Over 100 Canberrans die using assisted dying in first year
In the first eight months, 57 people died, one or two per week, with average age 77.
More than 100 people have died using voluntary assisted dying in the ACT since the program began 12 months ago. A team of 43 trained nurses and doctors gave the substance 65 times in the first year.
Eight doses went unused because deaths came naturally or patients changed their minds. Official records to June 30 show 57 deaths in the first eight months, one or two per week.
The average user was 77 years old. Most waited about 20 days between asking for help and receiving it.
Numbers fell 50 to 60 short of what experts predicted. Nurses say the work is hard but deeply important.
It takes both medical skill and careful support for dying people and their families.
- 57
- Deaths in first eight months
- 77 years
- Average patient age
- 43 nurses and doctors
- Staff trained and deployed
- 20 days
- Median wait time
Why it mattersIt shows the policy works and may shape whether other Australian states pass similar laws.
