Australia’s Northern Territory, which pioneered the world’s first voluntary euthanasia legislation in 1995 only to have it overturned by federal parliament, is now positioned to become the final Australian jurisdiction to enact assisted dying laws. The territorial government announced Friday its commitment to draft new legislation by mid-2026, marking a historic reversal after nearly three decades of prohibition.
The territory’s groundbreaking 1995 laws—which allowed four terminally ill patients to end their lives legally—were nullified by the Australian Parliament in 1997. This federal ban persisted until 2022, when legislation was amended to permit both the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory to legislate on assisted dying. The ACT subsequently passed its laws in 2024.
Northern Territory Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby emphasized the complexity of the undertaking, stating: “Legislating for the rights of the terminally ill is one of the most sensitive and complex reforms any government can undertake. We’re taking the time to get this right through careful consultation rather than rushing the process.”
The unique demographic landscape of the Northern Territory presents significant implementation challenges. With just 260,000 residents scattered across an area nearly the size of France, the territory contains Australia’s highest proportion of Indigenous citizens—over 25% of the population compared to 3.8% nationally.
These demographic realities complicate the legislative process. Indigenous communities hold diverse perspectives on assisted dying, ranging from deep suspicion of medical systems to advocacy for culturally safeguarded access. Legislative Assembly Speaker Robyn Lambley expressed concerns about implementation, noting: “Establishing adequate education about assisted dying laws for Indigenous people, many of whom don’t speak English as a first language, is probably unrealistic. Aboriginal people have reluctance around accessing health services for anything.”
The government has committed to a conscience vote for lawmakers and will develop comprehensive public education campaigns addressing misinformation, particularly in remote and Indigenous communities, as recommended by a September 2025 parliamentary committee report.