Monday, 22 November 2021
WITH debate now underway on the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021 in the NSW Parliament, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has today put out a final call for community feedback on the legislation.
Mr Marshall will close his online survey at 12.01am, Thursday 25 November 2021.
“Since the survey opened three months ago, I have received 3,552 individual responses from constituents who have wanted to provide input on the bill, introduced by the Member for Sydney,” Mr Marshall said.
“I want to sincerely thank everyone who has taken the time to respond.
“This important bill is now being debated, and before I speak on it this Thursday, I want to give absolutely everybody the chance to state their position and provide any feedback to me.
“I have my own strong personal views on this issue and the bill, however, I will be speaking and voting on the bill in accordance with the wishes of the Northern Tablelands community – as the feedback currently stands (77.8% in favour), I will be voting in support of the Bill.
“It has been very humbling the large number of people on both sides of the debate who have shared personal end of life stores, and how the experience had shaped their view on voluntary assisted dying.
“In 2017 NSW was the first State in the nation to introduce legislation of this type into parliament, that bill was defeated and four years on we are now the only State not to have laws for voluntary assisted dying.
“The key word in this bill for me is voluntary and I welcome debate on establishing a legislative framework which gives terminally ill people choice over end of life.”
The Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021 aims to provide a legislative framework for the rights of terminally ill persons to request and receive assistance to end their lives voluntarily.
Under the Bill, only adults diagnosed with a terminal illness that will cause death within six months, or 12 months for neurodegenerative conditions, and who are experiencing suffering as a result of the condition that cannot be tolerably relieved, will be able to access voluntary assisted dying.
To participate in Mr Marshall’s survey or view a copy of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021, please visit www.adammarshall.com.au/survey/