The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 (QLD) 
comes into effect from 1 January 2023.

The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 (the Act) was passed in September 2021. Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) will be available to eligible Queenslanders from 1 January 2023 and allows eligible people to access a VAD substance.

­As a Catholic healthcare service, Mater adheres to the Code of Ethical Standards for Catholic Health Care Services in Australia and does not participate in or facilitate VAD. This means that Mater People including Visiting Medical Practitioners (VMOs) do not initiate conversations about VAD or administer a VAD substance. 

Mater is committed to supporting all patients, across our state-wide network, to access high quality end-of-life care, including palliative and supportive care and advance care planning. Our services always strive to ensure those in our care die in comfort and with dignity. 

View our Responding to VAD Requests - State-wide Procedure

Requests for Voluntary Assisted Dying – Mater State-wide Policy

This document applies to all Mater facilities, services, staff and stakeholders across the state. It outlines the requirements for responding to patient requests for Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) within Mater facilities and services.

This policy will ensure all Mater People respond in accordance with the VAD Act 2021 (Qld) legislation and will be read in conjunction with Responding to VAD Requests - State-wide procedure

 

View the Policy here

Understanding Mater's repose to VAD

All requests about voluntary assisted dying will be received in a compassionate and respectful manner at Mater.

Mater will not provide voluntary assisted dying at any Mater healthcare service, nor will Mater People initiate conversations about VAD.

For our patients and their families, Mater will continue to deliver compassionate care in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, just as we have been doing for more than century.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Voluntary Assisted Dying?
What is Mater’s response to Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation?
What resources are available to me?
Resources for Mater's Medical Community
I find end of life issues distressing. Who can I talk to?
Where can I find more information?