Tuesday, 11 November
WA Greens Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Robin Chapple MLC has expressed strong support for a Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs report, tabled yesterday, which recommends a conscience vote on Australian Greens Senator Richard Di Natale’s Dying with Dignity bill.
Senator Di Natale said this recommendation was the most significant aspect of the report.
“The Prime Minister and Labor must now confirm that they will grant a conscience vote on this issue," he said.
“This is the first time the Federal Parliament has considered national dying with dignity laws. By tabling an exposure draft rather than formally introducing a bill we now have an opportunity for a national debate on how best to implement this reform.
“The Committee’s report has highlighted some areas that need further discussion, which I intend to do with parliamentary colleagues from all sides before proceeding with the bill.
“The community strongly supports this reform and it’s time for politicians to listen.”
Mr Chapple has twice introduced euthanasia legislation to the West Australian Parliament only to have it voted down.
“I believe our community has reached the point where, in the majority, we believe a terminally ill person, who is in pain and suffering, should have the right to choose to have a ‘good death’,” he said.
“In 2015 I will be reintroducing my Voluntary Euthanasia Bill for a third time and it is my hope that we are able to engage in a robust debate and a true conscience vote on the issue, which I would argue has been denied in the past.
“I think this is a discussion that Australia desperately needs to have and I thank Senator Di Natale raising the issue nationally.”
For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255.
