On 11 November we remember those who died so that we might live. The Tasmanian Upper House has just voted to enable those who live to encourage people to die.
Mr Christopher Brohier, the Australian Christian Lobby’s Tasmanian Director said today “It is sad that without proper thought or scrutiny, the Tasmanian Upper House has passed Mike Gaffney’s End of Life Bill. The Tasmanian Lower House must now exercise the rigour that was lacking in the Upper House to properly interrogate this Bill.”
“The ACL welcomes Premier Gutwein’s announcement that an independent review panel will consider the amended bill and to advise parliament next year.
“This is the careful and independent scrutiny that this flawed Bill should have been given in the Upper House. The ACL has been calling for such a review for months now. We are very pleased that the Premier has shown leadership on this critical issue for all Tasmanians.
“The review should be designed to take submissions from the public and stakeholders.
“Liberal party members will have a conscience vote on the Bill. We call upon the Australian Labor Party to allow their members a proper conscience vote.”
The ACL calls on all Members of the House of Assembly to closely examine the Bill for risks to the elderly and vulnerable, and not to be rushed into supporting it on the basis of emotive arguments.
ENDS
