[Greens-Media] Territories will be empowered by euthanasia bill - Brown

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

Wednesday, 6 February 2008

Territories will be empowered by euthanasia bill - Brown

Greens Leader Bob Brown has written to the Chief Ministers of the
Territories, outlining the aims of the Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill
2008, which Senator Brown will introduce in the Senate next week.

"I am surprised that Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson is
upset at the prospect of legislation that seeks to ensure Territorians
are treated equally with Australians from other states," Senator Brown
said.

Senator Brown said voluntary euthanasia legislation had been on the
Senate agenda regularly since 1996.

"The bill will restore the right of the Territory governments to
legislate for their citizens on death with dignity. Mr Henderson can be
reassured that there is a long way between introducing a private
members' bill, a senate inquiry, a parliamentary debate and a vote on
this issue."

"The most important thing is for the Prime Minister and Leader of the
Opposition to grant a conscience vote. The bill will make its way
through the Parliament, including a parliamentary inquiry where the
public can have their say, which could take many months."
 
"Unlike Labor's apology motion, all MPs will have weeks, if not months,
to consider this legislation before making up their minds," Senator
Brown said.

"I look forward to speaking with the Chief Ministers," Senator Brown.

Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603




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Ebony Bennett
Media Adviser
Office of Greens Senator Bob Brown
Mobile: 0409 164 603
Ph: (02) 6277 3170
Fax: (02) 6277 3185	

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www.myspace.com/bobbrowngreens