Go Gentle Australia published its Winter 2019 newsletter. There have been significant advances in Australia and overseas, most notably the implementation of the VAD law in Victoria.
As we celebrate these milestones, we should also guard against complacency – we know there are powerful opponents working to ensure successes like Victoria’s are short lived. It is not overstating it to say the next few months will define the future of voluntary assisted dying in this country. The Western Australian parliament is preparing to vote on a VAD law – we are expecting the Bill to be tabled next month.
Getting an assisted dying law over the line in WA is crucial: not only will it create momentum for similar laws to pass in ALL Australian states, it will be fundamental to ensuring we can defend the law in Victoria. Success in WA is not guaranteed. We’re concerned that MPs are not listening to the clear evidence supporting the need for these laws, heard by the 18-month parliamentary inquiry. The vote in parliament is going to be very close and it’s possible the legislation will be defeated. Over the coming weeks we will be asking our Western Australian friends – and other like-minded people around the country – to come together as a community to do everything they can to ensure the Bill passes. You can read more about some of the ways to do this below.
Read it all here.