ACT Tribunal blocks Canberra man's bid for voluntary assisted dying

The ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal confirmed that a Canberra man has decision‑making capacity to apply for voluntary assisted dying (VAD) under the territory’s 2025 scheme. However, the tribunal ruled it lacks authority to review the earlier finding that his three chronic medical conditions are not "advanced and progressive" and not expected to cause his death, a key eligibility requirement.

Because the law does not permit a review of the practitioner’s eligibility assessment, the applicant cannot presently access VAD. The tribunal noted, “for now the applicant is not able to access voluntary assisted dying,” but said other avenues remain available. Eligibility in the ACT requires an adult resident with an advanced, progressive condition expected to cause death, intolerable suffering, and full decision‑making capacity.