will of the people and draft a VAD law.
“We invite Territorians to submit their questions to Andrew Denton and his guests ahead of the information sessions. We will try to address as many questions as possible in-person.”
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Media contacts
Community information sessions
Time to Write this Law: Voluntary Assisted Dying Choice for the NT Community Information Sessions
- Tuesday 30 September, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Darwin International Tennis Centre (Function Room), 9 Abala Road, Marrara
- Wednesday 1 October, 9am to 11am, Darwin International Tennis Centre (Function Room), 9 Abala Road, Marrara
BOOK HERE https://events.humanitix.com/vadnt
Alternatively, call COTA NT on 08 8941 1004 or Go Gentle on 0468 464 360
SUBMIT QUESTIONS
Only questions submitted in advance of the event will be addressed. Send them via website form (https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/contact_us or email
For journalists
https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/media_resources
FAST FACTS
- Voluntary assisted dying laws have been operating in Victoria since June 2019, Western Australia since July 2021, Tasmania since October 2022 and Queensland and South Australia since January 2023. The law in NSW took effect in November 2023, and the ACT’s law will begin on 3 November 2025
- Australians strongly back voluntary assisted dying laws. Support runs at between 70 and 90% in most recent polls.
- Voluntary assisted dying is only for terminally ill people in the final stages of their illness. It is voluntary for all involved, including participation by medical professionals.
- Evidence from all jurisdictions where VAD is legal shows the laws are operating safely, compassionately and as intended.
- Globally, more than 430 million people now have access to assisted dying laws in Europe, Canada, New Zealand, Colombia and 11 US states or districts.