DWD NSW President Penny Hackett joins Nightshift to unpack what’s working, what’s at risk, and how supporters can shape the future of VAD in NSW. In this 21-minute episode of Nightshift, we speak with Penny Hackett, President of Dying With Dignity NSW, for a comprehensive update on Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) in New South Wales. The conversation covers the upcoming NSW VAD operational review and the Dying With Dignity NSW supporter survey, which is actively collecting submissions to inform that review. Penny explains why this consultation matters, who should respond, and how lived experience can influence policy outcomes. We also examine last year’s controversial and unconstitutional Carter Bill, which sought to deny terminally ill older people the right to access VAD within their aged care residence — and what its defeat means for patient autonomy and end-of-life rights in NSW. The episode highlights two major successes in the NSW system: the highly effective VAD document witness program and the strong operational leadership of the NSW Health Department in implementing VAD safely, lawfully, and compassionately. This episode is essential listening for clinicians, carers, advocates, policymakers, and anyone interested in end-of-life choice, patient rights, and how VAD is functioning on the ground in NSW.
