Source: Go Gentle Australia

In breaking news, South Australia has become the fourth Australian state to legalise voluntary assisted dying - and the second this year!

Finally, after 25 years and 17 bills, SA's Lower House has this morning approved final amendments and ratified the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2020.

It now heads to the Governor for royal assent. The law's implementation period is yet to be confirmed, but we expect it will be no longer than 18 months.

We applaud everyone who made this moment possible

Kyam Maher MLC who wrote and introduced this private member's bill to the Upper House; Susan Close MP, whose joint sponsorship and stewardship was instrumental in the bill's success in the Lower House.

Voluntary Assisted Dying SA (VADSA), expertly led by Frances Coombe, Anne Bunning, Lainie Anderson and Justine Firth, and flanked by a dedicated membership.

Indefatigable local advocates Angie Miller, Ceara Rickard, Jacqui Possingham, Jan Kemble, Jane Qualmann, Kym Watson, Liz Habermann and Susie Byrne.

And every advocate, past and present, who bravely shared their stories, contacted MPs and volunteered their precious time.

This historic achievement honours those who are no longer with us, but whose courageous advocacy was instrumental in changing MPs' hearts and minds.

Go Gentle Australia is proud to stand alongside these local heroes. Our evidence-based resources, including the Better Off Dead podcast and our e-books and submissions, were referenced numerous times throughout the parliamentary debate and played a central role in this Bill's success.

Almost 12 million Australians now live in a state with VAD laws.

But we won't rest until all of us have access to compassionate and humane choice at the end of life.

Queensland will vote on their bill in September, with NSW and the Territories to follow.