This week, Australian Doctor is profiling those who will be involved in Victoria’s voluntary euthanasia scheme. Its launch on 19 June is a historic moment in Australian healthcare, and a vast ethical step for the medical profession.

Professor Michael Dooley and his team at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne are responsible for storing, preparing and dispensing the euthanasia drugs. They are also tasked with running the statewide delivery service for patients living in rural areas or those too sick to travel to obtain the medications themselves.

“We will go to them at a time of their choice, educate them and provide the medications,” says Professor Dooley, who is the Alfred’s pharmacy director.

The system is uncharted territory, but he says they will be relying on the experience from overseas jurisdictions where voluntary assisted dying is legal to guide their work.