Euthanasia and assisted suicide in Australia

Laws regarding euthanasia or assisted suicide in Australia are matters for state and territory governments. As of November 2025 all states and the Australian Capital Territory have implemented schemes providing assisted suicide and euthanasia for eligible individuals. These laws typically refer to the practices as "voluntary assisted dying".

Voluntary assisted dying schemes have been in effect in the following states and territories; Victoria since 19 June 2019, Western Australia since 1 July 2021, Tasmania since 23 October 2022, Queensland since 1 January 2023, South Australia since 31 January 2023, New South Wales since 28 November 2023 and the Australian Capital Territory since 3 November 2025.

Voluntary euthanasia and assisted dying is currently unlawful in the Northern Territory. Federal law prohibited the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory from legislating for the practice between 1997 and 2022. This federal ban was in response to the legalisation of euthanasia for a period between 1996 and 1997 in the Northern Territory.

Throughout Australia a patient can elect not to receive any treatment for a terminal illness and can also elect to have their life support turned off. Advance care planning is also available throughout Australia.

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