[Greens-Media] PARNELL: New push for Voluntary Euthanasia law reform - MPs join forces

[Parnell]

Media Release
Wednesday 15 September 2010


New push for Voluntary Euthanasia law reform - MPs join forces


The likelihood of voluntary euthanasia being legalised in SA has been significantly increased by an agreement between ALP backbencher Steph Key and Greens Leader Mark Parnell to introduce identical Bills in both Houses of Parliament.

Ms Key said today that it was time for Parliament to catch up with public opinion.  "Over 80% of Australians support the right of the terminally and others living in intolerable pain and suffering to seek the assistance of doctor to end their own lives at a time and in circumstances of their choosing", said Ms Key.

Mr Parnell expressed delight about working with Ms Key on the issue.  "Working together has significantly strengthened my previous Bill that was so narrowly defeated in the Upper House last year", said Mr Parnell.

Ms Key and Mr Parnell's joint Bill seeks to amend the Consent to Medical Treatment and Palliative Care Act.

Ms Key and Mr Parnell said today that the Bill includes significant new safeguards including:

*         a requirement for two doctors to examine the person making the request, at least one of whom must be a specialist;

*         a requirement for a psychiatrist to be consulted if either doctor believes that the person is not of sound mind, or is acting under undue influence;

*         an expanded Voluntary Euthanasia Board with powers to intervene if the person or any relevant medical practitioner believes that a person's  request for euthanasia should not be granted;

*         stricter obligations on witnesses; and,

*         maximum penalties of 20 years imprisonment for people making misleading statements or otherwise acting so as to cause the death of a person.



Other safeguards include a ban on 'for-profit' centres and promotion of VE by insurance companies, a 12 month residency requirement, and provision of interpreters for people whose first language is not English.

Ms Key will introduce the Bill in the House of Assembly on Thursday 16 September, and Mr Parnell will introduce it in the Legislative Council on Wednesday 29 September.

Voluntary euthanasia is a conscience issue for Labor and Liberal, and cross-party support for the Bill is growing. Liberal Member for Morphett, Duncan McFetridge, and Independent Member for Frome, Geoff Brock, are both attending today's media launch to show their support for Ms Key and Mr Parnell's Bill.


Media Conference: Today, 12 midday, Plaza Room, Parliament House.

Comprehensive briefing notes explaining the Bill will be available at the conference.



For more information please contact Steph Key MP - 0417 807 788  or  Mark Parnell MLC - 0439 215 937


The information in this e-mail may be confidential and/or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, access to it is unauthorised and any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it is prohibited and may be unlawful