Resolving conflict in the application of principles guiding the withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining measures

A comprehensive statutory regime governs the withdrawal and withholding of life-sustaining measures when such decisions are made on behalf of incompetent adults. This regime contains two sets of principles which govern decisions to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining measures. However there can be conflict in the application of these principles which further complicate an already difficult decision. This paper explores the conflicts that can arise from the application of the principles governing the withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining measures in Queensland with reference to the decisions of the Queensland Guardianship and Administration Tribunal.