Dying to Discuss

Can a family member contact a VAD service on my behalf?

Australia · 29 August 2026 · 5 min read · Reviewed by Dr Kane Treble

Yes, a family member, friend or carer can usually contact a VAD care navigator service to ask for general information.

General information: This page gives general information for people in Australia. It cannot tell you what a VAD service can discuss in your personal situation. VAD laws, privacy rules and support roles differ by state and territory, so confirm current rules with the official VAD care navigator service, doctor or authorised VAD practitioner where you live.

Yes, a family member, friend or carer can usually contact a VAD care navigator service to ask for general information. They may ask how the service works, how to support you, and how you can contact the service yourself.

But they generally cannot make a formal VAD request for you. VAD must be your own voluntary decision. The formal request must come from you, using speech, writing, gestures, a communication aid, an interpreter, or another supported method allowed by the law.

What family can usually ask

A support person may be able to ask:

Care navigators may give general information to family, carers and health workers. They may need the person's consent before discussing personal health details.

What family cannot do

A family member cannot decide that someone should access VAD. They cannot make the first request for the person. A substitute decision-maker, guardian, enduring power of attorney or advance care directive generally cannot request VAD on the person's behalf.

This is a core safeguard. The person must have decision-making capacity for VAD and must be acting voluntarily and without coercion.

If the person cannot communicate easily, that does not automatically end the conversation. Ask about proper communication support. Many laws allow non-verbal communication, but there are rules about interpreters, witnesses and who can help sign documents.

If you are the person considering VAD

You can ask a family member to help you:

You can also decide how much they hear. If you want privacy, tell the practitioner or care navigator. If you want them involved, say that clearly too.

If you are a family member

The most useful role is often practical support, not persuasion. You can say:

"I can help you get information, but this is your decision."

"Would you like me to sit with you or would you rather speak privately?"

"Do you want me to write down questions for the doctor?"

Families can have strong feelings about VAD. Some support it. Some oppose it. Some are unsure. The law focuses on the person's own decision, not the family's view.

If there is pressure or disagreement

If anyone is pressuring the person to choose or reject VAD, tell the doctor, care navigator or treating team. Practitioners must assess voluntariness and coercion.

Family disagreement does not always stop a person from asking for VAD information, but it can make support harder. A social worker, counsellor, palliative care team, spiritual care worker or family meeting may help.

What about the Northern Territory?

The Northern Territory legislation portal recorded the Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill 2026 as passed on 27 August 2026. I could not verify an official commencement date or care navigator service. Until official NT information confirms the pathway, families in the NT should seek current legal or health department information rather than assuming a VAD service is operating.

When to get help now

If the person is unsafe, at risk of self-harm, or being pressured or abused, seek urgent help. Call 000 if there is immediate danger. Lifeline is available on 13 11 14.

If the person has uncontrolled symptoms, contact their treating team, palliative care service, GP, nurse or after-hours health service.

You may also want to read

Sources and further information