Queensland GPs Face Barriers in Supporting Voluntary Assisted Dying, Study Finds

Queensland general practitioners provide compassionate, holistic care to patients seeking voluntary assisted dying (VAD), but many face significant hurdles that limit their capacity to participate, according to recent research led by Queensland University of Technology (QUT).¹

Published in the Australian Journal of General Practice, the study explored the experiences of 12 Queensland GPs during the first year of the state’s VAD legislation.² Researchers identified wide variation in GP involvement – ranging from no participation to more than 50 cases – and highlighted the necessitate for improved remuneration, streamlined processes, and broader education to support safe and sustainable practice.

Paperwork, Eligibility Concerns, and System Design

Some GPs found the paperwork complex and time-intensive, expressing concerns about making mistakes, particularly when dealing with VAD cases infrequently. Others reported confusion regarding patient eligibility criteria.²

Dr. Laura Ley Greaves, lead author and QUT PhD researcher, explained that GPs’ generalist training and established, long-term relationships with patients uniquely position them to provide VAD services. However, she noted that the system’s design and administrative demands create significant barriers.²³

“GPs are often the first point of contact for patients at the end of life, and their holistic, patient-centered approach means they are ideally placed to support VAD,” Dr. Ley Greaves said. “However, many GPs told us the application process, training requirements, and lack of clear remuneration made participation difficult, especially for those working outside the public system.”²

Centralized System and Training Gaps

Dr. Ley Greaves noted that Queensland’s VAD model differs from other states, with approximately 90% of cases being managed through the public health system. Even as this centralized approach ensures statewide access, it limits opportunities for community-based GPs to participate.²

Co-author Dr. Rachel Feeney, a QUT researcher specializing in VAD, emphasized the urgent need for consistent training and support for GPs.²

“GPs reported ongoing confusion about what VAD involves, who is eligible, and how to discuss it appropriately with patients,” Dr. Feeney said. “Even doctors who don’t intend to become authorized VAD practitioners still need the knowledge to guide patients sensitively, and lawfully. Education is essential to ensure patients receive accurate information and compassionate care.”²

Financial Disincentives and Regional Disparities

The study also revealed a lack of a dedicated Medicare rebate, creating financial disincentives for community GPs. Rural and regional GPs reported disparities in access to training and funding support.²

Dr. Ley Greaves stated that expanding GP participation is crucial for the long-term sustainability of VAD services in Queensland. “A broader GP workforce could support ease pressure on the public system and improve continuity of care for patients,” she said. “But that will only be possible if structural and financial barriers are addressed.”²

The research is part of a larger longitudinal study examining the implementation of VAD in Queensland. The other QUT researchers involved are Emeritus Professor Lindy Willmott and Professor Ben White, both recognized international experts in end-of-life law and VAD.²

Source: Ley Greaves, L. Et al. (2026). General practitioners’ experiences of voluntary assisted dying in Queensland. Australian Journal of General Practice. DOI: 10.31128/ajgp-06-25-7702