Australia’s Northern Territory considers passing assisted dying laws for second time in 31 years
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The first place in the world to legalize voluntary euthanasia 31 years ago could become the last part of Australia this year to secure the same legal reform, as the Northern Territory government on Friday announced plans to legislate for physician-assisted dying for the second time.
The Northern Territory’s first laws in the world, passed in 1995, were: Overturned by Australian Parliament two years later and four terminally ill patients were legally helped to die thereafter.
All six Australian states have since passed assisted dying laws and the Australian Parliament passed its own legislation, lifting the ban on two territories, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.
The Australian Capital Territory passed voluntary euthanasia laws in 2024, and Northern Territory Attorney General Marie-Clare Boothby said on Friday that lawmakers in her jurisdiction would consider a bill by mid-2026.
MPs will be allowed to vote according to their own conscience rather than following the party line.
“Legislating on the rights of terminally ill patients is one of the most sensitive and complex reforms any government can undertake,” Boothby said in a statement. “We’re taking our time to get this right. We’re working carefully and in consultation – we’re not rushing – and we’re committed to getting the balance right.”
In September 2025, a parliamentary committee recommended the passage of a physician-assisted suicide law in the Northern Territory, and also recommended the launch of a public education campaign to raise awareness and counter misinformation, particularly in remote and Indigenous communities.
Boothby said the preparation of the draft law is ongoing.
“We will not shy away from difficult issues and we are determined to advance these reforms carefully, thoughtfully and responsibly,” Boothby said.
The Northern Territory has many unique characteristics and challenges among Australian states and territories.
The territory has by far the smallest population of Australia’s eight territories: 260,000 people spread over an area almost the size of France. Australia’s population currently stands at 28 million.
Indigenous people made up 3.8% of Australia’s population of 25 million in the last census in 2021, while making up more than a quarter of the Northern Territory’s population.
Indigenous people’s views on voluntary euthanasia vary. Some Indigenous people are suspicious of the medical system and fear they may be killed against their will. Others argue for equitable access to assisted dying with strong cultural safeguards. There are also conflicting cultural beliefs about death.
Northern Territory Legislative Assembly Speaker Robyn Lambley said it was “probably unrealistic” to create adequate education about assisted dying legislation for Indigenous people, many of whom do not speak English as a first language.
“I don’t think we’re ready,” Lambley said in an online post. “Perhaps we will never be ready in the Territory. Aboriginal people are reluctant to access health services for anything, including having a baby.”
“This is going to be a disaster. I don’t think it’s going to work. We just need to go at our own pace,” he added.
