Nightshift - Voluntary Assisted Dying In Australia

Nightshift 13 2 26 - Dr Keith McArthur-720p30

In this episode of Nightshift, we speak with Tasmanian GP Dr Keith McArthur about the realities of providing Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) in a regional setting. Drawing on years of caring for his community, Dr McArthur offers an honest look at the life of a rural GP, the practical challenges clinicians face within Tasmania’s VAD framework, and the emotional weight of supporting patients at the end of life.
We explore the urgent need for the Tasmanian Government to establish a dedicated online portal for VAD clinicians — a step that could reduce administrative burden, improve coordination, and strengthen equity of access across the state. Dr McArthur also reflects personally on what it means to provide VAD services to people he has often known for decades, and how continuity of care shapes compassionate end-of-life practice.
A thoughtful conversation about medicine, community, policy, and the human side of VAD in Australia.
#VoluntaryAssistedDying #VADAustralia #TasmaniaHealth #RuralGP #EndOfLifeCare

Nightshift 02 02 26 - DWD NSW Update-720p30

In this episode of Nightshift, host Suzanne James is joined by Penny Hackett, President of Dying With Dignity NSW, for a timely update on voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in New South Wales.
Penny outlines current DWD NSW activities, provides an overview of the NSW VAD operational review now underway, and discusses the strong uptake and success of the VAD document witness program. The conversation also reflects on the defeat of the controversial and widely criticised Carter Bill late last year — legislation that sought to prevent eligible aged care residents from accessing VAD in religious-based facilities.
A concise and informative discussion on patient choice, legal safeguards, and the ongoing advocacy work shaping end-of-life care in NSW.
#NightshiftPodcast #VoluntaryAssistedDying #VADNSW #DyingWithDignity #EndOfLifeCare #PatientChoice #HealthPolicy #NSWPolitics #AgedCare #MedicalEthics #HumanRights #PalliativeCare #AustralianPodcasts

Nightshift 11 10 25 A VAD Advocacy Message to the Northern Territory

A message from journalist and VAD advocate Suzanne James to the Northern Territory about the progress of VAD legislation and the importance of continuing to contact your representatives in Parliament to voice your support for VAD in the NT.
#VAD #northernterritory #endofliferights #vad_for_the_nt

Nightshift 15 9 25 - DWDV Canine Ambassadors-720p30

Talking with Dying With Dignity Victoria Board Member and Leader of their groundbreaking Caning Ambassador Program. Rescue turned therapy dogs are bringing joy to patients and their loved ones as they navigate end of life care. #rescuedogs #VAD #endoflifecare #dyingwithdignity #therapydogs

Nightshift 4 9 25 - DWDQ Update

VAD Advocate and host Suzanne James catches up with Mr Michael Kaltenbaugh, President of Dying with Dignity Queensland (DWDQ) as they prepare for Queensland's 2026 VAD legislative review.  Michael also recently attended a Seniors Expo where information and discussions around VAD was very well received.  They also discuss the current groundbreaking study by Queensland University into VAD and Dementia, and talk future strategies for the VAD advocacy movement in Australia
 
If you’re interested in the ongoing conversation around VAD, personal choice, and the rights of older Australians, this interview will give you a unique perspective from one of Queensland’s leading voices in the movement.
 
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#VoluntaryAssistedDying #DyingWithDignity #Queensland #EndOfLifeChoices #SeniorsExpo #Australia
 
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   •   voluntary assisted dying
   •   VAD Queensland
   •   dying with dignity
   •   Dying with Dignity Queensland
   •   assisted dying laws Australia
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   •   end of life choices
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   •   seniors expo 2025
   •   Queensland legislation review
   •   end of life care Queensland
   •   right to die movement
   •   voluntary assisted dying review
   •   palliative care and VAD
   •   health policy Queensland

Nightshift 26 08 25 DWDV Update with Dr Nick Carr

Host Suzanne James and Dying With Dignity Victoria board member Dr Nick Carr discuss lobbying of Victorian MP's for proposed improvements to Victoria's VAD legislation, the upcoming 11 September VAD Forum at Victoria's Parliament House, DWDV's K9 Support Dog program, their VAD Young Ambassadors and the recent addition of two more doctors to the DWDV board.
 

Nightshift 19 8 25 - NT VAD Inquiry Update

NT VAD Inquiry Update - the Northern Territory Legal & Constitutional Affairs Committee has extended its public consultations until 29 August 2025 (previously due 15 August). Advocates and terminally ill Territorians are concerned the final report, due back to NT parliament at the end of September, may also now be further delayed which could potentially put its return off until next year. Advocates are seeking assurance from the Inquiry that this is not the case. The inquiry cited insufficient time to consult with indigenous and remote communities as the reason for extending the public consultation period. #northernterritory #VAD #VADfortheNT #voluntaryasisteddying

Nightshift 31 07 25 - Christians & VAD with Ian Wood

Host Suzanne James interviews Mr Ian Wood, co-founder of "Christians Supporting Choice for Voluntary Assisted Dying" and winner of the 2024 Rodney Syme Medal for services to the VAD movement. They discuss the high level of support for VAD amongst the Christian community and how some bible quotes are misrepresented in VAD debate. Includes a message from the Late Bishop Desmond Tutu in support of VAD.

Nightshift 10 07 25 - Jan Willis, MND & VAD

Host Suzanne James talks to retired Palliative Care Nurse Jan Willis from NSW who has been diagnosed with MND and has been approved for Voluntary Assisted Dying. Jan shares her VAD journey with us in support of others and to help raise awareness of the VAD process. They discuss the VAD application process, the support available for applicants and families and how obtaining approval greatly improved the quality of the time Jan has left with her family. Jan also talks about being the first person to obtain permission from the local multi purpose service care unit where she plans to take her final journey, to use VAD.

Nightshift 07 07 25 (12 mins)- Dr Nick Carr on ”The Power of Choice”

Host Suzanne James talks to Nick Carr about his and his VAD patient Lynette's inclusion in "The Power of Choice", a book by award winning photographer Julian Kingma, with Steve Offner, which is a photo essay of terminally ill people who have chosen Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). They courageously shared their last days and hours in support of the VAD advocacy movement.