Overview
- The prisoner, diagnosed with terminal cancer, died in hospital last week after an application facilitated by Justice Health was approved by the independent NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Board.
- The case is the first known use of voluntary assisted dying by a person in NSW custody under the state’s strict eligibility criteria.
- A victim who is also the inmate’s daughter says she was not informed beforehand, learned of the death through media reports, and wants victims notified when applications are made.
- The victim has launched a public fundraiser seeking compensation for survivors and legal changes to restrict or bar prisoner access to voluntary assisted dying.
- Premier Chris Minns and senior ministers say they were not consulted on the decision, the premier has ruled out changes, and advocates argue medical confidentiality and prisoners’ rights to end-of-life care should be maintained.