Voluntary Assisted Dying Commission

Role of the Commission

The Voluntary Assisted Dying Commission (the Commission) is to be established under the End-of-Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Act 2021 (the Act) and will be a regulatory body reporting directly to the Minister for Health. Its primary role will be to oversee the operation of the Act.

Its key responsibilities include:

• monitoring and reporting on the operation of the Act
• providing assistance to persons who want to access voluntary assisted dying
• issuing authorisations and approvals as required by the Act
• reviewing applications and decisions as specified within the Act
• maintaining documentation as required by the Act
• making and approving procedures, policies and guidelines in relation to the operation of voluntary assisted dying, as specified in the Act
• distributing information regarding the functions of the Commission and the operation of the Act
• investigating, reporting and making recommendations on matters relating to the operation or administration of the Act
• communicating concerns about compliance or non-compliance with the Act
• other functions that may be prescribed.

The Commission will be supported by state service employees to be appointed by the Minister for Health as considered necessary to assist the Commission in the performance of its functions. Neither the Commission nor its employees are subject to the control or direction of the Minister (except as specified in the Act).

Commission Members

The members of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Commission are:

• Louise Mollross (Executive Commissioner)
• Dr Annette Barratt (Deputy Executive Commissioner)
• Kim Barker
• Dr David Boadle
• Elizabeth McDonald
• Professor Margaret Otlowski

These members were selected by an independent panel following public Expressions of Interest. They are appointed jointly by the Minister for Health and the Attorney-General.

Key dates

Further information

Email vad@health.tas.gov.au