Historic vote completes Australia’s VAD journey – but NT law falls short

Go Gentle Australia welcomes the passage of the Northern Territory’s Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill 2026 as an historic moment that restores end-of-life choice to Territorians after a three-decade fight.

The Northern Territory was the first jurisdiction in the world to introduce voluntary assisted dying (VAD) legislation in 1995, before the Commonwealth Parliament controversially overturned the law in 1997 and prevented the territories from legislating on VAD for 25 years.

Go Gentle's CEO Dr Linda Swan said the vote marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Australia’s history.

"With the passage of this legislation, the Northern Territory joins the rest of the country in legalising end of life choice.

“This is an historic moment for the Territory and for the country, and the culmination of a decades-long fight for democratic choice.

“We celebrate this achievement but also remember the many dying Territorians who suffered needlessly because they were denied this choice for so long.”

An imperfect law

The debate, whose locked-in numbers on every amendment belied claim of a ‘conscience vote’, has resulted in a law that many Territorians will likely find difficult to access.

Amendments to remove two elements – the ‘gag clause’ that prevents doctors from initiating discussions about VAD, and a 12-month prognosis requirement – failed to pass despite both having been rejected by the government’s own parliamentary committee. 

Similar efforts to ensure institutions do not obstruct dying people from accessing information about VAD information or seeing VAD practitioners were also defeated.

Go Gentle’s founding director Andrew Denton, who was in parliament's public gallery watching the debate, said he was disappointed amendments designed to improve the legislation were voted down.

“People who want VAD should not face barriers to accessing their lawful choice and doctors should not be gagged from offering their patients information about all treatment options.

"Unfortunately, experience shows that this law will need to be revisited and repaired in the years ahead. But, right now, today is a day to celebrate what Territorians have finally regained.

"The work to make sure the law operates fairly and compassionately now lies ahead. Let’s hope the NT government shows genuine commitment to the task.”