Voluntary Assisted Dying South Australia (VADSA) is an advocacy organisation which supports and campaigns for end of life choice in South Australia.
VADSA was formed in 1983 as the South Australian Voluntary Euthanasia Society (SAVES), changing to VADSA in 2020. For the next nearly 40 years VADSA supported the tabling and debate of 17 Bills aiming to legalise voluntary assisted dying (VAD).
The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act was passed by the South Australian Parliament on June 24, 2021. VAD commenced in South Australia on January 31, 2023.
- VADSA continues to advocate for a compassionate end of life choice for people at the end of life, to raise awareness in the community about the choice of VAD for a person who meets the criteria, and to support people who request and access VAD.
- VADSA is a registered charity under the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission (ACNC) and has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status with the Australian Tax Office.
- VADSA is led and managed by volunteers and is totally dependent on donations, bequests and memberships to fund our activities.
- VADSA holds regular public meetings at the Box Factory, Regent St South, Adelaide.
- VADSA publishes a newsletter twice a year, The Bulletin, to update members on developments in relation to VAD.
- VADSA provides regular (approximately monthly) email updates to our supporters who 'sign up'.
- VADSA aims to provide the choice of voluntary assisted dying for people suffering unbearably from an illness, injury or disability.
- VADSA is an active member of the World Federation of Right to Die Societies.
VADSA Activities
After the successful passage of the VAD Act in 2021, VADSA consulted with members and supporters to identify future priorities.
The following strategies and activities were identified:
1. Community education and awareness
- Providing speakers for community or corporate groups, in aged care and educational institutions
- Public forums in the Box Factory, Regent St South, Adelaide twice each year, with additional forums as required
- Publication of the VADSA Bulletin twice a year with news and updates on the campaign
- Responding to and initiating interest from the media
- Develop an active social media platform
- Supporting Advocacy Groups representing doctors, nurses, paramedics, people with disabilities, young people, christians and lawyers
- Maintaining an up to date website with resources and information to inform public debate
- Regular email updates and campaign materials to VAD supporters.
2. Support a responsive VAD service
- Establish and manage a witness program for people requiring witnesses for their written request
- Research equity of access for people who may wish to request VAD
- Liaison with SA Health VAD unit
- Establish a peer support program for family and friends of people who request and use VAD.
3. Policy and Research
- Identify gaps in the legislation, such as access for people with dementia
- Monitor VAD Review Board reports
- Monitor social media, mainstream media and global commentary on VAD
- Monitor member and supporter inquiries
- Prepare for VAD Act review in 2027
- Maintain relationships with MPs
- Liaise with national and international VAD support organisations
- Engage in national debate to ensure equity of access to VAD.
VADSA Position Statements
VADSA prepares Position Statements in relation to key questions surrounding VAD.
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VADSA Position Statement: Providing an end of life choice of assisted dying for people with dementia
- VADSA Position Statement: Access to VAD for a person living with a disability
- VADSA Position Statement: Religious Opposition and Voluntary Assisted Dying
- VADSA Position Statement: Mandatory Voluntary Assisted Dying Training a Barrier to Clinician (Doctor or Nurse) Participation
- VADSA Position Statement: Prognosis as an Unreliable and Unjust Barrier to Voluntary Assisted Dying in Australia
VADSA Constitution
Every incorporated body must register a Constitution. The Constitution is:
- a written document
- guides how VADSA operates
- is a contract between VADSA and its members
- sets out VADSA’s purpose
- lists the rights and responsibilities of members and office holders.
Download a copy of the VADSA Constitution.