Episode 29 – SA Deputy Premier Kyam Maher reflects on the hard-fought push for VAD

Kyam Maher, South Australian Deputy Premier and Attorney-General, reveals how his mother's harrowing pancreatic cancer death drove him to introduce South Australia's successful 2020 voluntary assisted dying legislation—succeeding where 15 previous bills over 26 years had failed.  Maher chairs South Australia's Legislative Council and championed VAD reform after witnessing his mother's excruciating final weeks. Modelling the bill closely on Victoria's scheme proved decisive, alongside powerful committee evidence from police, coroners and grieving families.  He discusses VAD's operation since 2023, the "beautiful death" testimonies at annual remembrance events, and the mandatory legislative review due by early 2028. Maher canvasses likely reform areas: residency requirements, the doctor-initiated discussion ban unique to South Australia, prognosis timeframes, and access for people with neurodegenerative diseases who risk losing capacity. He also addresses persistent coercion myths, noting no evidence has emerged anywhere in Australia.  Comprehensive information on Voluntary Assisted Dying in Your State is provided on the Go Gentle website  at https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state or by contacting your State Health Department.  If listening to this podcast raises distressing issues for you, please contact one of the following support services: Griefline (https://griefline.org.au/) 1300 845 745 Grief Australia (https://www.grief.org.au/) 1800 642 745 Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/) 13 11 14, or chat online 24 hours a day See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.