COTA NT marks IDOP with information about end-of-life choices and dignity in life and death

22 Sep 2025

1 October is the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (IDOP). Typically, on this day, the importance and contributions made by older people to society are celebrated. It is also a day on which community, policy makers and media hear from those with lived experience about ageing and ageing well. This year COTA NT, the peak body for older Territorians, is marking the day with two opportunities for members of the public to hear from Andrew Denton, broadcaster and founder of Go Gentle Australia, about ‘dying well.’

“Members of the community have been talking about dying well and hopes for a ‘good death’ at our Dying to Know workshops since 2013. Their discussions around end-of-life are generally pragmatic, empowering and demystifying, often humorous,” said Sue Shearer, CEO of COTA NT.

“It was agreed by all that a ‘good death’ was one without unbearable suffering and pain.  “We know people need to talk about and find out more about end-of-life choices, including palliative care and voluntary assisted dying. So, I urge you to come to an information session and listen to Andrew and guests demystify voluntary assisted dying choice, respond to questions and share how voluntary assisted dying choice is working
in the rest of Australia. You can also sign a pledge and a petition, which urge our pollies to expedite the NT’s own legislation and processes.

“It is vital that people receive clear and vital messages about voluntary assisted dying and eligibility for it, rather than hyperbolic, inflammatory pulpiting,” finished Shearer, “We hope that Territorians will continue to see transparency from government about the implementation of legislation and the NT’s ability to deliver a safe, well-resourced framework.”

Media contact

Sue Shearer, COTA NT 0408 987 751