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The first place in the world to legalize voluntary euthanasia 31 years ago may this year become the last place in Australia to get the same legal reforms as Australia. Northern Territory The government on Friday announced plans to legislate for physician-assisted dying for a second time.
The world’s first law passed in the Northern Territory in 1995 was overturned by Australia’s parliament two years later after four terminally ill patients were given legal help
All six Australian states have since passed euthanasia laws, and the Australian Parliament has lifted the ban on two territories, the Northern Territory and Northern Territory. Australian Capital Territorypass such laws of their own.
The Australian Capital Territory passed a voluntary euthanasia law 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.
Lawmakers will be allowed to vote on this based on their conscience rather than being expected to follow party lines.
“Legislating for the rights of terminally ill people is one of the most sensitive and complex reforms any government can undertake,” Boothby said in a statement. “We are taking our time to address this issue. We are negotiating carefully, without rushing it, and we are committed to striking the right balance.”
A parliamentary committee recommended in September 2025 that the Northern Territory pass a physician-assisted suicide law and recommend a public education campaign to raise awareness and counter misinformation, particularly in remote and indigenous communities.
Boothby said drafting of the bill is ongoing.
“We will not shy away from difficult issues and we are committed to advancing these reforms carefully, thoughtfully and responsibly,” Boothby said.
The Northern Territory has some unique characteristics and challenges among the Australian states and territories.
The region has by far the smallest population of Australia’s eight jurisdictions: 260,000 people spread over an area almost the size of Australia. France. Australia’s current population is 28 million.
Aboriginal people make up 3.8% of Australia’s 25 million people, according to the last census in 2021, but more than a quarter of the Northern Territory’s population.
Aboriginal views on voluntary euthanasia vary. Some Aboriginal people are skeptical 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. Cultural beliefs about death also conflict.
Northern Territory Legislative Assembly Speaker Robyn Lambley said it was important to provide Aboriginal people, many of whom cannot speak, with adequate education on euthanasia laws English As a first language, “maybe unrealistic”.
“I don’t think we’re ready yet,” Lambley said in an online post. “Perhaps we will never be ready in the territory. Aboriginal people are unwilling to get any medical care or even have children.”
“It would be a disaster. I don’t think it’s going to work. We just have to go at our own pace,” she added.