The Rationalist Society of Australia is saddened to hear of the passing of our patron and voluntary assisted dying (VAD) advocate Dr Rodney Syme.

Rodney passed away on Wednesday, aged 86.

On behalf of the RSA’s members and supporters across Australia, I send condolences to Rodney’s family, friends and colleagues.

I’d like to pay tribute to Rodney for his tireless and dedicated work over many decades to advance the cause of VAD.

Earlier this year, he told the RSA that the widespread progress that had been made in VAD reform across the country in recent years had given him a sense of “vindication for years of struggle”.

Without doubt, such reform would not have been possible without Rodney’s passionate advocacy.

We are proud to have called Rodney a fellow Rationalist.

Thank you, Rodney. Farewell.

Dr Meredith Doig,

President, Rationalist Society of Australia