The Voluntary Assisted Dying Implementation Taskforce provide considered and expert oversight of the voluntary assisted dying implementation process to ensure it is managed with expertise, experience and compassion. 

Members of the Taskforce

The Taskforce consists of experts in end of life advocacy, law, research and clinical practice:  

  • Dr Chris Moy (Chairperson)
  • Ms Carolanne Barkla
  • Dr William Brereton 
  • Dr Michael Briffa
  • Ms Frances Coombe
  • Dr Chloe Furst 
  • Dr Christopher Hocking
  • Dr Roger Hunt
  • Ms Nicolle Jachmann
  • Dr Michaela Okninski
  • Dr Chirag Patel
  • Associate Professor Bernadette Richards
  • Ms Tara Simpson
  • Ms Michele Smith
  • Ms Helen Stone
  • Ms Helen Walker
  • Ms Rosemary Wanganeen

Purpose of the Taskforce

The overarching purpose of the Taskforce is to: 

  • oversee and support the implementation of voluntary assisted dying as set out in the Act 
  • provide expertise, focus and leadership in the development of necessary resources, processes and systems over the period leading up to the commencement of the pathway 
  • provide in-depth, targeted expertise on key deliverables for the implementation of the pathway
  • assure the South Australian community that the implementation of the pathway has been managed with expertise, experience and compassion for the safe operation of voluntary assisted dying. 

Workstreams

The Implementation Taskforce oversaw the development of an operational service model to support medical practitioners and the community to apply for and deliver safe and accessible voluntary assisted dying in South Australia. 

For more information about the workstreams, refer to the Voluntary Assisted Dying Workstream Outline (PDF 314KB).

Taskforce updates

January 2023 Taskforce communiqué (PDF 288KB) - includes:

  • thank you to taskforce members
  • South Australian Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service
  • workshops, events and presentations
  • about the implementation team.

November  December 2022 Taskforce communiqué (PDF 359KB) - includes:

  • Voluntary Assisted Dying Clinical Portal
  • medical practitioner mandatory training
  • SA Voluntary Assisted Dying Implementation Conference
  • in the media
  • workshops, events and presentations
  • about the implementation team.

October 2022 Taskforce communiqué (PDF 292KB) — includes:

  • SA Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board
  • implementation conference
  • rights to individual conscientious objection - health service providers
  • workshops, events and presentations
  • about the implementation team.

September 2022 Taskforce communiqué (PDF 360KB)  includes:

  • SA Voluntary Assisted Dying Pharmacy Service (SAVAD-PS)
  • Aboriginal community engagement
  • rights to individual conscientious objection - health practitioners
  • workshops, events and presentations
  • about the implementation team.

August 2022 Taskforce communiqué (PDF 367KB)  includes:

  • medical practitioner training
  • using telehealth to support access
  • health practitioner survey
  • upcoming events and presentations
  • about the implementation team.

July 2022 Taskforce communiqué (PDF 398KB)  includes progress and key achievements.

For more information

For more information on voluntary assisted dying in South Australia: