Euthanasia bill defeated NSW

Once again the politicians in Australia have failed us. The Rights of the Terminally Ill bill has been defeated by a wide margin in the New South Wales parliament yesterday. This is despite enormous community support for legislation that would see people facing a long drawn out period of suffering before death, the choice to end their life early and with dignity if they chose to do so. 

Once again, instead of providing legislation that the people want, the issue is turned into a political one that serves nobody except the politicians playing mind games with each other.

This the email from Greens MP, Cate Faehrmann, who was behind putting the bill before parliament:

Dear Peter 

I have some disappointing news: my Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill was defeated today in the NSW Upper House 23 – 13. 

But please don’t despair. This is not the end. 

Dying with dignity laws are inevitable. This may have been a last century decision by the majority of members in the NSW Upper House today, but I am confident the weight of public support will come to bear within the next year. 

I am of course bitterly disappointed with the result today, and with the MPs who I know support reform but chose to abstain or vote against the bill for political reasons. 

Outrageously, not a single Coalition member voted in favour of the bill. It was hard to believe it was a conscience vote. Clearly pressure was placed on some members to not support my bill. 

Already my office has received a number of calls from people in tears about the outcome. 

I'm telling them that Independent MP Alex Greenwich, Independent MP Greg Piper and Greens MP Jamie Parker have agreed to co-sponsor the bill in the Lower House, so the campaign will continue. 

Excuses about process, inadequate safeguards and a need for an inquiry, will eventually fall away in the face of the overwhelming tide for change. 

If you can make it to Sydney, please join Jamie Parker and me at a special forum to discuss the next steps in the campaign on Sunday at the Italian Forum Cultural Centre, 21 Norton Street, Leichhardt from 3 – 4.30pm 26th May. More infomation here. 

Thank you again for your continued support.