In this member-exclusive webinar, we explored the evolving realities of Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) within inpatient palliative care settings.

Holly Pitt and Katie Bray, Nurse Unit Managers at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, reflected on their experiences navigating VAD implementation since legislation was introduced in Victoria in 2019, and how the complexities surrounding this work have continued to evolve over time.

Together, they discussed the challenges, learnings and reflections that have shaped care delivery within an inpatient palliative care unit, including the impact on teams, patients and families. The session also explored the growing need for support, education and professional development as clinicians continue to navigate this changing landscape.

Moderated by Sarah Begley, the conversation also considered the upcoming legislative changes in Victoria due to come into effect in 2027, and what these changes may mean for current teams and models of care moving forward.

While the discussion was grounded in the Victorian legislative and clinical context, the themes explored throughout the session resonate with clinicians across Australia as states and territories continue to navigate the evolving role of VAD within palliative care practice.

This session was not intended as a debate for or against Voluntary Assisted Dying. Rather, it aimed to provide a respectful space for reflection, shared experiences and professional discussion, while acknowledging the diversity of beliefs, perspectives and experiences held by attendees and presenters.

Whether working in hospital, community or aged care settings, or seeking greater understanding of how VAD is experienced within inpatient palliative care, attendees were offered practical insight and thoughtful reflection from clinicians working directly in this space.

About our speakers

Holly Pitt is a highly motivated and compassionate senior nurse with more than 17 years’ experience in palliative care across inpatient, consultancy and community settings. She is committed to education, research, respectful leadership and management, with a focus on equitable, high quality palliative care, positive workplace culture and staff wellbeing.

Holly is currently the Nurse Unit Manager of the Palliative Care Unit at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and brings expertise in communication, strategic thinking, leadership, risk management, public speaking and education. She maintains strong networks with stakeholders at both local and national levels.

PCNA is delighted to have Holly as part of the PCNA Steering Committee following her endorsement at the 2025 AGM.

Katie Bray - is a motivated and driven senior nurse with a strong focus on palliative care education, wellbeing and research. Her career spans more than 10 years across diverse acute settings within the public health system, and she is currently working in management and leadership within Palliative Care at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Katie holds a postgraduate qualification in palliative care from Flinders University, with a specialist focus in oncology and adolescent and young adult palliative care. She is the Clinical Lead of the End of Life Working Group at Peter MacCallum and is a strong advocate for the ongoing equitable delivery and growth of quality palliative care across Victoria.