Death and dying can be a difficult topic. Voluntary assisting dying may raise emotional, spiritual or cultural concerns. Help is available to support you. You are not alone during this process.
If you need urgent crisis mental health support, call these free services (open 24 hours):
You can also call:
It is important you understand what is happening at each stage of the voluntary assisted dying process. It is also important that you can communicate your needs and decisions.
You can use an interpreter to start the process to access voluntary assisted dying if you prefer to speak a language other than English. You can use an interpreter at every step of the process.
Tell your doctor if you need an interpreter. Your doctor can arrange one. It is free.
Only certain people with special training can be your interpreter for voluntary assisted dying. This includes if you need an Auslan interpreter.
A family member, friend, carer or contact who does not have special training cannot be your interpreter. This is because of the voluntary assisted dying law in NSW.
You can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask for the NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service on 1300 802 133 if you have questions about voluntary assisted dying and need language support.
There are also Resources in language for people considering voluntary assisted dying.
All eligible people across NSW can access voluntary assisted dying services. This includes people living in regional and rural areas.
If your doctor can’t help you access voluntary assisted dying, call the NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service. They can help you find eligible voluntary assisted dying practitioners who can help you.
Virtual care including telehealth is often used by people living in regional and rural areas to access healthcare. However, some steps of the voluntary assisted dying process in NSW must be undertaken face to face. Telehealth may be clinically inappropriate, not practical, or prohibited (illegal) under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Commonwealth). Your doctor or nurse will tell you when telehealth can and cannot be used.
The Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) provides financial assistance from the NSW Government towards your travel and accommodation costs.
You may be eligible for the scheme for voluntary assisted dying related appointments if you meet eligibility requirements.
Read more information about eligibility including how to make a claim for financial assistance on IPTAAS - Voluntary assisted dying.
Some Aboriginal people may wish to die on Country as part of their end of life journey.
The NSW law has special rules about where voluntary assisted dying can take place. You can choose to die at home surrounded by family and on Country, but your death needs to take place in NSW.
If you want to die on Country in regional or remote NSW, talk to your doctor.
If you choose to access voluntary assisted dying, your family and mob can follow traditional Sorry Business ceremonies and practices after you die.
Read more information about voluntary assisted dying for Aboriginal communities.
People with a disability have the same right to ask for voluntary assisted dying as others in the community.
People who have a disability must still meet all the eligibility criteria. This includes being able to make and communicate a decision about voluntary assisted dying. They need to do this throughout the process. Having a disability alone does not meet the criteria set out in the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2022.