Tragic incident sparks concerns over grief support for VAD families

A tragic incident in which a person used voluntary assisted dying medication supplied to their partner has been referred to the Victorian coroner. The case was outlined in the latest annual report from the Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board, which oversees compliance with VAD laws that came into effect in 2019.

The report stated that the applicant had been diagnosed with cancer and was granted a permit to self-administer the medicine in February this year, but died in hospital two months later. It is believed their partner then used the medication in the days afterwards.

The board and Victoria's Department of Health carried out an investigation and found that the proper process had been followed. "The Board has found no evidence that any aspect of the VAD request and assessment process, or the dispensing of the substance, contributed to the circumstances that followed," the report stated. "The program continues to operate safely, and this incident does not alter the Board's assessment of the safety and integrity of the VAD framework."

However, the report highlighted the importance of grief support for the partners, families, and carers of applicants. "Dedicated grief and bereavement support services for VAD remain a recognised gap in the community," it said. "The circumstances of this incident reinforce the need for the program to strengthen the support available to contact persons and family members, both during the VAD process and after the applicant's death."

A care navigator program provides support for those using the program as well as their families and carers. The regulator described noncompliance as "low," at about 2 per cent of applications. Those noncompliances typically involved "administrative errors that do not present material risks to applicants."

There were more than 1,150 applications over the most recent financial year — an increase of about 40 per cent from the prior 12-month window. However, about 400 applications were withdrawn before the substances were dispensed, most often because the applicant had died.

To be eligible, applicants must be suffering from an advanced illness that is expected to kill them within six or 12 months depending on their condition. The majority of applicants in 2025-26 had a cancer diagnosis and the median applicant age was 74 years.

The Victorian government said safeguards around the provision of the medication were robust and stringent. "This was a tragic incident and we extend our sincere condolences to the family, loved ones and all those affected," a spokesperson said. "We know end-of-life care can be an incredibly difficult time for families and carers."