On 17th June 2025, a new paper by Centre Think Tank is being released, just before the third reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in Parliament begins.

This paper covers the Australian state laws on assisted dying, a set of safe systems which provide choice, dignity and protection at the end of life. It also shows growing public support for assisted dying and that many of the concerns raised by opponents in Australia before implementation did not become a reality.

The paper uncovers almost one billion Australian Dollars in additional palliative care funding directly linked to assisted dying legislation across every state. Australia also provides a model for palliative care and assisted dying systems to work hand in hand, especially as 80% of individuals use both services (1) at the same time. The UK is already following this trend, with an additional £100 million in funding for hospices already announced (2), also linked to the assisted dying debate.

The Australian systems also include over 100 individual safeguards, far more than any other end-of-life option. These include state-wide services, training, and guidance, which act as checks. Many of the safeguards in this system are “hidden safeguards” as they are only apparent after laws are implemented. The paper also includes an inside view of how practitioners detect coercion.

There are also no signs of a slippery slope or that the law in Australia has significantly changed since its adoption. States generally keep in line with each other and learn from each other rather than sliding towards significantly looser or more relaxed requirements.

The paper also highlighted the opportunities for the UK to cooperate with Australian states on assisted dying implementation. Alex Greenwich MP, who was interviewed for the paper, said, “I know that New South Wales Health would be happy to provide any knowledge or expertise, and share experiences with the UK on how to implement the laws. New South Wales learned from other jurisdictions as well.”

Dr Simon Opher, a Labour Member of Parliament and GP, wrote the foreword to this paper. He stated, “This paper demonstrates many of these lessons and shows that a safe system with choice, dignity and protection from coercion was achieved in a country with a law similar to our proposed bill. This paper found no evidence of individuals being coerced into an assisted death and explored the extensive safeguards to prevent coercion.”

Director of Centre Think Tank Torrin Wilkins said: “It is now clear the bill before Parliament has far more safeguards than it first appears, hidden safeguards which are only seen once a bill is implemented. The Australian laws have over 100 safeguards, and there are no reports of individuals being coerced into an assisted death. What we have seen is a system which reports on even the most minor of issues, and where the only reports of coercion were people being coerced out of an assisted death, the exact opposite of what many people expect.”

Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, said: “Australia has shown us that there is a kinder and safer alternative to the cruel and outdated blanket ban on assisted dying. The new evidence within this paper confirms that not only do these laws give choice to those who need and want it at the end of their lives, but palliative care improves as a result. In November, a clear majority of MPs backed the principle of giving choice to dying people, recognising that banning assisted dying protects no one and causes untold suffering. In the following months, MPs have spent more than 100 hours strengthening the Bill, making it practical and operable. We are now closer than ever to a law change backed by three-quarters of British people and one that is long overdue. This week, MPs will come to vote on Kim Leadbeater’s Bill,l and they should have in their minds the experiences and evidence from countries like Australia and all of the dying people here in the UK who are depending on them to vote for compassion and vote for Kim’s Bill.”

Notes on the paper

• The interviews conducted included four practitioners in Western Australia, three relatives who have seen loved ones go through the system and Alex Greenwich MP, the Member for Sydney in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, who changed the law on assisted dying in New South Wales.
• This paper was commissioned for £10,000. We retained editorial control over the paper, and we signed a contract with Dignity in Dying setting out the full terms. The invoice, contract and general information on transparency can be found on our “Transparency” page on the footer of our website. We also approached Dignity in Dying both about this paper and our previous event as a result of our shared position on this issue. Payment for this paper was also received before this project began.

Notes to editors

• Centre Think Tank supports assisted dying becoming legal within the UK for terminally ill and mentally competent adults.
• This paper was commissioned by Dignity in Dying, and Centre Think Tank approached Dignity in Dying about this project. Payment for this paper was also received before this project began, and the Centre retained editorial control over the paper.
• Press contact: press@centrethinktank.co.uk and at 07802781382
• Centre Think Tank is centrist and moderate. Our mission is to research new policy ideas and to create discussion around different issues. We campaign for better public services and to boost businesses. Centre Think Tank has cross-party support from Members of Parliament, the House of Lords, and the devolved parliaments of the UK.

Sources

1. Palliative Care Australia and Australian Voluntary Assisted Dying Services report that around 80% of individuals are accessing both palliative care and assisted dying services. Palliative Care Australia, Palliative care and Voluntary Assisted Dying – survey finds a growing connection. Available at: link [Accessed 29 April 2025].
2. Within the UK, the debate around assisted dying legislation has continued alongside the wider focus on improving palliative care services. The government has already invested £100 million in funding for hospices. The GOV.UK, the biggest investment into hospices in a generation. Available at: link [Accessed 29 March 2025].