Dr Max Sutherland began collecting media coverage on Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) when the Northern Territory’s world-first Rights of the Terminally Ill Act 1995 first hit the headlines.  What started as a weekly personal collection occasionally shared with colleagues soon grew into a carefully curated national resource.

As Max’s mailing list expanded, his compilations became an essential source of information for advocates across Australia. 

In 2009, recognising its growing importance, fellow VAD luminaries and lifelong friends Marshall Perron (former NT Chief Minister), Dr Rodney Syme (former President and Patron of Dying With Dignity Victoria) and Neil Francis (former President Dying With Dignity Victoria and World Federation of Right to Die Societies) encouraged Max to widen its circulation.

A psychologist and board member of Dying With Dignity Victoria, Max became the sole founding editor of the weekly publication VAD Media Watch.  His intellect, sharp wit and unwavering commitment to the VAD cause defined the publication from its earliest days.

By 2018, the success and popularity of the weekly mail-out exceeded what one person could manage.  New co-editors Liz Jacka (former board member, Dying With Dignity NSW) and Jane Morris (President, Dying With Dignity Victoria) answered Max’s call for help and joined the editorial team.

As global developments in voluntary assisted dying accelerated, the decision was made to expand coverage internationally.  This transformed VAD Media Watch into the respected international publication it is today.

Dr Sutherland died peacefully in February 2025, fittingly at a time and place of his choosing, surrounded by his loving family.

Geoffrey Williams (Dying With Dignity NSW) then joined the editorial team.  In February 2026 Jane Morris retired, succeeded by Suzanne James (advocate and journalist).

Every Sunday morning, Liz, Geoffrey, and Suzanne continue to send Max’s beloved VAD Media Watch around the globe.  It remains a pre-eminent international source of VAD media for advocates, journalists, health professionals, and the wider community.

Dr Max Sutherland was a visionary and a pioneer.  His compassion, intellect, and commitment continue to support the rights of terminally ill people to choose voluntary assisted dying as a dignified end-of-life option.

In preserving the VAD Media Watch archives, we honour Max’s legacy and promise that his extraordinary contribution will never be forgotten.