The Tasmanian Government will continue to consider Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation following a vote by all members of parliament today.
“Today’s vote represents an historic moment for Tasmania, with the majority of the House voting in support of the fundamental principles of the Bill that Tasmanians who are experiencing intolerable suffering due to an advanced, incurable and irreversible medical condition that is expected to cause death, should be 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,” said Liberal Member for Bass, Sarah Courtney.
With Parliament not adjourned for the year, it is intended that further consideration of the Bill will continue as the first order of business of the House next year.
“I look forward to the next detailed stage of consideration and scrutiny of the technical details of the Bill through the Committee stage,” said Ms Courtney.
“This integral part of the parliamentary process is even more important, due to the slightly unusual way this Bill is progressing through the Tasmanian Parliament. As it is not a Government Bill, the Committee stage will enable the specific provisions and clauses of the Bill to be examined in detail, views to be considered and allow for any improvements or amendments to be made,” she said.
“I am pleased that the University of Tasmania Independent Review Panel has been convened and has commenced work. The Panel findings will be provided to Members early next year and, together with advice from State Government Agencies in relation to implementation, will inform detailed scrutiny of the specific provisions as part of the detailed Committee stage.”
Further information about the Panel’s independent review, including information regarding any consultation, can be found here: www.utas.edu.au/vad-review.
“It is vitally important that, if the Bill passes, we get it right – Tasmanians expect that we will have the most robust law and appropriate framework possible, and we as parliamentarians must remember we are accountable to our community for the decisions we make,” said Ms Courtney.
