ACT's voluntary assisted dying scheme reaches 50 deaths in first year
Since the ACT's voluntary assisted dying law took effect on 3 November 2025, 57 people have chosen to end their lives through the program.
The ACT's voluntary assisted dying scheme has now completed its first year. More than 150 people requested access to the program between launch and June 2026, with 57 ultimately choosing to end their lives through it.
The median time between first request and death was 20 days. The median age of people enquiring was 77.
Jason was the first to apply after the scheme began; he had lived with motor neuron disease for nearly nine years and died in June surrounded by his family at home. His wife Anthea said she was grateful the program existed and that Jason had "died really peacefully."
The ACT's Voluntary Assisted Dying Oversight Board has reviewed every case and found no major issues. A full review of the scheme will be conducted in 2028.
- 57
- Deaths through VAD
- 77
- Median age of applicants
- 20 days
- Median time request to death
- more than 150
- Total access requests
Why it mattersIt shows real demand and provides early data on how the scheme operates in practice, informing other states considering their own VAD laws.
AustraliaThe ACT is now a year ahead in voluntary assisted dying implementation; other Australian states are watching its framework and outcomes as they consider their own schemes.
