Submission: Voluntary Assisted Dying in the ACT

ACTCOSS made a submission to the consultation on the proposal to legislate a Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) model in the ACT. The ACT is one of the final jurisdictions in Australia to begin the discussion around assisted dying, as the Restoring Territory Rights Bill 2022 removed restrictions on the Territories’ ability to legislate on this matter. Our submission proposes that any legislation that allows VAD must prioritise safeguarding the human rights and welfare of people with disabilities, people experiencing mental ill-health and other vulnerable community members.