Australia: VAD in the Northern Territory
27 August 2025
The Northern Territory was the first jurisdiction in Australia to legalise voluntary euthanasia in 1995. However, in 1997, the Australian Parliament used its constitutional power over territories to overturn the Northern Territory’s law, prohibiting the Territory from legislating on Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). In 2022, the Restoring Territory Rights Act was introduced which means the Northern Territory (and the Australian Capital Territory ACT) can again legalise VAD.
The Northern Territory public consultation on VAD
Submission by DIGNITAS – To live with dignity – To die with dignity
The Northern Territory Voluntary Euthanasia Society NTVES
