Nearly 31 years after the Northern Territory (NT) made global history by passing the world’s first euthanasia laws, the Territory is once again preparing to legislate voluntary assisted dying (VAD). Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby confirmed on January 2, 2026, that the government has begun drafting a bill for introduction later this year.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Historical Context: From Pioneer to Prohibition
The Northern Territory’s journey with VAD has been a decades-long legal battle.
- 1995: The NT passed the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act, becoming the first jurisdiction in the world to legalize the practice.
- 1997: After only four people utilized the law, the Federal Government used its “territory override” powers to nullify the Act.
- 2022: The Federal Parliament passed the Restoring Territory Rights Act, finally giving the NT and the ACT the legal authority to decide on the matter themselves.
Key Features of the Proposed 2026 Bill
Following a detailed 2025 inquiry, the new legislation is expected to include several unique provisions to suit the NT’s specific demographic and geographic needs:
- No “Time-to-Live” Mandate: Unlike other Australian states that require a prognosis of 6 or 12 months, the NT committee suggested removing strict timelines. The focus would instead be on the “advanced, progressive, and incurable” nature of the condition.
- Nurse Practitioner Involvement: To address the shortage of doctors in remote areas, the laws may allow highly trained nurse practitioners to facilitate the process.
- A “Conscience Vote”: Members of the Legislative Assembly will not be forced to vote along party lines; instead, they will vote based on personal, ethical, or religious convictions.
Addressing Unique Territory Challenges
The drafting process must navigate sensitivities that are unique to the Northern Territory:
- Cultural Safety: With a high population of First Nations people, there are concerns that VAD laws could be misunderstood or cause fear regarding medical care in remote communities. The government is focusing on ensuring “culturally safe” communication and voluntary participation.
- The “Telehealth” Hurdle: Because of the NT’s vast size, telehealth is essential. However, federal laws currently prohibit using telecommunications to share information about suicide or assisted dying, creating a legal conflict the NT government must resolve.
Comparison of VAD Implementation Across Australia
| Region | Status | Year Passed |
| All 6 States | Fully Operational | 2017–2022 |
| ACT | Passed | 2024 |
| Northern Territory | In Progress | Expected 2026 |
