Voluntary assisted dying laws have come into force in South Australia, offering the terminally ill "choice and dignity at the end of life".
From Tuesday, people wishing to access the regime can make an initial application in a process that includes 70 safeguards.
Health Minister Chris Picton says no decisions about life and death are easy.
"But from today, eligible South Australians facing terminal illnesses and insufferable pain are entitled to choice and dignity at the end of life," he said.
"Because dying with dignity should be your choice."
South Australia's laws were passed in 2021 after 16 previous attempts to get legislation through state parliament over more than 25 years.
The assisted dying system includes a provision that people wishing to die must be an SA resident for at least 12 months.
A terminal diagnosis and a life expectancy of less than six months, or 12 months for a person with a neurodegenerative disease, must be confirmed for a patient to access the procedure.
The bill also requires patients to show they have decision-making capacity and are capable of informed consent and to undergo an assessment by two independent medical practitioners.
They must have their request verified by independent witnesses and be experiencing intolerable suffering that cannot be relieved.
Online training for doctors includes a competency assessment component and information about the eligibility of people seeking assistance as well as the assessment of any abuse or coercion.
A team of care navigators has been established with an interim nursing director to oversee four nursing and allied health staff, all with experience in end-of-life care.
A patient will be required to make three separate requests, including one in writing.
If all the requirements have been met, a final review is done before someone can apply for a permit to ensure the application complies with the safeguards set out in the legislation.
Once a permit is granted, the patient will be able to obtain medication for self-administration or in certain cases administration by a doctor.
Voluntary Assisted Dying South Australia said all those who had advocated for the legislation over many years were to be thanked, including those who had not lived to see the change.
"May there now be less suffering at the end of life and a more meaningful conversation around death," the organisation said.
Attorney-General Kyam Maher said the "historic milestone" would bring comfort to many South Australians and their families.
"South Australians with terminal illnesses will now have the choice of dying with dignity, a right that was denied to too many for far too long," he said.
So far more than 70 doctors have registered to be involved with the program with the Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board expecting about 10 people to complete the process and end their lives each month.
Supporter Kym Watson, 66, who has multiple systems atrophy, expects to access the service at some stage.
"At the given time without a doubt, I will use VAD, but not currently,'' he said.
"I have grandchildren and two beautiful sons and daughter-in-laws and a wonderful wife and so their support has been amazing through all of this.
"They fully support this journey, so today's a huge day and a lot of weight off my shoulders and many, many other people who are not well."
