Episode 17 – How the NT led the world on assisted dying

The world’s first voluntary assisted dying law to be enacted and used was passed in Australia’s Northern Territory – only to be overturned months later by the Federal Parliament. The man behind that historic legislation is Marshall Perron. As Chief Minister of the Northern Territory from 1988 to 19…

Episode 16 – Dr Arnold’s opposition to acceptance of VAD: a personal journey

Dr Lynn Arnold once stood firmly against voluntary assisted dying (VAD). Initially concerned about the potential for abuse, his perspective changed after witnessing the prolonged suffering of his cousin and, later, supporting his mother through her own VAD journey. Her decision, carried out with di…

Episode 15 – Supporting patient-centred decisions in palliative care

Voluntary assisted dying isn’t just about law – it’s about people, compassion, and choice. Dr Peter Allcroft, one of South Australia’s most influential leaders in palliative care and voluntary assisted dying, shares how his professional journey has led him to this deeply meaningful work.  Starting…

Episode 14 – Dementia decisions and the legal limits of assisted dying

Casey Haining is a Research Fellow and PhD candidate at the Australian Centre for Health Law Research at QUT and also holds a research position at the University of Melbourne. Her academic work focuses on health law and end-of-life care, particularly voluntary assisted dying (VAD) and dementia.  C…

Episode 13 – A GP’s perspective on voluntary assisted dying

With nearly 40 years’ experience as a general practitioner, Dr Nick Carr was one of the first GPs trained in VAD in Victoria. He reflects on the privilege of supporting patients at the end of life, describing VAD experiences as deeply moving and often profoundly beautiful. He discusses his advocacy…

Episode 12 – Faith, Autonomy and the Right to Die

Rev Dr Anna Grant-Henderson, a Uniting Church minister, reflects on her journey toward supporting VAD, shaped by personal experiences, parish ministry, and theological insights. Anna shares her role in supporting a congregant through VAD, her views on pastoral care, and the varied positions of diff…

Episode 11 – What most Australians still don’t know about voluntary assisted dying

Ben White is Professor of End-of-Life Law and Regulation at QUT’s Australian Centre for Health Law Research. With over 200 publications and $45 million in research funding, his work focuses on voluntary assisted dying (VAD), law reform, and end-of-life decision-making.  Ben discusses the slow road…

Episode 10 - The Buddhist Lens on Voluntary Assisted Dying

Letting go – of control, fear, and clinging – is not a failure, but a path to peace, compassion, and deep spiritual clarity at the end of life.  Carol Perry, a teacher with Melbourne Insight Meditation, brings over 45 years of experience in the Insight (Vipassana) tradition of Buddhism. Carol expl…

Episode 9 - Dignity in Dying: Reflections From VAD Care Navigators

Tianna and Kate both work within South Australia’s Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) service. Tianna, a VAD liaison officer, and Kate, a VAD care navigator, assist individuals navigating the VAD process. They discuss the support they provide, from initial inquiries to coordinating assessments and ensu…

Episode 8 — Eve

Eve’s mother, Marion, accessed voluntary assisted dying in 2023 after living with multiple chronic health conditions. Eve reflects on her mother’s resilience, selflessness, and determination to maintain control over her life despite significant challenges. She also describes the difficulties they e…