The RACGP has walked back its endorsement of Victoria’s voluntary assisted dying scheme, nearly two years after its former president called for it to be adopted nationwide.

The college has declared it has no official stance on whether voluntary euthanasia should be legalised, saying the issue is a matter for society and government.

In a position statement released on Tuesday, the college said it was acutely aware its members held differing views on euthanasia and that all GPs needed legal protection to choose whether to participate in any scheme.

But it added that many dying patients experienced “great suffering” and that some may believe their meaningful lives had ended following the loss of dignity and independence.