The full Report can be accessed by clicking on the logo above.
Some key facts from the Report include
In 2024–25, the Board received an unprecedented 837 requests for voluntary assisted dying (VAD). As
community awareness continues to grow, the Board anticipates this will rise significantly. Projections
indicate there may be around 1,300 requests each year by 2028. This growth means Victoria will need to
adjust the way it supports the system through which VAD requests proceed.
- VAD deaths accounted for 0.85% of all deaths in Victoria, consistent with the previous year.
- During 2024–25, 171 applicants died before receiving a permit. The majority of these applicants had
only completed a first or consulting assessment before their death. Additionally, 28% of applications
were withdrawn before the substance was dispensed, and in 40% of these cases, the applicant died
within 2 weeks of their first request. - A Coronial finding during the year also drew attention to several instances where a person took their
own life after being found ineligible for VAD or believed that they would be. - Although 25% of Victorians live in rural or regional areas, 39% of VAD requests originated from these
regions. Despite this over-representation, regional applicants face significant barriers to accessing VAD.
These include limited access to practitioners and the prohibition on using telehealth for consultations. - 837 applications started > 634 permits issued > 519 substance dispensed > 389 total deaths
- 46% of applicants used VAD medication to end their lives
Australia