The first year of voluntary assisted dying in Queensland

This is a snapshot of information about the first year of voluntary assisted dying in Queensland.

The report summarises activity between the commencement of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 (the Act) on 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023. It provides an overview of the voluntary assisted dying process as well as key contacts and links to additional resources for more information about voluntary assisted dying.

The report shows that from 1 January to 31 December 2023:

  • 1,323 people had a first assessment to assess their eligibility to access voluntary assisted dying
  • 598 people died from administration of a voluntary assisted dying substance
  • There were 361 authorised voluntary assisted dying practitioners across Queensland as at 31 December 2023.

The report also provides information about who accessed voluntary assisted dying in 2023:

  • people were aged between 18 and 107 years and the median age was 73
  • 48% of people lived in regional, rural or remote parts of Queensland
  • 78% of people had a cancer diagnosis.

    • The Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board (the Review Board) is the independent oversight body for voluntary assisted dying in Queensland. The Review Board reviews each completed voluntary assisted dying request to ensure compliance by those involved with the requirements of the Act.

    Download the 2023 summary report (PDF 922 kB).

    Information for the community

    This printable resource explains what voluntary assisted dying is and who may be eligible to access it, the process to access voluntary assisted dying, and who you can talk to for more information.

    It also provides some statistical information about the first year of voluntary assisted dying in Queensland (1 January to 31 December 2023).

    Download Information for the community about voluntary assisted dying in Queensland (PDF 2479 kB).

    Last updated: 24 June 2024