The ACT and Northern Territory parliaments can consider euthanasia laws after a landmark ban was overturned.

Late last week, Labor, the Greens and ACT independent David Pocock helped defeat last-minute attempts to block the overturning of the Howard-era Andrews Bill, which has blocked the territories from legalising euthanasia since 1997.

The law was enacted after the Northern Territory became the first jurisdiction in the world to legalise voluntary euthanasia in 1995. 

But it has now been scrapped, prompting clapping and cheering in the Senate chamber from supporters and assisted dying advocates.

Each of the states has already passed laws allowing voluntary assisted dying (VAD). 

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr says his government will put forward laws guided by other jurisdictions in 2023. The NT has not yet stated any plans for future legislation.