[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Fresh attempt to introduce SA voluntary euthanasia laws

[Parnell]

Media Release
Thursday 28th August, 2008

Fresh attempt to introduce SA voluntary euthanasia laws

	
Greens MLC Mark Parnell will kick-start a fresh debate on voluntary
euthanasia laws in South Australia by introducing a Private Members Bill
in the upcoming session of Parliament to allow a physician to assist a
terminally ill South Australian to die peacefully.

"The time is right for a fresh debate in South Australia," says Greens
MLC Mark Parnell.

"The last vote on this issue in the Legislative Council was in 2004.  It
went down by just 5 votes.  Since then almost half of the members - 9 of
the 22 have been replaced.

"Public support continues to be overwhelmingly in favour of voluntary
euthanasia.  In the latest Newspoll on the issue conducted just last
year 80% of South Australians said yes to allowing a doctor to provide a
lethal dose to end unbearable suffering," he said.

Mark Parnell will discuss the final content with other Members,
especially Sandra Kanck and Bob Such, before introducing the Bill into
the Upper House during the next session of Parliament.  The move mirrors
the introduction of a 'dignity in dying' Bill in Victoria, co-sponsored
by Vic Greens MLC Colleen Hartland, and a fresh attempt at a Federal
level by Greens leader Bob Brown to over-turn the ban on Northern
Territory euthanasia laws.   

"I honour Bob Such and Sandra Kanck for their hard work over many years
trying to create legislative change in this area.  I sincerely hope the
time is now right for good laws that allow limited voluntary euthanasia
with strict safeguards. 

"Research published in the Medial Journal of Australia reports
'hundreds' of medically assisted suicides occur every year in Australia.
It's high time we acted to ensure transparency and clarity for doctors
who want to do the right thing by their patients.    

"Overwhelmingly, South Australians want the laws to change.  I look
forward to support from all sides of Parliament," he said.  

	
For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893

	
 


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