Tasmania passes Euthanasia bill

Tasmania has become the third jurisdiction in Australia to legalise voluntary assisted dying after the legislation passed the state’s upper house in a late-night sitting of the Legislative Council.

Council members supported the End of Life Choices Bill late on Tuesday night, approving amendments to the Bill from the lower house.

Independent Mersey MLC, Mike Gaffney introduced the bill into the upper house last year before it was amended to progress to the lower house.

Independent Mersey MLC, Mike Gaffney with campaigners, sisters Natalie and Jacqui Gray.

The decision makes Tasmania the third Australian jurisdiction to legalise assisted dying, after Victoria and Western Australia.

Voluntary assisted dying campaigners, Tasmanian sisters, Natalie and Jacqui Gray – whose mother Di lost her cancer battle in 2018 – celebrated the outcome on the Your Choice TAS Facebook page soon after the successful vote.

“Tasmania – today, we have ALL won!” the pair wrote.

“Thank you endlessly to every supporter who has raised their voices, donated their time or services, offered advice, sent MP emails, proudly erected signs, shared personal experiences, written to the media, distributed flyers, displayed bumper stickers, donated money, AND kept the VAD conversation alive. 

“You have ALL filled our hearts with so much love and light.”