Dying to Discuss

Does asking for information about VAD count as my formal first request?

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

Usually, asking for information about voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is not the same as making a formal first request.

General information: This page gives general information for people in Australia. It cannot decide whether something you said was a formal VAD request. VAD request rules differ by state and territory, so confirm the current law with the official VAD care navigator service, doctor or authorised VAD practitioner where you live.

Usually, asking for information about voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is not the same as making a formal first request. A first request normally needs to be clear, personal and made to the right kind of practitioner in the way the law requires.

If you only want information, it is sensible to say that clearly: "I want information about VAD. I am not making a formal first request today."

What is a first request?

A first request is the first formal step in the VAD request and assessment process. It does not mean you are eligible. It does not mean you will receive the VAD substance. It means you have asked to start the legal pathway.

In NSW, a first request is a formal request to a doctor to access VAD. NSW Health says general enquiries or asking for information are not a first request.

Queensland says asking for information does not start the VAD process. The process starts when the person has made their decision and makes a first request. Queensland also says a first request must be clear and unambiguous, made by the person, and made to a doctor.

Victoria says asking for information does not mean the process has started. The process starts when the person has made their decision and makes the first request to a doctor.

Other jurisdictions have their own wording and steps. In the ACT, the first request is made to an authorised doctor or nurse practitioner. Tasmania and South Australia use their own Acts and forms.

Why the difference matters

People often need time to ask questions before deciding. You might want to know:

These are information questions. They should not force you into a formal pathway.

How to keep the conversation clear

If you are not ready to start, say:

"I am asking for information only today."

"I want to understand VAD, but I am not making a first request."

"Can you explain the process and who I can contact if I later decide to make a request?"

If you are ready to start, say:

"I want to make a first request for voluntary assisted dying."

"I want to access voluntary assisted dying and I am asking you to help me start the process."

The doctor or practitioner may ask questions to make sure they understand which kind of conversation this is.

Can a family member ask for information?

Yes, in many places a family member, friend or carer can contact a VAD care navigator service for general information. They can ask how the service works, what support exists, and how the person can make contact.

But a family member generally cannot make the formal first request for the person. VAD must be voluntary and come from the person. If communication is difficult, the person may be able to use an interpreter, speech pathologist, communication aid, gestures or another supported communication method, depending on local rules.

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

If you think a doctor treated an information question as a request

Ask them to clarify what was recorded. You can say:

"Can you tell me whether you recorded that as a general information discussion or as a first request?"

If you disagree with what has happened, contact the VAD care navigator service or the oversight body in your state or territory. Some decisions can be reviewed, but the review rules are different in each place.

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 pathway. Until official NT information confirms how the scheme will work, people in the NT should not assume that asking for information starts a lawful VAD process there.

When to get help now

If you are asking about VAD because you feel unsafe or at risk of harming yourself, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000 in an emergency.

If symptoms are driving the question, contact your palliative care team, treating specialist, GP, nurse or after-hours service. VAD is not emergency symptom care.

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Sources and further information