Key Facts:
Of the 72 providers featured in this report (caring for almost 70% of the national residential aged care population) :
Only four (5%) provided comprehensive information and full access to VAD
85% do not offer VAD access to residents, or there is no public information about the level of access
These results call into question how some providers are complying with the requirements of their duties under state VAD law or the existing and new Aged Care Act.
A new report has found that the majority of Australia's residential aged care providers do not provide clear and transparent information about the legal option of voluntary assisted dying (VAD), with some eligible residents missing out on their end-of-life choice as a result.
This report finds that, despite VAD laws being passed in every state and the ACT, 85 per cent of residential aged care providers do not offer VAD access to their residents, or do not offer any public information about VAD, even though it is a legally available option in every state.
This means terminally ill older residents and their families can find out too late that they are required to move elsewhere if they wish to access VAD.
Voluntary Assisted Dying in Residential Aged Care Homes: A National report card, by Go Gentle Australia in partnership with OPAN, is being launched at the Ageing Australia National Conference today.
Go Gentle CEO Dr Linda Swan said the results called into question how some providers are complying with the requirements of state VAD law or with their duties under the new Aged Care Act, effective 1 November 2025.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, the federal regulator of aged care, is explicit that eligible residents have the right to choose to access VAD; even where the provider has made the decision not to participate in the VAD process.
"The results in this report are disturbing. Older people have a legal right to know about VAD, where it is available and what support will be offered at the end of life,'' Dr Swan said.
"This report strongly suggests that this is not standard practice in Residential Aged Care but it must rapidly become so."
Of the 72 providers featured in the report, only four (5%) provided comprehensive information and full access to VAD.
Dr Swan said she had heard of frail and sick aged care residents being forced to move to another care home to access VAD. She had also heard from residents who only learnt about VAD when it was too late, as well as families who are angry that their loved one suffered unnecessarily.
"Older people have a legal right to know their options at the end of life, including VAD. And they have a right to know this information before they choose the facility that will become their home.
"They can rightly expect that the people who run residential aged care facilities will adhere to statutes and guidelines put in place to protect their choices and consumer rights."
OPAN CEO Craig Gear said older people deserved clear, upfront information about VAD to ensure their dignity and rights were upheld.
"Residential aged care is someone's home. This is not about taking a position for or against VAD – it's about giving older people and their families the clarity they need at a deeply personal time.
"In rural and regional areas, moving to access VAD can be harmful and unrealistic. Clear information from providers helps older people avoid distressing, unnecessary transfers.
"'OPAN will keep working with providers and regulators to lift transparency and support best practice - so older people can make informed decisions and have their choices respected."
Dr Swan said the purpose of the report was twofold: to investigate what information providers make available to the public about VAD access, and to encourage transparency so that older Australians can make informed choices about their care.
"Our intention in publishing these findings is not to condemn residential aged care providers, but to encourage and support the sector, highlight best practice and work constructively with providers so older Australians can have the clear, accurate and accessible information they need."
Uniting ACT.NSW and OneCare Tasmania are two of four providers in the report that feature as best practice examples, giving comprehensive public information as well as VAD access.
Uniting NSW.ACT Director Advocacy & External Relations Emma Maiden said: "We are committed to delivering person-centred care to all residents, including those who elect to access VAD and we have grown knowledge by reflecting on the experience of people choosing VAD to date.
"We believe it is critical that staff are well prepared and informed, particularly given the diversity of religious and cultural beliefs among team members. We have shared this knowledge across our aged care sites."
OneCare Chief Clinical Officer Glen Williams said their aged care homes played a critical role in creating a calm, supportive environment and ensuring continuity of care for residents wishing to access VAD. OneCare had worked closely with the state's VAD Commission and the VAD Care Navigator team to educate staff and foster ongoing communication with residents.
"It shouldn't be a clinical event, it's part of life. So we provide a natural, home-like environment for residents who choose VAD,'' Mr Williams said.
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