Implementing voluntary assisted dying in the NT
NT Health is working with health service providers to prepare the workforce, clinical arrangements and safeguards needed before voluntary assisted dying can become available.
Although the Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill 2026 has passed, voluntary assisted dying is not available yet.
The legislation allows up to 18 months to establish the necessary arrangements before people can access voluntary assisted dying.
Implementation timeline
Voluntary assisted dying requires more than a change to the law.
Before access to voluntary assisted dying begins, NT Health must establish:
- clinical pathways and a model of care
- a Territory-wide Care Navigator Service
- a Territory-wide Pharmacy Service
- approved training for participating health professionals
- forms, guidelines and policies
- secure information systems
- culturally safe and accessible community information
- support for hospitals, primary care, aged care, disability and community service providers
- an Independent Review Board.
NT Health will work with qualified and experienced staff, health service providers and communities to make sure the proposed arrangements are safe, sensitive and culturally appropriate.
2026: Planning and foundations
Planning during 2026 includes:
- establishing the implementation project
- progressing the Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill 2026
- publishing community information
- developing the proposed regulations
- consulting with regional communities
- developing the model of care.
2027: Establishing clinical arrangements
Planned work during 2027 includes:
- engaging with the community and developing resources
- establishing the Independent Review Board
- establishing the Care Navigator Service
- establishing the Pharmacy Service
- developing education and training
- developing clinical guidelines.
2028: Preparing to begin access
Planned work during 2028 includes:
- training the workforce
- beginning access to voluntary assisted dying
- completing the implementation project
- evaluating the implementation
- continuing to collect community feedback.
Pharmacy Service
A Territory-wide Pharmacy Service will support the secure supply, storage and disposal of the approved substance.
Strict medication controls will apply.
Independent Review Board
An Independent Review Board will oversee voluntary assisted dying in the NT to ensure:
- cases comply with the law
- the law is not misused
- patients and workers are protected.
The board will also:
- review completed requests
- report on the operation of voluntary assisted dying
- provide information to health professionals and the community
- support the safe and consistent operation of the legislation
- promote continuous improvement.
Community information and consultation
NT Health will develop culturally safe and accessible information for people, families and communities.
Consultation and feedback will help shape:
- community information and resources
- clinical pathways
- culturally appropriate support
- regional and remote access
- ongoing improvements.