Legal

Advance Care Directives — free government forms by state

⏱ 5 min read · Last updated April 2026

General information only. Not financial, legal or medical advice. Your situation is unique — consider speaking with an aged care specialist, financial adviser or your GP before making decisions. Information is current as at April 2026 and may change. Always verify with My Aged Care (myagedcare.gov.au) or Services Australia (servicesaustralia.gov.au) for the most current details.

An Advance Care Directive (ACD) lets you record your wishes for future medical treatment and care — so that if you're ever unable to speak for yourself, the people caring for you know what you would want. It is one of the most important gifts you can give your family.

What an Advance Care Directive does

An ACD records your preferences for medical treatment — what you would want, what you wouldn't want, and who should make decisions if you cannot. It may include:

Preferences about life-sustaining treatment
Preferences about pain management and comfort care
Where you would like to be cared for
Specific treatments you would refuse
Who should be consulted in decisions

An ACD works alongside a Power of Attorney — the POA authorises someone to act for you, the ACD guides what decisions they make.

Like a Power of Attorney, an Advance Care Directive must be completed while you have legal capacity. Don't leave it until there's a crisis.

Free forms by state

Free ACD resources — every state

National: advancecareplanning.org.au ↗ — free, nationally recognised

All states — Advance Care Planning Australia ↗
VIC — Vic Health ↗
NSW — NSW Health ↗

Frequently asked questions

Is an Advance Care Directive legally binding?

In most Australian states, a formally completed ACD is legally binding on healthcare providers. An informal statement of wishes (not a formal ACD) is not legally binding but is still important guidance. Check your state's specific legislation.

What's the difference between an ACD and an enduring guardianship?

An ACD records your personal wishes. Enduring guardianship (part of a medical Power of Attorney) authorises someone to make decisions when you can't. They complement each other — the guardian makes decisions guided by your ACD.

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