The Greens say today’s introduction of legislation to enable Voluntary Assisted Dying in the ACT represents victory in a decades-long battle for territory rights, and in progressing an important and sensitive health issue.
“The ACT Greens have long raised the voices of community advocates who believe that at the end of their life, people should have the right to die with dignity, how and when they choose,” said ACT Greens Leader Shane Rattenbury.
“At long last, democratically elected Members of the ACT Legislative Assembly are able to debate and consider legislation on this matter, after our territory rights were restored last December by the Federal Parliament.
“Giving Canberrans the right to die with dignity has been ACT Greens policy for many years. We want to thank every Canberran who has shared with us their painful personal stories of supporting loved ones through the final weeks, months or years of their life.
“Our community has advocated strongly for the need for choice and agency at the end of life, and our Greens MLAs will unanimously vote to pass this compassionate, safe and workable scheme into reality.
“The ACT’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill is a carefully planned model based on consultation with the community and lessons learned from all six states in Australia, which have already brought in voluntary assisted dying laws.
“The ACT’s Bill will be sent to a Legislative Assembly Committee for inquiry and I encourage everyone in the community who cares about this issue to get involved in that process and be part of finalising this important reform.”
