Dr. Peter Allcroft:

With regard to the 36 patients, those are the 36 patients who I have registered on our digital platform as part of the voluntary assisted dying service. I have had a number of patients in my clinics with a variety of illnesses who have raised the topic. I knew they would not be eligible at that point in time from a prognosis perspective, but I did not dismiss that. I gently informed them that I am always willing to discuss it with them at a later date but that at this point in time they would not fit in with that legislation and that requirement of 12 months or six months.

Many patients bring it up in discussion in a clinical setting. Sometimes it is a general inquiry rather than a specific request for assistance with dying. There are general inquiries as part of overall general care. I could not say how many people raise it on a daily basis, but it is a lot. They are just making an inquiry, and they thank us for the information and say they will think about it.

A number of my patients come from the navigation service team because patients have rung the service which puts me in contact with them. About 65% to 70% of patients have utilised the medication at home. In the first 12 months of operation in South Australia, seven patients in my hospice have used the medication to end their lives. About 15 to 20 patients have had permits completed or have deteriorated so quickly that they have taken the first step but have not gone on to the second. There are some in acute hospital settings as well. The majority of patients in my state and nationally have had involvement with palliative care.

From a palliative care experience, some clinicians very much have a faith-based practice and hold a religious conscientious objection. There are a few that are perhaps card-carrying supporters for assisted dying. There are also those like myself who are there for the safe implementation and continuity of care for the patients I look after. There has been respectful dialogue and conversation. I have seen the spectrum narrowing across time. There is an understanding that there is no slippery slope or free-for-all. This is heavily regulated and legislated for and we adhere to national quality safety and standards.