What happens if my GP objects to VAD?

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

Your GP may be allowed to object to voluntary assisted dying (VAD) and choose not to take part.

General information: This page gives general information for people in Australia. It cannot tell you exactly what your GP must do in your state or territory. VAD conscientious objection rules differ, so confirm the current position with the official VAD care navigator service, doctor, authorised VAD practitioner or legal service where you live.

Your GP may be allowed to object to voluntary assisted dying (VAD) and choose not to take part. This is often called conscientious objection. It does not necessarily end your options, but what must happen next depends on the law where you live.

Some doctors object to all involvement in VAD. Some will give information but not assess people. Some will continue usual care, palliative care and symptom support while another practitioner handles the VAD process.

Your GP should still treat you respectfully

A GP who objects to VAD should still treat you with care and respect. Asking about VAD should not mean your ordinary care is withdrawn. You can still ask for help with pain, breathlessness, nausea, anxiety, sleep, family meetings, home care, advance care planning and palliative care referral.

VAD is separate from palliative care. You can ask about both.

What the GP must do depends on where you are

The rules are not identical across Australia.

In Queensland, if a doctor refuses a first request, they must tell the person the reason and give information about another doctor or service provider likely to be able to help, or details for QVAD-Support. If the reason is conscientious objection, the doctor must tell the person immediately.

In Victoria, a doctor may refuse a first request because they do not agree with VAD, are unavailable, or are not qualified. Victorian public information says they may suggest another doctor, and if they do not, the person can contact the Statewide Care Navigator Service.

In NSW, care navigators can help people find VAD practitioners. NSW Health material also says only the person can make a first request and that the request must be clear.

In the ACT, health practitioners, social workers and speech pathologists who refuse or cannot help have obligations to give contact details for the ACT VAD Care Navigator Service or an authorised practitioner within required timeframes.

South Australia, Tasmania and WA have their own Acts and obligations. In South Australia, accessible legal guidance says a health practitioner with a conscientious objection is not legally required to provide an appropriate referral to a practitioner or service, but may do so. Because these rules are law-sensitive, check directly with SA Health, the care navigator service or a legal service.

What you can do next

You can ask:

"I understand you do not take part in VAD. Can you give me the official care navigator contact details?"

"Can you keep helping with my usual care while I get VAD information elsewhere?"

"Can you provide copies of my medical records or a summary for another doctor?"

"Can you refer me to palliative care or review my symptom plan?"

You can also contact the care navigator service yourself. You do not need your GP to agree with VAD before you ask for general information.

If you feel blocked

If you cannot get information, contact the care navigator service, your hospital patient liaison service, state health department VAD contact, or a legal information service. If you are in an aged care facility, hospital, hospice or faith-based service, facility rules may also matter. Some facilities do not provide VAD directly, but the law may still require them to allow access to information or external practitioners in certain situations.

Keep notes of dates, names and what was said. This can help if you need to ask the care navigator or oversight body what should happen.

What about the Northern Territory?

The NT 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, operating process or practitioner obligations. Until official NT information confirms the scheme is operating, GP objection duties in the new NT pathway need legal review before public advice is made more specific.

When to get help now

If symptoms are severe or you feel abandoned by services, contact your treating team, palliative care service, GP practice, after-hours health line or 000 in a life-threatening emergency.

If the conversation has left you feeling unsafe or at risk of self-harm, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000 if danger is immediate.