Northern Territory Voluntary Euthanasia Society

Welcome to NTVES.

NTVES was formed in 1995 after the passage of Voluntary Euthanasia legislation in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly.  Marshall Perron's Rights of the Terminally Ill Act (ROTI) was the world's first VE legislation.  It survived several appeals and became usable  on 1 July 1996.  Four people made use of ROTI before a private member's bill in Federal Parliament in March 1997 took away the right of a territory parliament to make VE legislation.  The States of Australia still have that right.  

Our Aims

Despite this setback, NTVES remains committed to our objectives:

  • To promote a knowledge and understanding of the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act, the Natural Death Act and other related legislation to the members and general community.
  • To influence public and political opinion in preparation for the time when the Northern Territory Parliament regains the constitutional authority to process responsible voluntary euthanasia legislation.
  • To promote palliative care services in the NT to ensure voluntary euthanasia is not sought due to inadequate palliation.
  • To promote the adoption of progressive legislation on consent to medical treatment and medical power of attorney.
  • To cooperate with other associations with compatible objectives.
  • To develop and maintain a relationship with the NT Government and other related interested parties/groups which will enable the Society to provide effective and timely input to legislation and regulatory processes and policy development.

Australian Organisations

State and Territory dying-with-dignity and voluntary euthanasia societies which share our aims include:
 


For the latest international news and information on dying with dignity and voluntary euthanasia visit The World Federation of Right to Die Societies.