A man who was refused access to Queensland's voluntary assisted dying scheme ended his life by taking medication prescribed for his wife.
His death will be investigated by a coroner as the state government reveals details of the first six months of its assisted-dying program.
Under legislation which came into effect on January 1, 591 people have commenced the process and 245 people have died by administering medication prescribed under the program.
"We can reassure Queenslanders that VAD laws are working as intended and they are safe, accessible and compassionate," Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board chairperson Helen Irving said in a statement on Monday.
The death to be referred to the coroner will prompt possible changes to the scheme.
"The death of an elderly man who was not eligible for VAD, but ingested an oral substance prescribed to a VAD-eligible person known to the man, has been referred to the coroner," the statement read.
"Queensland Health is finalising an investigation into this incident, including circumstances where a person transitions from self-administering a VAD substance to having it administered by an authorised practitioner."
It is reported by some media that the man ingested his wife's medication when she died before taking it.
Cancer was the most common diagnosis for people who accessed the voluntary assisted dying scheme, with other conditions including end-stage renal and liver disease, as well as cardiovascular and neurological conditions.
Ages ranged from 26 to 95 years, and there was an even split of applications from metropolitan and other areas.
People suffering a disease, illness or medical condition that is advanced, progressive and terminal, and have less than one year to live, can ask for medically assisted death in Queensland.
They must make three separate requests to die and be assessed three times before a co-ordinating doctor can grant final approval.
"The government is committed to ensuring that VAD is accessible to all who meet the eligibility criteria, and that it is delivered in a way that respects the patient's autonomy and dignity," Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said.
"The annual report shows that VAD is a safe, accessible and compassionate option for Queenslanders who are dying and suffering."
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