Andrew Denton on one Aussie broadcaster’s final taboo act

From his diagnosis with cancer to wrestling with end-of-life decisions, beloved ABC broadcaster James Valentine took his listeners with him.

Apr 29, 2026, updated Apr 29, 2026

From his diagnosis with oesophageal cancer in 2024 to openly wrestling with end-of-life decisions, beloved ABC broadcaster James Valentine took his listeners along with him as he stared down his own death.

Now, after his passing, that openness continues – with Valentine’s decision to share the fact that he ended his life through voluntary assisted dying, or VAD.

Today, Go Gentle Australia founder Andrew Denton on Valentine’s decision, and why some Australians still have trouble accessing VAD, despite it being legal in all but one Australian territory.

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