Overview
In the lead-up to the State Election 2025, DWDWA conducted a survey to understand where political parties and independent candidates for the Upper House stand on key reforms to VAD laws. We asked for their positions on the following four key issues:
- A new inquiry into VAD by a cross-party joint select Parliamentary Committee.
- Review of eligibility requirements to improve equitable access for terminally ill individuals.
- Review of restrictions on access to VAD in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
- Examination of the exclusion of VAD for people with dementia.
Summary
Support of respondents for reform averaged 76% across all questions, with 6 political parties and 3 independent candidates responding YES to all four questions. These were:
- The Greens WA
- Legalise Cannabis WA
- Libertarian Party
- The Nationals WA
- Stop Pedophiles! Protect Kiddies!
- Sustainable Australia Party
- Independent Jennifer McRae
- Independent Sophia Moermond
- Independent Steve Walker
Below, you’ll find each of the four key questions and the survey results.
Survey Results
Question 1: Do you support the New Inquiry?
Yes:
The Greens WA, Legalise Cannabis WA, Libertarian Party, The Nationals WA, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers, Stop Pedophiles! Protect Kiddies!, Sustainable Australia Party, Independent Sophia Moermond, Independent Adrian Perrot*, Independent Jennifer McRae, Independent Steve Walker.
No:
Liberal Party Western Australia, Independent Tony Ball.
Unsure:
Independent Adrian Perrot*, Independent Christiane Smith.
No response:
Animal Justice Party, Australian Christians, One Nation, WA Labor, Independent Louise Kingston, Independent Aussie Trump, Independent Sudhir Sudhir, Independent Peter McLernon.
*Independent Adrian Perrot selected Yes/Unsure and has been recorded twice.
Question 2: Should there be a review of the requirements for determining the eligibility of terminally ill patients for VAD, to facilitate more equitable access?
Yes:
The Greens WA, Legalise Cannabis WA, Libertarian Party, Nationals WA, Stop Pedophiles! Protect Kiddies!, Sustainable Australia Party, Independent Steve Walker, Independent Sophia Moermond, Independent Adrian Perrot, Independent Jennifer McRae, Independent Tony Ball.
No:
(none)
Unsure:
Liberal Party Western Australia, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers, Independent Christiane Smith.
No response:
Animal Justice Party, Australian Christians, One Nation, WA Labor, Independent Louise Kingston, Independent Aussie Trump, Independent Sudhir Sudhir, Independent Peter McLernon.
Question 3: Should there be a review of restrictions on access of eligible patients to VAD services in hospitals and other facilities?
Yes:
The Greens WA, Legalise Cannabis WA, Libertarian Party, Nationals WA, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers, Stop Pedophiles! Protect Kiddies!, Sustainable Australia Party, Independent Steve Walker, Independent Sophia Moermond, Independent Jennifer McRae, Independent Tony Ball.
No:
(none)
Unsure:
Independent Adrian Perrot, Independent Christiane Smith.
No response:
Animal Justice Party, Australian Christians, One Nation, WA Labor, Independent Louise Kingston, Independent Aussie Trump, Independent Sudhir Sudhir, Independent Peter McLernon.
Question 4: Is it time to examine how our VAD legislation could address the present exclusion of dementia as a basis for accessing VAD?
Yes:
The Greens WA, Legalise Cannabis WA, Libertarian Party, Nationals WA, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers, Stop Pedophiles! Protect Kiddies!, Sustainable Australia Party, Independent Steve Walker, Independent Sophia Moermond, Independent Jennifer McRae.
No:
Independent Adrian Perrot, Independent Tony Ball, Liberal Party Western Australia.
Unsure:
Independent Christiane Smith.
No response:
Animal Justice Party, Australian Christians, One Nation, WA Labor, Independent Louise Kingston, Independent Aussie Trump, Independent Sudhir Sudhir, Independent Peter McLernon.
Next Steps
DWDWA will be advocating for the establishment of the New Inquiry to review the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2019. We believe that reform is necessary to ensure equitable and compassionate access to VAD for all Western Australians who need it.
We encourage you to stay informed and support these efforts for meaningful change. For updates and further information, please explore other resources on our website.