Daniel Hume, a convicted sex offender serving a 30-year sentence, became the first person in custody in NSW to access voluntary assisted dying (VAD) after serving seven years and being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The VAD scheme in NSW involves four approval stages, with the final decision made by the board, in accordance with legislative requirements.

NSW Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong and Health Minister Ryan Park stated they were not consulted on the decision, and Premier Minns emphasized that the system is managed by Justice Health without the need for change.

Victims’ advocates criticized the decision, arguing that VAD should be reserved for 'good, decent people' and not those convicted of heinous crimes, with some emphasizing that Hume should have served his full sentence.

Neveah Jett, Hume’s daughter, expressed her disapproval, stating she was unaware of his application and would have opposed it, asserting that he deserved to serve his full sentence.

Since NSW legalized VAD, 1,141 applications have been made, with 398 resulting in death after approval, indicating increasing use of the scheme.

Hume, diagnosed with terminal cancer, had served seven years of his sentence and was approved for VAD despite objections from victims and officials, illustrating the ongoing debate over the scheme's application in such cases.

A prison official expressed concern that Hume’s approval could set a dangerous precedent for the use of VAD in custody.

NSW Premier Chris Minns stated he does not propose changing the law regarding VAD, maintaining that the current system is appropriate.

Advocates from Dying with Dignity NSW emphasized that terminal illness qualifies prisoners for assisted dying and that everyone has a right to end-of-life care, countering criticisms that it is an 'easy way out'.

Hume's application was approved by the independent NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Board, which involves medical and legal experts, and he subsequently died in hospital, sparking debate over eligibility and ethics.

Justice Health officials approved Hume's VAD application, with NSW Premier Chris Minns defending the decision, stating that legal criteria were followed and the process was justifiable.

Justice Health collaborates with health districts and Corrective Services to provide end-of-life care and ensure eligibility for VAD, although Corrective Services has no formal role in the approval process.