2016-08-10
Greens Leader Dr Richard Di Natale has attended the unveiling of Andrew Denton's new organisation Go Gentle Australia, and has committed to introducing Australia's first ever national Dying with Dignity laws during the upcoming term of parliament.
"Dying with dignity is a social justice issue, it's a human rights issue, it's a public health issue and it should not be pushed to the political margins," Senator Di Natale said.
"I welcome Andrew Denton's campaign to bring the need for euthanasia reforms into the spotlight.
"A parliamentary committee has already unanimously recommended my draft legislation be put to a conscience vote after minor amendments. I've pledged to formally introduce that legislation, and now I'm calling on the leaders of the other parties to commit to allowing a free vote before the next election.
"It's never easy to talk about death but our political leaders need to have the courage to take on challenging issues, especially when it concerns the rights of every Australian," said Senator Di Natale.
"The Greens believe that patients with intolerable suffering should have the right to have a say in the timing of their death. As a doctor I know many patients would be comforted just by knowledge that the right existed, even if they never exercised it.
"South Australia and Victoria are considering state-based assisted dying laws, but the ACT and Northern Territory governments aren't even allowed to legislate on the issue. That's why we need national laws that protect the rights of every Australian."