Experts appointed to assess voluntary assisted dying laws

Tasmania’s voluntary assisted dying legislation will be reviewed by a panel of experts to assess its effectiveness over the first three years of its operation and to identify any areas for improvement.

As set out in the End-of-Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Act 2021, the review is a statutory requirement following the third anniversary of the commencement of the Act in October 2025.

An expert panel, consisting of Professor Emerita the Honourable Kate Warner AC, Professor Ben White, and Professor Michael Ashby, has been appointed following a public expression of interest (EOI) process.

The panel will work to establish the full scope of the review, to ensure the Act continues to meet its objectives and operate effectively.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the statutory review will be completed by 23 October 2026, delivering on the requirements of the legislation.

“It is important that Tasmanians have the right to make their own choices at the end-of-life, including access to voluntary assisted dying services if they are eligible,” Minister Archer said.

“As the service is still relatively new to Tasmania, it is also important that the legislation underpinning voluntary assisted dying is reviewed at this stage to ensure it is operating as intended and any opportunities for improvement are identified.

“I’m pleased to confirm the appointment of this expert panel to lead the statutory review, and I look forward to receiving the report later this year.”

As of 30 June 2025, 418 formal First Requests to access voluntary assisted dying have been made, and a total of 198 people have died through the voluntary assisted dying process.

“I extend my sincere condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who have died,” Minister Archer said.

Voluntary assisted dying became available to Tasmanians in October 2022, enabling a person who is suffering from a terminal medical condition to legally access a substance to end their life if they meet all the eligibility criteria, with support and assistance from registered health practitioners.

Accessing voluntary assisted dying involves a number of steps, including appropriate consultation with at least two different medical practitioners who have completed the Tasmanian Voluntary Assisted Dying Training.

The service is supported by a central navigation team within the Tasmanian Health Service. Operation of The Act is monitored by the Voluntary Assisted Dying Commission.

More information about voluntary assisted dying is available on the Department of Health website.