A University of Tasmania review of the state’s proposed euthanasia system has identified points that will need consideration if the scheme is passed into law. Source: The Mercury.
Premier Peter Gutwein asked an independent panel from the university to conduct a review of the End-of-Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill 2020.
The university’s 114-page report, released yesterday, identified three aspects of the bill that required further consideration:
- Whether the safeguards included in the bill to protect vulnerable people were appropriately balanced with the need to establish a voluntary euthanasia system.
- Whether the proposed regime for organisational non-participation balanced the need to promote individual access to euthanasia.
- How guidelines for professional practice within the voluntary euthanasia scheme should be administered.
Duelling press releases came from the Government media office following the report’s release.
Mr Gutwein, who supported the legislation, said all MPs had been provided with the review and advice from government agencies.
Infrastructure and former health minister Michael Ferguson, a conservative MP who opposed the legislation, said the review raised more questions than answers.
The legislation will be the first order of business for Tasmania’s lower house when Parliament resumes next week.
FULL STORY
Tasmania’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill will return to the House of Assembly next week (By Blair Richards, The Mercury)
RELATED COVERAGE
Report lauds Tasmania's voluntary assisted dying laws as 'among safest in the world' (ABC News)
