Humanists Victoria recognises the Voluntary Assisted Dying Amendment Bill 2025 as a significant step forward in creating a fairer and more compassionate end-of-life system in our state. Passed in the lower house on 30 October 2025, these reforms respond directly to the lived experiences of patients, families, practitioners and advocates, including the long-standing work of Dying with Dignity Victoria.
The new amendments remove several of the biggest barriers in the original 2017 legislation. Health practitioners are now allowed to raise voluntary assisted dying with eligible patients, ending the “gag clause” that left people unaware that VAD was even an option. Conscientious objectors still retain full rights to decline participation but must now provide patients with basic information to ensure they can still access services elsewhere. Eligibility has been expanded by extending the prognosis requirement from six to twelve months for terminal illness, giving people more time to understand their options and complete the process without the pressure of last-minute deterioration. The Bill also introduces compassionate exemptions for people who have lived in Victoria long-term but lack formal citizenship or permanent residency, helping to correct an inequity that excluded many from accessing VAD despite deep ties to the state.
Other important changes include reducing unnecessary delays between the first and final request, expanding the range of qualified practitioners who can support VAD, and streamlining pathways for people with neurodegenerative conditions. Together, these reforms make the system more workable, more humane and more accessible to those who need it, including people in regional areas, immigrants, and those with complex or rapidly progressing illnesses. Importantly, all existing safeguards remain in place, ensuring the process stays safe, voluntary and transparent.
For Humanists Victoria, this is both a moment of achievement and a renewed call to action. We will continue supporting Dying with Dignity Victoria and other partners to ensure these reforms translate into real accessibility on the ground. We also continue to advocate for other Australian states like the Northern Territory who still do not have access to these laws.
This reform represents progress, compassion and respect for personal choice. Humanists Victoria is proud to support a system that honours the dignity of every person at the end of life.