Thursday, 19 May 2022
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has this afternoon welcomed the passing of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021 in the NSW Lower House, with laws to be enacted giving those in the end stages of terminal illness the choice to end their own life.
In 2021, Mr Marshall spoke in favour of the bill following an extensive electorate survey, which saw 77.9 per cent of respondents in favour and 22.1 per cent against.
“Today, NSW has decided to support legislation which provides a legal framework to allow people who are at the end stages of a terminal illness to depart this world at a time of their choosing,” Mr Marshall said.
“I believe NSW is a pragmatic and progressive State, and today we have shown that by doing what is right and offering our citizens the right to choose.
“This has been a difficult and emotive debate, but I truly think through this process we have seen representative democracy deliver an outcome which gives the terminally ill new options to end their lives on their terms, while protecting those who wish to die naturally.
“The protections this Bill offers medical practitioners will go a long way to easing the ethical burdens they face on a daily basis.
“I want to recognise my parliamentary colleagues in the Upper House, who debated this matter for 12 hours, giving due consideration to the many amendments which were put forward.
“Once again I want to thank everyone who contributed their views and shared their heartfelt stories with me throughout this process.”
Mr Marshall noted the outcome will not be accepted by all.
“To those voices who opposed this Bill, please be assured that your considered views have been front of mind for me during this long-running debate,” he said.
“I maintain that voluntary assisted dying will not subvert the need for a high-quality health and palliative care system and I recommit to doing everything I can to fight and improve those vital services, in particular in regional NSW.”