On 19 May 2022 the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2022 (NSW) was passed by the New South Wales Parliament. Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is a major legal, ethical and social policy issue. In Australia, VAD laws have been passed in all States. Victoria’s and Western Australia’s VAD laws have commenced operation. VAD will commence in Tasmania on 23 October 2022, South Australia in early 2023, and Queensland on 1 January 2023. The date for commencement of New South Wales’ laws is to be confirmed, but will likely be in late 2023/early 2024.This webpage discusses the laws on VAD both in Australia and internationally, and their intersection with palliative care and medical treatment decision-making.
