Jan 19, 2017

Victorian Parliament to Vote on Euthanasia Bill

It was looking grim for the bill to legalise euthanasia after being overturned by the South Australian parliament a few weeks ago. This was the 15th time the Bill had been rejected in South Australia.

However, in Victoria it looks like there may be a change with a vote happening next year.

If passed, Victoria could be the first state to legalise assisted suicide. However, it would only be available to Victorian residents. The first half of 2017 will be spent drafting the bill with the assistance of an expert panel.

In the later half of 2017 the Victorian Government will introduce a bill with all members of parliament granted a conscience vote on the matter. However, should the laws be passed, they would not come into effect until 2019. This is because an 18-month delay has been recommended after the laws are passed.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is backing the legislation.

He was previously against the idea of assisted suicide. However, he had a change of heart after his father, Bob Andrews, died earlier this year.

The Andrews Government said the proposed laws would allow adults with “decision-making capacity” assistance in dying under the condition that they are at the end of their lives and suffering from a terminal illness.

Though the bill hasn’t been drafted yet, the laws are likely to require two doctors to sign off on any plan a patient may have for assisted suicide. This would involve taking a lethal tablet.

If the patient is unable to physically take a table, then they would be assisted by a doctor.

Do you think Victoria should pass the bill? What are your thoughts on the 18 month delay?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Newly unified peak body ACCPA discuss priorities and transparency in aged care

Interim CEO of ACCPA, Paul Sadler, sat down with HelloCare to outline the new peak body’s four key areas for aged care improvement, and resetting engagement with government and the broader sector for more constructive and respectful collaboration. Read More

‘Walking football’ to help older Australians

  The federal government has launched a campaign to get more older Australians playing ‘walking football’, a non-contact, low-impact version of the game. Walking football programs will be rolled out in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and the ACT, and pilot programs will begin in South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and Northern NSW. There will... Read More

Victorian government to pay people $1,500 to stay home from work

  The Victorian government is hoping that a new $1,500 cash incentive will encourage Victorians to stay home when feeling sick after a recent spike in coronavirus cases across the state forced the authorities to tighten restrictions once again. Those who are eligible to receive the $1,500 payments include Victorians who have tested positive for... Read More
Advertisement