Petition request

That the House of Representatives implement a national register for standardised medical advance directives and mandate that those directives are followed, and note that 6,785 people have signed a similar petition online.

Petition reason

I believe not following advance directives can lead to untold emotional and physical suffering. My mum had a directive refusing care should she suffer a serious loss of mental or physical capacity. After a stroke her directive was not followed and instead of a medicated death within 10 days, mum was kept alive requiring 24/7 care. This led her to refuse food and finally fluids and she died 58 days later, unmedicated until the last days. I believe her advance care plan should have been followed.

Petition progress

  • Open for signatures
  • Closed for signatures
  • Select Committee
  • Reported
  • Referred to Minister
Number of signatures: 215
Date presented: 25 Jul 2023
Considered by: Petitions
SC Report(s): 18 Oct 2024 (Final)
Presenting member: Hon Brooke van Velden