Passage of End of Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill 2020

Media release – Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Leader, 24 March 2021

End of Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill 2020

The Tasmanian Greens are celebrating the passage of the End of Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill 2020 through the Tasmanian Parliament.

Last night’s final vote on this compassionate reform reflects the will of the Tasmanian people. When it becomes law, this voluntary assisted dying framework will bring peace of mind to many Tasmanians.

The Greens have been long time advocates for the right of terminally ill patients who are unbearably suffering to peacefully end their life at a time of their choosing. After three previous attempts, the first of which began with then Greens’ Leader, Nick McKim in 2009, it’s a joyous relief to see voluntary assisted dying will finally become law.

Over more than a decade, the Greens have worked with courageous, dedicated people from all walks of life to make lutruwita/Tasmania a more compassionate place, with laws that represent the overwhelming majority of the community.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have poured their heart and soul into achieving this reform. This would not have happened without advocates like Margaret Sing and Hilde Nilsson from Dying with Dignity Tasmania, and Jacqui and Nat Gray.

In particular, we recognise and thank the Member for Mersey, Mike Gaffney, for his truly incredible work over the past two to three years. It is a testament to Mike that his Bill not only passed, but that it passed with resounding support from a majority of members in both Houses.

This is historic legislation that will make our island an even kinder place to call home.

Media release – Sarah Courtney, Liberal Member for Bass, 24 March 2021

Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill passes both Houses of Parliament

I welcome the passing of the End of Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill 2020 in the Legislative Council, last night.

This Bill, I believe, will ensure that Tasmanians who are experiencing intolerable suffering due to an advanced, incurable and irreversible medical condition that is expected to cause death, are empowered to make an informed choice about their end of life, while ensuring rigorous safeguards are in place to protect the vulnerable in our community.

I would like to thank my parliamentary colleagues for their valuable contribution, including through the Committee scrutiny of this Bill, where I moved significant amendments which have now been supported by both Houses of Parliament.

The amendments strengthened the Bill, both in terms of access and support for those wishing to access VAD, addressing issues with implementation while improving safeguards for patients and practitioners.

I acknowledge the different views on this important matter, in this Parliament and in our community, and I thank all Members for their contributions and respectful debate. Importantly, I acknowledge the work of the Member for Mersey, Hon Mike Gaffney MLC, and the Legislative Council in getting the Bill passed.

I am proud to be a member of the Liberal Party, a Party that has afforded its members a conscience vote, and I respect the range of views that have been outlined during this debate, and the amendments put forward by Members that have strengthened the Bill.