Assisted dying legislation will be tabled mid-year in the only jurisdiction in Australia still disallowing the end-of-life choice for the terminally ill.
Northern Territory Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby confirmed on Friday the Country Liberal Party government would continue reform efforts following a recent parliamentary inquiry.
The 2025 Voluntary Assisted Dying Inquiry tabled in September made a series of recommendations, most accepted by the government, with work continuing to address the remaining recommendations.
Drafting of legislation was underway, with a bill to be introduced to parliament mid-year as a conscience vote for all members.
The inquiry committee had consulted widely and examined the operation of voluntary assisted dying frameworks in other Australian jurisdictions, Ms Boothby said in a statement. "Legislating for the rights of the terminally ill is one of the most sensitive and complex reforms any government can undertake.
"We're taking the time to get this right. We're working carefully and consultatively, not rushing it, and we are committed to getting the balance right." Ms Boothby said the reforms would not be supported by everyone as it was a deeply personal issue, with people holding strong and differing views. The territory became the first Australian jurisdiction to make voluntary euthanasia legal in 1995, but the laws were quickly overturned by the Howard government.
All six states and the ACT have since passed their own laws allowing it. Ms Boothby said key elements for scrutiny included eligibility criteria for those with serious and incurable illnesses, appropriate assessment and decision-making timeframes and safeguards to protect vulnerable Territorians.
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