Former ABC journalist Iain Finlay has died by euthanasia at age 89 after a long battle with a rare disorder.

The reporter was suffering from amyloidosis – a disorder in which amyloid protein builds up in the organs.

He died on Tuesday at his home in the Tweed Valley, northern NSW, surrounded by his partner of 60 years Trish Clark and children Zara and Sean, the ABC reported.

Finlay told the publication on Monday he began looking into euthanasia several years ago ‘to help deal with things in a sensible way’.

He had been participating in a trial for amyloidosis but decided to look into voluntary assisted dying as the treatment wasn’t working.

‘There is no doubt this is an effort to control aspects of dying, having it administered to you at a particular time when your family can be there,’ he said before his death.

ABC journalist Iain Finlay (pictured) has died by euthanasia aged 89 after a health battle with a rare disorder

‘It’s going to be very traumatic for them, I suppose, even more than me.’

His wife Trish said she was ‘not looking forward to it’ but they had made a lifetime of happy memories together.

Their son Sean shared an emotional Instagram tribute to his dad on Tuesday following his death.

‘Today we farewelled a truly remarkable man, my father, Iain Murray McKenzie Finlay,’ he began.

’18 months ago my Pa, was diagnosed with a terminal disease called Amyloidosis—an incurable cardiac condition in which patients become increasingly breathless, ultimately leading to death.

‘For our father, the condition became progressively more intolerable and complex over the passing weeks and months, as it was accompanied by excruciating pain. Eventually, he could no longer stand or walk more than a few steps without gasping for breath.

‘In response, a decision was made—by dad and with the full support of his family—to begin the detailed and complex process of applying for Voluntary Assisted Dying at home.

‘Following three consultations with doctors, the procedure was approved, with medication scheduled to be administered Today, 6th May 2025.’

Finlay was the South-east Asia correspondent for the ABC and worked with This Day Tonight for eight years

Finlay started his journalism career in 1956 by reporting for the United Press during the Melbourne Olympic Games.

He was the South-east Asia correspondent for the ABC and worked with This Day Tonight for eight years.

Finlay also reported on the AM and Beyond 2000.

He interviewed several influential people over the years including Ella Fitzgerald, Mohammed Ali and Richard Nixon.