Why VAD laws failed Hervey Bay couple who died together

A former Qld Carer of the Year and his terminally ill wife, who chose to die at home together, had no choice but to do it on their own under Qld’s current Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation.

Point Vernon man Geoffrey Cornwell was awarded MS Carer of the Year with his wfe Bev.Photo: Alistair Brightman / Fraser Coast Chronicle

A devoted couple who chose to die at home together had no choice but to do it by themselves under the state’s current Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation, an advocate says.

Hervey Bay’s Beverley and Geoffrey Cornwell were found at their home, holding hands in bed, on March 6, 2023, after opting to die together.

Mrs Cornwell, 77, had battled multiple sclerosis for years and her husband, 80, had been her devoted carer.

Ten years ago, in 2013, Mr Cornwell was awarded the Queensland Carer of the Year award, telling the Fraser Coast Chronicle at the time:

“(Bev) said one day, ‘Why don’t you just buzz off and leave me, I don’t want to be a bloody drag on you?’

“I said, ‘Wait a minute, when we took our wedding vows I thought it was in sickness and in health, till death do us part and I just hope you would have done the same for me if things were reversed’.”

Dying with Dignity Queensland vice president Jeanette Wiley said Mrs Cornwell would not have qualified under the current legislation, which required a person with a terminal condition to have less than 12 months to live, something which was often unknown with conditions like MS.

“For people with chronic conditions, no one can say when they are going to die,” Ms Wiley said.

Hervey Bay's Bev and Geoff Cornwell died on March 6.

Ms Wiley said she received a lot of calls from people wanting to know what the criteria was for assisted dying.

Other states required a terminal diagnosis where the person had less than six months to live, while in the ACT, there would be no time limit on a person with a terminal illness being able to access an assisted death.

Ms Wiley said Mrs Cornwell was “exactly the sort of person” who would have benefited from legislation that did not specify how long a person had left to live in addition to a terminal diagnosis.

“Shouldn’t you be allowed to say, I don’t want to wait to get that bad?” Ms Wiley said.

“It’s a choice, having the choice is key.”

She said some people within the movement did not think there should be any limitations at all when it came to accessing Voluntary Assisted Dying.

The story of Bev and Geoff was very moving, she said.

“They must have really loved each other.”

This week, Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour paid tribute to the Cornwells.

“Bev and Geoff were a very loving and supportive couple who contributed greatly to our community,” he said.

“They were both always looking for ways to help others.

Bev Cornwell had multiple sclerosis but still contributed greatly to the Hervey Bay community.

“I always really enjoyed talking with Bev about local history.

“Her interest in history came from her interest in people and always wanting the best for them.”

Their deaths sparked an outpouring of support from the community.

“I don’t know them but I commend them for having a choice in their life and death,” Peta Hanney wrote.

Shiree Styles said Geoff and Bev were “true mentors” for the community.

“Will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of their company.

“Our sincere sympathy of their loved ones.”

Karen Anderson said she understood that deep love.

“Together eternally,” she said.

“My heartfelt condolences to all who loved them.”

Originally published as Why VAD laws failed Hervey Bay couple who died together