James Valentine, a beloved Australian broadcaster, passed away this week after choosing voluntary assisted dying (VAD) at home, surrounded by family. His decision has reignited discussions about the barriers many Australians face in accessing VAD. While all jurisdictions in Australia except the Northern Territory have legalized VAD, approximately 40% of patients who start the process do not complete it due to regulatory hurdles. Advocates like Dr. Linda Swan from Go Gentle Australia highlight that the process can be complicated and time-consuming, often taking two to five weeks and requiring assessments from multiple doctors. Additionally, Australia is unique in having Commonwealth legislation that prevents the use of telehealth during the VAD process, which disproportionately affects those in rural areas. The government acknowledges the complexities involved and is consulting with states to address these issues. As VAD usage is expected to double over the next decade, there is an urgent need for increased resources and trained practitioners to meet the rising demand. Since 2019, 14,686 terminally ill individuals have sought access to VAD, with 3,329 deaths reported in the last year alone, reflecting a 48% increase from the previous year. Valentine’s family hopes his story will raise awareness and promote necessary changes in the VAD system.