‘On his own terms’: James Valentine chose assisted dying but barriers remain for Australians wanting to access it

The former ABC radio presenter James Valentine, who died aged 64 this week. Advocates for voluntary assisted dying hope his loss will encourage the federal government to address structural barriers to accessing the end-of-life care. Photograph: ABC

When the beloved broadcaster and saxophonist James Valentine died this week it was on his terms – he was at home, surrounded by his family, after making the choice to use voluntary assisted dying (VAD).

“Throughout his illness, James did it his way, which lasted all the way until the end,” his wife, Joanne, and two children, Ruby and Roy, said in a statement.