Veteran broadcaster Derryn Hinch, 81, reveals he would consider voluntary assisted dying following heart issue and skin cancer battle

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He made it through a critical liver transplant, a nearly lethal skin cancer on his face, an infection affecting his bloodstream, and an irregular heart rhythm.

As an ardent admirer, I find myself musing over the profound thoughts of venerable broadcaster Derryn Hinch, aged 81. He’s candidly shared his contemplations on mortality, hinting that in the face of a life-threatening illness, he might opt for Voluntary Assisted Dying.

In simpler terms, Voluntary Assisted Dying is a procedure where, at an advanced stage of a severe illness, a person is given a medication prescribed by a doctor that eventually leads to their death. This action is taken voluntarily with the intention of providing relief from unbearable suffering.

In a conversation on the Neil Mitchell Asks Why Podcast, Hinch expressed agreement when asked if he would opt for medically-assisted ending of life, responding affirmatively, “Yes, I would. Yes.

My close friend, Bob Rogers, chose to end his life through assisted dying, as he was no longer living a fulfilling life. He sadly passed away at the age of 97 in May of the previous year.

He was unable to use the restroom, bathe, or dress independently. Recently when we went out for a meal, I even needed to crawl to help lift him into a taxi. It struck me, “This isn’t living as it should be.

Despite having several physical health issues that require him to use a walker, Hinch expressed gratitude for the fact that his mental faculties remain undiminished.

As a devotee, I can’t help but marvel at how sharp my mind remains, although some may question its vitality, yet humorously, I jest, it certainly appears so!

‘But if my brain went, I’ve told my medical attorney not to revive me,’ he added. 

In Australia, it’s legal for assisted dying under voluntary terms across its six provinces. Notably, Victoria became the first to authorize such a practice back in June 2019.

It is not yet legal in the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory. 

It comes after Derryn revealed, in December, that he was admitted to hospital for a heart issue.

In November, he was identified with an abnormal heart condition referred to as atrial fibrillation, or irregular heartbeat. Subsequently, he received electrical cardioversion treatment to correct the rhythm of his heart.

The individual mentioned that they started experiencing difficulty breathing, which made them feel uneasy. Consequently, they decided to visit their doctor and undergo an ECG (electrocardiogram) examination. They shared this information with the Herald Sun.

The doctor who specializes in my heart arranged for me to be admitted to the hospital, and on Thursday, they administered an electrical jolt to my heart, which was quite frightening, but it turned out effective,” he explained further.

The action seemed to restore my heartbeat to its normal pattern, and I’ll observe how it impacts my breathing over the next few weeks.

He also revealed, in June last year, that he was facing a ‘pretty serious’ skin cancer battle.

As a committed adherent, I’m sharing that I’ve embarked on a five-week regimen where I receive daily radiation sessions, hoping to eliminate a melanoma residing on my forehead.

In February, a suspicious growth found beneath his hairline turned out to be cancerous. It was surgically removed, however, the medical team wasn’t able to excise the entire affected region during that operation.

Afterward, he went to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre for another surgery to excise the melanoma. Now, he’s receiving radiation therapy as a precautionary measure.

He mentioned, “The situation isn’t ideal. I’ve undergone two facial surgeries, and they’re yet to administer radiation therapy.

A positive development emerged: they examined a site, which was the location of my surgery approximately eight years back, on the opposite side of his forehead, and it appears to be free from any issues.

Each fleeting moment slips through my fingers, never to return – a poignant reminder of the transient nature of time. And yet, as someone once wisely stated, such is the essence of existence itself.

In July, it was disclosed that Hinch had an accidental fall over the holiday season which required him to use a walking aid.

‘I spent Christmas Day with two black eyes,’ he explained on 10 News+. 

At Linda’s home, I accidentally lost my balance while attempting to rise from a chair. Unfortunately, my nose made contact with the table.

He mentioned that ever since he started using his affectionately named walker, ‘Johnny’, it has restored his sense of ‘assurance’ in himself.

‘Now I have got a walker, that will speed me up and gives you incredible confidence,’ he added.

For those with issues related to legs or balance, I recommend using a walker. After all, taking pride might lead to a fall.”

This version maintains the original message while making it more conversational and easy to understand for the average reader.

Hinch revealed he had a liver transplant in 2011, following his diagnosis with aggressive cancer and severe cirrhosis.

As a die-hard fan, I’d rephrase it like this: Disregarding rumors that he passed away during surgery, Hinch shrugged off the criticisms leveled against him when he confessed to his post-transplant drinking habits.

‘I got a 28-year-old’s liver, and I met his family,’ he said.

Some individuals expressed criticism towards me for occasionally enjoying a glass of chilled white wine with ice cubes or cold grapes. However, I reasoned that since I have about five more years left to live, I want to make the most of them by indulging in pleasurable experiences.

Although Hinch acknowledged the occasional drink, he also pointed out that the quantity he consumed during his peak years was quite reckless or excessively foolish.

He admitted he had consumed an excessive amount, and he was thankful that smartphones weren’t around during their gatherings at The Sebel Townhouse in the past.

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2025-09-02 02:34