Our Autumn 2019 Newsletter aims to bring everyone up-to-date with the latest developments from across Australia and around the world.
The Victorian Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) law came into effect on 19 June 2019 after an 18 month implementation period and as we predicted the passage of the Victorian legislation became the catalyst for change across Australia. The Western Australian legislation has now been introduced and is due to be debated during September and October with a vote likely before the end of the year. Queensland and South Australia are currently holding parliamentary inquiries into end of life choices which are likely to recommend VAD laws. We are also expecting Tasmania and NSW to have VAD Bills introduced in late 2019 or early 2020.
There is significant progress overseas with two more US states, New Jersey and Maine, passing Medical Aid In Dying laws. In New Zealand the End of Life Choice Bill passed 70 votes to 50 at its second reading in June. In late July the assisted dying legislation reached the committee of the whole House where David Seymour had to put up a series of proposals limiting the bill in a bid to secure the votes he needs and assure MPs on the fence it’s safe. The bill will now return to the House on August 21 for further debate before going to its third and final reading.
This newsletter also includes our regular reports from our branches on the Mid North Coast and the Central Coast as well as from the Christians Supporting Choice for Voluntary Euthanasia. Click to download –