First permit issued in Victoria euthanasia bid

The first permit allowing a person to end their life has been issued in Victoria after laws took effect in June allowing euthanasia.

The voluntary assisted dying laws allow terminally ill adults to end their lives after two medical professionals have signed off on the application, and a cooling-off period has passed.

The Herald Sun reports on Wednesday at least one permit has been issued, but the identity of the person and their condition remains private, with the Department of Health and Human Services refusing to confirm if any other patients have begun the process.

"We know that doctors are talking to patients about voluntary assisted dying and are carrying out assessments," a department spokesman said.

"It is giving people at the end of their life a genuine and compassionate choice over the manner and timing of their death.

"The Victorian model for the Voluntary Assisted Dying system is working."

Once a permit is granted, patients have access to lethal medications, which by law must be kept in a locked box until they are used.