The Northern Territory has become the final Australian jurisdiction to legalise voluntary assisted dying (VAD), following a conscience vote in parliament.

The legislation passed on Thursday night, bringing the NT into line with every other Australian state and territory. It comes almost three decades after the territory first introduced a VAD law in 1995 — legislation that was later overturned by the Commonwealth Parliament.

Under the new framework, access will be subject to strict eligibility requirements. A person seeking VAD must have a terminal illness with a prognosis of 12 months or less.

However, several proposed changes to the legislation were rejected during two days of parliamentary debate.

One of the most controversial provisions is a gag clause preventing medical professionals from initiating conversations about VAD with patients. Attempts to remove the restriction were defeated.

The provision has prompted concerns among some politicians and health professionals, who argue patients should be able to receive information about all available end-of-life options from their doctors.

Supporters of the clause have raised particular concerns about how VAD could be understood in remote Indigenous communities, where health services and cultural attitudes towards death can be significantly different.

An amendment seeking changes to the 12-month eligibility period was also rejected. Several MPs had argued for a longer timeframe.

The final vote exposed divisions within the governing Country Liberal Party, with some backbenchers supporting amendments alongside Labor MPs and an independent.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro described the legislation as a historic moment for Territorians, while Opposition Leader Selena Uibo welcomed VAD becoming available in the territory but criticised the government for rejecting key amendments.

The NT legislation means VAD is now legally available in every Australian jurisdiction, although the rules and eligibility requirements vary between states and territories.