Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board 2025–2026 Annual Report

[From Queensland Health]

Thank you for your ongoing support of patients and families and your communities.

The Queensland Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board has released its fourth annual report, detailing activity from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. The annual report and associated consumer guide can be found here: www.health.qld.gov.au/vadreviewboard.

The report shows that people are accessing voluntary assisted dying throughout Queensland, including in rural and remote areas. A total of 2256 people started the process by having a first assessment, and 1082 people died following administration of a voluntary assisted dying substance as their end of life choice. Most people (76%) were accessing or had accessed palliative care at the time of their first assessment.

Between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026 there were 515 authorised voluntary assisted dying practitioners in Queensland. Although this number is growing, authorised practitioners are often not the first point of contact for people who are seeking to access voluntary assisted dying.

It is important you are aware of your rights and responsibilities under the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 (the Act).

Discussing voluntary assisted dying

In Queensland, medical practitioners and nurse practitioners can initiate a conversation about voluntary assisted dying.

Any healthcare worker can conscientiously object to participating in the voluntary assisted dying process. However, registered health practitioners have specific obligations under the Act. If you conscientiously object to participating in voluntary assisted dying you must:

- inform the person that other health practitioners, health service providers or services may be able to assist, and

- give the person information about where they can get further information or support, such as the details of Queensland Voluntary Assisted Dying Support Service (QVAD Support).

QVAD Support

QVAD Support is a statewide service that provides advice and support to Queenslanders about voluntary assisted dying and can help link a person with a voluntary assisted dying doctor. You can contact QVAD Support for more information, or your patient can contact them directly. Phone: 1800 431 371 | Email: QVADSupport@health.qld.gov.au

Hours of operation: 8.30am to 4pm, Mon to Fri (excluding public holidays)

Being aware of QVAD Support and local referral pathways will ensure you are ready to fulfil your obligations under the Act.

Information about voluntary assisted dying for consumers

The consumer guide summarises the annual report information in an accessible way for consumers. Access the consumer guide here: www.health.qld.gov.au/vadreviewboard.

Information about voluntary assisted dying for healthcare workers

The voluntary assisted dying education module is available for all healthcare workers. The module takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and provides an overview of the voluntary assisted dying process, and roles and responsibilities of healthcare workers. Access the module here: Qld VAD Healthcare Worker Module

More information is also available on the Queensland Health website: www.health.qld.gov.au/vad.

Become an authorised practitioner

More information about eligibility and training can be found here: Becoming an authorised voluntary assisted dying practitioner | Queensland Health