Access to Victoria’s historic voluntary assisted dying laws continues to grow, with more medical practitioners being encouraged to train and register to support a compassionate choice for the terminally ill.

Minister for Health Martin Foley welcomed the fourth report of the independent Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board, led by former Supreme Court Justice Betty King QC, which was tabled in Parliament today.

The latest report shows in the six months to 31 December 2020, 233 people were assessed for eligibility to access voluntary assisted dying – a total of 581 since 19 June 2019.

The report also shows there have been an additional 174 permits issued, bringing the total number of permits issued to 405 – with an average age of 71 years.

More than 450 medical practitioners are now trained to support voluntary assisted dying, with a 25 per cent increase in the number of practitioners actively supporting at least one case.

The Board found six cases to be non-compliant with the Act, although these issues were not related to the eligibility of the applicant. The errors were related to a misinterpretation of the Act and to the timely return of the medication, but there were no concerns for public safety.

In January 2020 the service was expanded throughout regional Victoria, providing a Care Navigator within each of the five Victorian health regions to ensure regional and rural Victorians have timely access and support.

The Board has again requested the Commonwealth to reconsider restrictions on using telehealth for conversations about voluntary assisted dying, particularly for those who live in rural and regional Victoria.

The report is available at bettersafercare.vic.gov.au/vad.