Dying to Discuss

Do I ask my GP about VAD?

Australia · 29 August 2026 · 6 min read · Reviewed by Dr Kane Treble

Yes, you can ask your GP about voluntary assisted dying (VAD).

General information: This page gives general information for people in Australia. It cannot tell you whether your GP can provide voluntary assisted dying or whether you are eligible. VAD laws and practitioner obligations differ by state and territory, so confirm current rules with your official VAD care navigator service, doctor or authorised VAD practitioner.

Yes, you can ask your GP about voluntary assisted dying (VAD). For many people, the GP is a good first person to ask because they know the person, their illness, medicines, supports and family situation. You can ask for information without committing to a formal VAD request.

Your GP may or may not provide VAD. Some GPs are trained and willing to take part. Some are not trained. Some object to VAD for personal, ethical, religious or professional reasons. Some may support your usual care but not take part in the VAD process.

What your GP can help with

A GP may be able to:

If the GP is willing and authorised, they may be able to accept a first request or become involved in the formal pathway. The exact role depends on the state or territory.

You may need to raise VAD first

In some places, health practitioners are restricted from starting a VAD conversation unless the person raises it first. Victoria's current law says the person must start the discussion, although amendments are due to take effect in April 2027. South Australia also has restrictions on registered health practitioners starting VAD discussions. Other jurisdictions have different rules.

This can feel strange. A doctor may talk about palliative care, treatment choices, comfort care or advance care planning without naming VAD. If you want information about VAD, it is usually best to say the words yourself.

You could say:

"I want to talk about voluntary assisted dying as one possible option. Can you give me information or tell me who can?"

For more wording, see What exact words do I need to say to ask about VAD?.

If your GP does not provide VAD

Your GP may say they do not provide VAD. That does not always mean you cannot access information or assessment.

Depending on the jurisdiction, a doctor who refuses a first request may have duties to respond within a set time and provide information or contact details for another practitioner, service or care navigator. The details differ. For example, Queensland requires doctors who refuse a first request to provide information about another doctor or service provider, or QVAD-Support. Victoria says a doctor may suggest another doctor, and if not, a person can contact the care navigator service. The ACT requires certain health workers who cannot help to give care navigator or authorised practitioner details within the required timeframe.

South Australia and Tasmania have their own rules and should be checked directly. Some laws allow conscientious objection without requiring the objecting practitioner to personally provide the service.

The care navigator can help if the GP cannot

Care navigator services exist so that people do not have to work out the pathway alone. They can give general information and help connect people with practitioners who may be able to assess a VAD request.

You do not need to wait until your GP agrees before contacting a care navigator. A family member or carer may also be able to contact the service for general information, although only the person can make the formal VAD request.

Keep your GP involved if you want to

Even if another doctor handles the VAD process, your GP can still be part of your wider care. VAD is separate from palliative care, symptom care, advance care planning, refusing treatment and other end-of-life decisions.

Some people want their GP closely involved. Others prefer to talk with a specialist, palliative care doctor or VAD navigator. You can decide what feels workable for you, within the legal process.

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 operating VAD service at the time this page was checked. Until official NT information confirms the scheme is operating, a GP in the NT may only be able to discuss current law, palliative care, advance care planning and future information pathways.

When to get help now

If you are asking because symptoms are no longer controlled, call your treating team, palliative care service, GP or after-hours health line. Call 000 for a life-threatening emergency.

If you feel at risk of harming yourself outside a lawful VAD process, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000 if there is immediate danger.

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Sources and further information