Voluntary assisted dying law and safeguards
The Rights of the Terminally Ill Act 2026 includes safeguards to protect a person’s choice, dignity and safety.
The request must come from the person
Only the eligible person can request voluntary assisted dying.
No one else can request voluntary assisted dying services n another person’s behalf.
A person must be able to make and communicate their decision throughout the process.
The decision must be voluntary
The person must make the decision freely and without pressure from another person.
Doctors will check for possible coercion throughout the process.
Coercion means using pressure, threats or manipulation to influence someone’s decision.
Two doctors must assess eligibility
Two eligible doctors who have completed approved training must independently assess the person.
The person can stop at any time
A person can pause or stop the process at any time.
This includes after they:
- are assessed as eligible
- make a formal request
- decide how the approved substance will be administered.
Formal requests must be witnessed
A formal request must meet all legal requirements.
There must be a witnessed written declaration or a witnessed audiovisual recording.
The approved substance will be controlled
Strict controls will apply to the prescription, supply, storage, administration and disposal of the approved substance.
The law includes criminal offences
The legislation includes criminal offences for:
- coercion
- dishonest conduct
- unauthorised administration
- misleading the Review Board.
Health practitioners can choose not to take part
A health practitioner may choose not to take part in voluntary assisted dying because of their personal beliefs. This is known as conscientious objection.
Even if a health practitioner has a conscientious objection, they must still provide certain information so the person knows where to get information about voluntary assisted dying.
Some decisions can be reviewed
Specified decisions may be reviewed by the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
How the cause of death will be recorded
The cause of death will be recorded as the underlying disease, illness or medical condition.
Under the legislation, voluntary assisted dying is not the same as suicide.
Independent oversight
An independent Review Board will oversee voluntary assisted dying in the NT.
The Board will:
- monitor how the law operates
- review completed requests
- analyse information
- promote compliance
- report publicly
- engage with the community
- support continuous improvement.
The Board will include legal and clinical expertise.
It will also include Aboriginal representation, including a representative from an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.