Founded in 1974, Dying With Dignity Victoria Inc. (DWDV), formerly the Voluntary Euthanasia Society of Victoria Inc., was originally established as a law reform and education organisation to pursue public policies and laws in the state of Victoria which enhance self-determination and dignity at the end-of-life. DWDV operates as a membership-based not-for-profit organisation, relying on the strength of our membership to support our efforts.

Over the past 45 years, Dying with Dignity Victoria’s primary purpose was to advocate for the introduction of end-of-life choices legislative reform in the state of Victoria. Significant efforts over the past three years by DWDV has contributed to the realisation of this reform.

• We contributed extensively to the formation of The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017 (VAD Act), which was passed in November 2017, and which came into effect on 19 June 2019. This legislation offers access to voluntary assisted dying for those people who meet the eligibility criteria.

• We advocated strongly for statutory recognition of Advance Care Directives in The Medical Treatment Planning and Decisions Act 2016 (MTPD Act), which was implemented from March 2018. This legislation recognises an individual’s right to document their future medical treatment wishes.

These two Acts provide a strong foundation for ensuring all Victorians have good access to end-of-life choices into the future.

Going forward, DWDV will now focus on provision of education and services related to end-of-life care.