Assisted dying: WA politicians to vote on legalising euthanasia in 2019

After 12 months of deliberation, in August the Joint Select Committee on End of Life Choices recommended legislation be drafted.

Health Minister Roger Cook said a Bill would be drafted in consultation with a panel of experts and was set to be introduced into State Parliament next year - with MPs offered a conscience vote on whether to adopt new legislation or not.

"The McGowan Government is committed to ensuring that Western Australians have access to high-quality end-of-life and palliative care,” he said.

"The introduction of a voluntary assisted dying Bill will provide those individuals who are experiencing grievous and irremediable suffering associated with advanced and progressive terminal conditions with an additional choice.

"Introducing this legislation is a complex and challenging task. The expert panel, led by (former WA Governor) Malcolm McCusker QC, is essential for framing the legislation to best suit and safely serve the needs of the Western Australian community.”

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The issue has proved to be emotive in other Australian states – with the WA experience set to follow suit.

The Mandurah Mail reported in August that Nigel Haines made a passionate submission to the select committee urging euthanasia to be legalised ahead of their report.

The Mandurah man’s wife Suzie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2005 and endured years of pain before passing away in 2011.

Mr Haines said the drafting of a Bill was a “step in the right direction.”

“It is good news – but my concern is with it being a conscience vote from MPs, the elected members must vote according to their electorate’s will, not their own personal views,” he said.

“I hope our MPs listen to the electorate, take on board feedback and vote accordingly.”

The Mail also reported earlier this year that Mandurah pastor Mark Sena spoke out against the potential legislation, stating that “life was a gift”.

After this week’s announcement, Australian Christian Lobby state director Peter Abetz said WA should reject the legislation, as it was “suicide on demand”.

With local representatives to vote on the issue next year, Mandurah MP David Templeman and Murray-Wellington MP Robyn Clarke have both stated their in-principle support for a form of assisted dying.

Dawesville MP Zak Kirkup has maintained his position that the issue is complex and said he wanted to read the drafted Bill and consult the community before stating a position.

Have an opinion on this issue? E-mail a letter to the editor – editor.mandurahmail@fairfaxmedia.com.au.