Finocchiaro CLP Government to introduce its Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill today, with the numbers to pass the Bill without the need for crossbench or opposition support.
The historic moment comes three decades after the NT first led the world with similar reforms and marks the first time a Territory government has been able to pass the laws in their own right.
These changes follow extensive consultation across the Territory and include strong safeguards for vulnerable Territorians.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government will introduce the Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill 2026 today, with Country Liberal Party MLAs united in progressing the reforms.
This commitment means the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s Bill will pass without reliance on non-government members.
Chief Minister, Lia Finocchiaro, said this was an historic moment and a hard-fought achievement.
“This is a defining moment for the Territory. For the first time in three decades, a Territory Government is bringing legislation to the Parliament that gives rights of voluntary assisted dying to the terminally ill,” the Chief Minister said.
“For nearly twenty years, Labor failed to even attempt to bring voluntary assisted dying laws to Parliament.
“In contrast, the CLP in under two years has worked through this important issue through a parliamentary committee, advocates, patients, loved ones, and many longstanding champions of this cause, and we are proud to be delivering for them.
“Let me be crystal clear: the CLP will introduce the Rights of the Terminally Ill laws today, and we have majority support to guarantee it becomes law in August. We are getting the job done.”
Attorney-General, Marie-Clare Boothby, said the reforms come after significant consultation, with a focus on supporting and safeguarding terminally ill Territorians.
“This is a deeply personal issue for many Territorians, and it goes to the heart of many of our core values as a Territory – certainty, compassion, and the freedom to choose,” Minister Boothby said.
“We’ve consulted widely, listened carefully, and at every step, our framework has been designed to ensure that decisions are voluntary and informed, with strong safeguards to protect the most vulnerable.”
Sue Shearer, President of the Council of the Ageing NT, welcomed the news.
“The Northern Territory has waited decades for these reforms, after once leading the world in introducing them,” Mrs Shearer said.
“This is good news for the terminally ill, for their loved ones, and for all of us who have campaigned for the rights of the terminally ill for many, many years.”
NT will now develop the clinical guidelines and lead implementation with Territorians able to access the services in less than 18 months.
