Victoria could become the first Australian state to legalise assisted suicide, with a parliamentary committee expected to recommend contentious changes giving terminally ill people greater choice to die with dignity.

After a 10-month inquiry, a cross-party committee will hand down a report within weeks, which The Sunday Age believes will call for a dramatic shake-up in the law – including the likely suggestion that the state government create a regulated, assisted dying regime for people who are suffering.

Premier Daniel Andrews: ''First home buyers are facing more hurdles than ever." Credit:Andrew Meares

Such a move will inevitably polarise the community and challenge Premier Daniel Andrews, who last year conceded "there is perhaps more public support for this change than there has ever been" but has so far stopped short of backing voluntary euthanasia or any other major dying-with-dignity reforms.

However, proponents argue a shift is long overdue, with the inquiry receiving 1030 submissions on the issue – of which about 60 per cent supported people having more end-of-life choice and relief from chronic pain and suffering.