Nightshift - Voluntary Assisted Dying In Australia

What does it actually take to have the legal declarations required for Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) properly witnessed in NSW?
In this episode of Nightshift, Suzanne James talks with Fiona Jackson, Coordinator of the Dying With Dignity NSW Volunteer Declaration Witness Program.
Fiona trains and coordinates a network of volunteer witnesses who help people undertaking the VAD process meet the NSW legal requirements for witnessing the declarations required during assessment and approval.
We talk about:
• What the NSW VAD legislation requires when it comes to witnessing declarations
• Why finding an eligible witness can sometimes be difficult
• How the Dying With Dignity NSW Volunteer Declaration Witness Program came about
• How the volunteer witness program operates
• The training and support provided to volunteer witnesses
• Why this practical support can make such a difference for people navigating the VAD process
• Where people can find further information and assistance
A conversation about one of the less visible — but important — parts of making Voluntary Assisted Dying accessible in NSW.
Nightshift is a podcast about Voluntary Assisted Dying in Australia, bringing together the people, stories, law, policy and debates shaping VAD.

Dr Adele Stevens and Roy Harvey both from Dying With Dignity ACT, discuss the recently announced Citizen's Jury to be held in the ACT which will look at what happens when someone is approved for VAD but loses capacity at the final hurdle.  The announcement led to a firestorm of demand for it to consider the question of dementia and VAD.

We talk to Steve Walker, President of Dying With Dignity Western Australia about dementia, Telehealth and outcomes of WA VAD statutory reviews.

Penny Neller from Queensland University's End of Life Law Centre outlines VAD training they provide for general practitioners, and information provided to the public.

We talk to Ann David, former President of the New Zealand End Of Life Choice Society about their upcoming statutory review, the gag clause and expansion of VAD accessibility.

Dr NIck Carr gives an update on Dying With Dignity Victoria.  Dr Carr is a Dying With Dignity Victoria board member and recently retired VAD physician in Victoria.

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

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

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

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