NT Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee reveals next steps in Voluntary Assisted Dying inquiry

The parliamentary committee tasked with inquiring into Voluntary Assisted Dying has revealed details of the plan to deliver on its mammoth task by deadline.

Tanzil Rahman is chair of the parliamentary committee holding an inquiry into VAD. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The parliamentary committee tasked with inquiring into Voluntary Assisted Dying in the Northern Territory has revealed details of its plan to deliver on the mammoth task set by the Country Liberal government.

Last month rising political pressure led the CLP to order the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee (LCAC) to hold an inquiry into a comprehensive VAD report prepared in 2024.

The LCAC has been tasked to prepare a consultation paper, consult with remote communities, evaluate VAD models and safeguards, identify Territory specific challenges, and provide drafting instructions for laws if it recommends VAD be adopted.

The large body of work is due in four months, and expected to be carried out around the competing duties of the LCAC members: Chair Tanzil Rahman (CLP), Matthew Kerle (CLP), Oly Carlson (CLP), Dheran Young (Labor) and Kat McNamara (Greens).

In a statement Fong Lim MLA Dr Rahman said the committee had already met twice to discuss how it planned to proceed, with an initial focus on the logistics of remote consultation.

The consultation paper was being prepared for public release “as soon as possible”.

“Notwithstanding concerns expressed regarding the process and short reporting time frame, LCAC is committed to conducting its inquiry ethically and respectfully, and consulting as widely as possible,” Dr Rahman said.

“LCAC members have agreed to work cooperatively and constructively together in good faith, to agree on suitable scope and process for the inquiry, with a view to progressing the issue of VAD in the NT.”

The LCAC has four months to deliver its report.

He said the committee members had also promised to make themselves available for the duration of the inquiry consultation hearings, which will take place in August with exact dates and locations still to be confirmed.

The LCAC has invited a raft of stakeholders to provide a briefing at its next meeting on July 7, including the co-chairs of the VAD Independent Expert Advisory Panel, Vicki O’Halloran AO and Duncan McConnel SC.

Also approached were all of the Aboriginal land councils, the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT, and the NT Community Development department.

“My fellow Committee members and I are pleased to have the opportunity to progress the issue of VAD for Territorians,” Dr Rahman said.

“We are looking forward to working together and will do our best to consult as widely as possible, to gather information to supplement existing materials.”

Originally published as NT Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee reveals next steps in Voluntary Assisted Dying inquiry