A national report has found most residential aged care providers are failing to give older Australians clear information about voluntary assisted dying (VAD), despite it being legal in every state and soon in the ACT.
Released by Go Gentle Australia and the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), the report shows 85 per cent of providers either do not offer access to VAD or provide no public information about it. Of 72 providers surveyed, covering almost 70 per cent of the national aged care population, only four (5 per cent) gave residents both comprehensive information and full access.
Go Gentle CEO Dr Linda Swan said the findings raised concerns about compliance with state VAD laws and the new Aged Care Act, effective from 1 November 2025.
“Older people have a legal right to know about VAD, where it is available and what support will be offered at the end of life,” Dr Swan said. “This must become standard practice in residential aged care,” she added.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has made clear that residents are entitled to choose VAD, even if providers do not participate in the process. The report details cases of frail residents being forced to transfer facilities to access VAD, and families learning about the option too late.
“Residential aged care is someone’s home. This is not about taking a position for or against VAD – it’s about giving people the information they need at a deeply personal time.”
Craig Gear, OPAN
Uniting NSW.ACT and OneCare Tasmania were among four providers identified as best practice, offering transparent information, trained staff and access to VAD. Both organisations said staff preparation and supportive environments were critical to residents’ end-of-life choices.
Since becoming legal in Victoria in 2019, more than 8,000 Australians have applied for VAD, with demand increasing across states. From November 2025, VAD will also be available in the ACT.
