[Greens-Media] Media Release - Committee calls for conscience vote on Dying with Dignity

[Blyberg, Andrew (Sen R. Di Natale)]

Media Release
 
Dr Richard Di Natale
Australian Greens Health Spokesperson
 
10/11/2014
 
Committee calls for conscience vote on Dying with Dignity
 
The Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs has today tabled its final report into an exposure draft of federal dying with dignity legislation. The bill was drafted and introduced by Australian Greens health spokesperson and former GP, Senator Richard Di Natale.

"The most significant thing to come out of this report is the recommendation from all committee members for a conscience vote," said Senator Di Natale. 

"The Prime Minister and Labor must now confirm that they will grant a conscience vote on this issue.

"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."

The Committee's Report can be accessed here - http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Legal_and_Constitutional_Affairs/Dying_with_Dignity/Report   

Media Contact - Andrew Blyberg 0457 901 600