The introduction of safe and compassionate voluntary assisted dying in Western Australia has moved a step closer with the lower house of Parliament last night voting overwhelmingly in favour of the historic legislation.
The McGowan Government’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill passed through the lower house of Parliament without any amendments. The final vote at 9.36pm was 45 in favour, 11 against.
In total, the Legislative Assembly deliberated for 70 hours and 50 minutes and considered 184 clauses contained in the Bill.
After two years of significant consultation and research, the legislation was introduced in early August to enable safe and compassionate voluntary assisted dying in Western Australia.
After two major reports, community consultation events were held in 11 metropolitan and regional centres across the State this year, with additional online participation. This was the biggest program of consultation ever undertaken by WA Health.
In May the State Budget provided an extra $41 million for end of life choices and community-based palliative care with a record investment in palliative care of $206.2 million over the next four years.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“This is a historic moment for Western Australia.
“Today we took a significant step forward to giving Western Australians with a life-limiting or terminal illness the dignity they deserve at the end of their lives.
“I’m pleased the Legislative Assembly considered the legislation in a compassionate and respectful manner.”
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“We know voluntary assisted dying has widespread community support, it will provide Western Australians who are at the end of their life and experiencing intolerable suffering with an additional choice.
“Alongside this Bill the McGowan Government is committed to ensuring access to high-quality end-of-life care which is why we have made a record investment of over $200 million in palliative care.
“Introducing this legislation is a complex and challenging task and I’d like to thank my colleagues in Parliament for their hard work and dedication in delivering the passage of this Bill through the lower house.”
Minister’s office – 6225 6500
