The presentation Setting the Scene provides a comprehensive overview of Voluntary Assisted Dying in Queensland. This covers the key aspects of the legislation with specific reference to the legal obligations of Ministry Agents and its potential impact on their pastoral care response. The presentation seeks to answer two fundamental questions: What does it mean for the people of God to live with this legal reality? What does it mean for us to witness in this space?
The Queensland Government legislation can be accessed in full here.
Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 – Queensland Legislation – Queensland Government
Dr Katrine Del Villar is a lawyer and lecturer in medical law and ethics at QUT. She presents the legislation in the context of pastoral issues relating to four core areas: eligibility, the process, conscientious objection and how to talk about Voluntary Assisted Dying. Her slide presentation is provided separately.
Part 2: VAD – a legal perspective – YouTube
PowerPoint Presentation (faithfulandeffective.com)
Professor Liz Raymond from South Brisbane Palliative Care explains the clinical process with particular reference to support for the dying and palliative care. The PowerPoint presentation is provided via a separate link.
(2) Part 1: VAD – a medical perspective – YouTube
PowerPoint Presentation (faithfulandeffective.com)
Queensland Health has developed a comprehensive handbook for health professionals. Every aspect is explained in detail, from initiating the process through conscientious objection and coercion to managing the prescription and signing the death certificate.
Queensland Voluntary Assisted Dying Handbook (health.qld.gov.au)
Advanced Heath Care Directives.
In a resource on Voluntary Assisted Dying, it’s important to note the availability of an instrument called an Advanced Health Care Directive. This is the formal instrument whereby specific instructions are articulated by an individual about acceptable medical intervention, or withdrawal. However, the Directive can only come into force when the patient is mentally incapacitated and no longer able to direct their medical practitioners. Voluntary Assisted Dying is then not an option as a patient has to be capable of making that decision with a sound mind. Advance Care Planning is an organisation which provides advice on the care planning process.
Queensland: create your plan (advancecareplanning.org.au)
Further explanation of the legalities and paperwork can be found here.
Advance health directive | Your rights, crime and the law | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)