Coroner David O’Connell warned against putting individuals in situations where they could make unwise decisions.
The Coroners Court in Brisbane conducted an inquest into the death of an elderly man in May 2023, known as ABC.
ABC had stored a voluntary assisted dying substance at home, leading to his tragic death as acknowledged by O’Connell.
O’Connell criticized the current laws for giving terminally ill patients autonomy without adequate regulation, resulting in grave consequences.
He emphasized the need for medical professionals to oversee the distribution and use of such substances.
Despite operational flaws in the VAD laws, health authorities were not found at fault in ABC’s case.
O’Connell urged the Queensland government to implement stricter oversight mechanisms for VAD substances.
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman committed to reviewing the legislation following the coroner’s recommendations.