The WA Parliament passed its Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill on 10.12.2019. The House of Assembly first passed the Bill 45 votes to 11. It then moved to the Legislative Council, where, after protracted debate, it was passed 24 votes to 11 with 55 Amendments. These amendments were all agreed to by the Lower House, with no votes against. Western Australia has now joined Victoria. The margin of MPs in support is heartening.
I sincerely thank EVERY person involved in getting this legislation passed. It is an achievement of monumental proportions. My hope now is that Queensland and the other states will have the courage and compassion to pass their VAD legislation promptly. In addition, now is also the time to give the right to pass VAD legislation back to the Territories.
I have sent the following email to the Queensland Minister for Health, and intend to also send it on to the Health Ministers and Premiers in SA, NSW and Tasmania, and also their counterparts in Opposition.
Dear Hon Dr Steven Miles
It must be very rare to find a Minister for Health in tears (of compassion) when giving a speech. WA Minister for Health Roger Cook has done much to restore my faith and trust in the political system and democracy in Australia. He, and WA Premier Mark McGowan, have actually listened to the wishes of 88% of West Australians about Voluntary Assisted Dying and then acted upon them.
I pray that you, Dr Steven Miles, as Minister for Health in Queensland, will reflect on this over the Christmas break, and early in the new year show the same courage and compassion for people dying in Queensland, by giving them the legal choice of Voluntary Assisted Dying.
WA Minister for Health, Roger Cook, joins Premier McGowan, giving thanks in Parliament for the passing of the VAD Bill, 10.12.2019 – By a very appropriate coincidence, on World Human Rights Day.
https://www.facebook.com/MarkMcGowanMP/videos/2645272722434034/
Sincerely
Ian Wood, on behalf of the Queensland members of of our group, and indeed the vast majority of all Australians.