Victoria intends to make major changes to its law on assisted dying, including allowing doctors to raise the topic with patients, which was previously forbidden.
People with terminal non-neurodegenerative diseases will be able to opt for voluntary assisted dying (VAD) when their life expectancy reaches 12 months, up from six. The process of applying for a permit will also be simplified, with less time required between the first and last VAD request.
When the law was first introduced, a five-year review was legislated, and that was put forward in state parliament today. It found that some safeguards were impeding access to end-of-life choices.
Victoria became the first state to legalise euthanasia in 2019, with Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, and South Australia following later.
The report made five recommendations, all of which the government says it will adopt, including providing more guidance for health practitioners and health care services, enhancing community awareness of VAD, and grief and bereavement support.
There have been no reports of ineligible people getting access to assisted dying drugs, the review said.
Dying with Dignity Victorian President Jane Morries welcomed the changes, saying they will improve access and support for people seeking VAD.
One change that may prove controversial is a requirement for health practitioners who conscientiously object to assisted dying to still provide a minimum amount of information to patients.
The proposed changes will first go to consultation with stakeholder groups, then the amended law will be decided by conscience vote, as happened when it first passed in 2017.
Currently, those eligible for assisted dying are adults with a progressive, advanced terminal illness and less than six months to live or within 12 months for neurodegenerative diseases. They must be of sound mind, and their suffering must be deemed "intolerable."
Since euthanasia is suicide according to its natural meaning, she said, information on VAD provided over the phone, email, or telehealth would breach Commonwealth laws.
The Victorian government opposed the ruling and, along with the former Queensland government, called on the federal government to amend the Criminal Code.